Energy, environment & water

Secretary, Natural Resources

Water, forests and fire, parks and wildlife. The Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency leads the cabinet-level agency overseeing more than two dozen departments, boards, and commissions responsible for managing California's land, water, fish, wildlife, and outdoor recreation resources. The Secretary develops and implements statewide natural resources policy, coordinates the agency's response to climate change, and represents California in federal and interstate resource management discussions. This role requires extensive engagement with tribal governments, local agencies, environmental organizations, and the agricultural community. Candidates typically have senior experience in environmental policy, natural resource management, or state government administration.

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The appointment

Appointed by: The Governor
Confirmation: Senate, by majority vote
Term: At the Governor's pleasure
Compensation: $210,000/yr
Availability: At-pleasure: available to the next Governor on day one; Senate confirmation of the replacement within one year where required.
Statutory requirements: None in statute. Gov. Code 12801: the Governor appoints each agency secretary listed in Gov. Code 12800, subject to confirmation by the Senate; the secretary holds office at the pleasure of the Governor. Salary tier Gov. Code 11550, adjusted by CalHR under 19825.5.

Statute-verified

Sources

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2019/01/11/governor-newsom-appoints-natural-resources-and-labor-secretaries-senior-advisors-and-communications-staff/; Statute research 2026-10-20: Gov. Code secs. 12800, 12801, 11550, 19825.5 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/government-code/gov-sect-12801/; https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/government-code/gov-sect-11550/

In the catalog

The catalog entry behind this profile. The role explorer lists every California Natural Resources Agency role, including deputies and other seats.

Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency

California Natural Resources Agency

Energy & EnvironmentCabinet / C-Suite$210,000/yrSenate confirmation required

Environment and Natural ResourcesPolicy and Analysis

The Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency leads the cabinet-level agency overseeing more than two dozen departments, boards, and commissions responsible for managing California's land, water, fish, wildlife, and outdoor recreation resources. The Secretary develops and implements statewide natural resources policy, coordinates the agency's response to climate change, and represents California in federal and interstate resource management discussions. This role requires extensive engagement with tribal governments, local agencies, environmental organizations, and the agricultural community. Candidates typically have senior experience in environmental policy, natural resource management, or state government administration.

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