Attorney

California Farm Bureau champions the people who grow the nation’s food and fiber. We advocate for practical,science-based policies that sustain agriculture today and safeguard the legacy of tomorrow’s farmers and ranchers. Our work is grounded in service, leadership, anda commitment to strengthening rural communities across the state.

California Farm Bureau isseekinga skilled and mission driven
Natural Resources Staff Attorney
to support our work securing the bestfarm/ranch future forFarm Bureau members. This role serves as a key legal resource on issues involving the use, management, and protection of natural resources
-especially land, water, wildlife, and environmental compliance. The ideal candidate brings strong natural resources or environmental law experience along with a positive attitude, a collaborative mindset, anda strongteamplayerapproach that fosters effective partnerships across the organization and contributes to a supportive,solution-oriented work environment.

The attorney will work closely with General Counsel and the legal advocacy team,Farm Bureau members, internal teams,county Farm Bureau sand the policy advocacyteamto ensure agricultural operations can thrive while navigating California’shighly complex regulatory environment.

• Advise Farm Bureau staff and members on federal, state, and local laws governing natural resources, including land use, water rights, endangered species, forestry, and energy development.
• Interpret and apply environmental statutes such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and other relevant regulations.
• Assist Farm Bureauandit’smemberswiththeknowledge toobtainingpermits, approvals, and licenses related to agricultural or conservation activities.
• Provide legal analysis on regulatory proposalsimpactingagricultural operations.
• Represent the organization and its members in administrative proceedings, agency actions, and litigation involving naturalresourceand environmental issues.
• Draft pleadings, briefs, motions, comment letters, and other legal documents.
• Support or lead negotiation of settlements, consent agreements, and compliance resolutions.

• Partner closely with the policy advocacy team to evaluate proposed legislation,rule makings, and regulatory changes.
• Prepare legal analysis that informs Farm Bureau advocacy positions.
• Offer strategic guidance on issues affecting water management, land use planning, wildlife impacts, energy development, air quality, and environmental protection.
• Contribute to public comment letters, legislative analyses, and Farm Bureau policy development.
• Awareness and understanding of current needs of themember(s) and the opportunity to advance solutions offered byFarmBureau.

• Serve as a primary legal advisor
  
  Farm Bureauandit’smemberson natural resource matters.
• Collaborate with internal legal staff, policy advocates, communications teams, outside counsel, government agencies, and agricultural stakeholders.
• Maintain organized documentation of legal research, regulatory interpretations, case activities, and member consultations.
• Manage multiple complex matters withtime-sensitive deadlines.

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in California.
• Minimum3 years of experience
  in natural resources, environmental, water, orland uselaw.
• Strong knowledge of federal and California environmental statutes, regulations, andpermittingprocesses.
• Experience in administrative proceedings or litigation preferred.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage a diverse caseload and adapt to shifting priorities.

• Experience working with agricultural interests, public agencies, water districts, conservation organizations, or energy developers.
• Knowledge of California water law, endangered species compliance, renewable energy siting, forestry issues, or air and water quality regulations.
• Advanced degree or significant coursework in environmental or natural resources law.
• Familiarity with Westlaw, Lexis Nexis, and environmental compliance tools.

Salary Range: $ to $

Remote work:
Availability after 90- days of employment

California Farm Bureau is an Equal Opportunity Employer