Director and Counsel, Legal Advocacy
TITLE: Director and Counsel, Legal Advocacy
REPORTS TO: General Counsel
DEPARTMENT: Legal Advocacy
SALAR RANGE: $105,000.00 to 125,000.00
SUMMARY
California Farm Bureau is seeking a skilled and mission driven Natural Resources Staff Attorney to support our work securing the best farm/ranch future for Farm 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, and a strong team player approach 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 Bureaus and the policy advocacy team to ensure agricultural operations can thrive while navigating California's highly complex regulatory environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Legal & Regulatory Compliance
- 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 Bureau and it's members with the knowledge to obtaining permits, approvals, and licenses related to agricultural or conservation activities.
- Provide legal analysis on regulatory proposals impacting agricultural operations.
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- Represent the organization and its members in administrative proceedings, agency actions, and litigation involving natural resource and environmental issues.
- Draft pleadings, briefs, motions, comment letters, and other legal documents.
- Support or lead negotiation of settlements, consent agreements, and compliance resolutions.
Policy & Advocacy Support
- Partner closely with the policy advocacy team to evaluate proposed legislation, rulemakings, 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 the member(s) and the opportunity to advance solutions offered by Farm Bureau.
Client & Project Management
- Serve as a primary legal advisor Farm Bureau and it's members on 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 with time-sensitive deadlines.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Active license to practice law in California.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in natural resources, environmental, water, or land use law.
- Strong knowledge of federal and California environmental statutes, regulations, and permitting processes.
- 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.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 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, LexisNexis, and environmental compliance tools.
California Farm Bureau is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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