Natural Resources Associate

Ana Bird Legal Search is partnering with a nationally respected law firm seeking a Natural Resources Associate with at least four years of substantive environmental and natural resources law experience.

This opportunity offers sophisticated federal and state regulatory, permitting, compliance, and litigation work involving major energy, infrastructure, water, and natural resources projects. Candidates may be based in Washington, DC, Seattle, Houston, or the San Francisco Bay Area. Qualified US-based remote candidates will also be considered.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on environmental and natural resources regulatory compliance, permitting, and enforcement matters.
• Research and analyze complex issues under NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and related laws.
• Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, briefs, and arguments in federal administrative record litigation.
• Work with federal and state agencies on environmental permits and regulatory approvals.
• Participate in agency negotiations, environmental compliance matters, and related litigation.
• Support renewable energy, water infrastructure, development, and natural resources projects.
• Monitor regulatory developments and provide practical legal guidance to clients.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of substantive environmental or natural resources law experience.
• Experience with federal and state environmental permitting, regulation, compliance, or associated litigation.
• Familiarity with NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, or comparable environmental statutes.
• Strong legal research, drafting, analytical, and written advocacy skills.
• Ability to independently manage assignments while collaborating closely with partners.
• J.D. or LL.M. from an ABA-accredited law school and active bar admission or eligibility in the applicable jurisdiction.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Sophisticated environmental and natural resources matters involving nationally significant projects.
• Substantive regulatory, permitting, and federal litigation experience.
• Direct collaboration with experienced partners and meaningful client responsibility.
• Annual target of 1,700 hours, including up to 100 qualifying pro bono or business development hours.
• Flexible hybrid arrangement for office-based attorneys, generally three days weekly in the office.
• Consideration for qualified US-based remote candidates.
• Annual base salary of $180,000 to $205,000, plus bonus eligibility.
• Collaborative culture, professional mentorship, and opportunities for long-term growth.

Interested?

If this opportunity aligns with your environmental and natural resources experience, I'd welcome a confidential conversation.

Please send your resume to ana@anabirdlegalsearch.com.

All inquiries will be handled professionally and with discretion.