Closing Date: 2nd November, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:Under the general direction of the Chief Counsel, the Assistant Chief Counsel serves as a senior leader in the Department of Conservation's Legal Office, helping to manage a talented team of attorneys and analysts providing legal counsel on some of the Department's most complex and consequential matters. This position will support a broad and varied portfolio of legal issues with a particular focus on the work of the Department's Division of Land Resources Protection. This broad portfolio includes:
- Supporting programs that strengthen California's rural communities through agricultural conservation easements and grant programs;
- Playing a key role in the implementation of programs funded through Proposition 4, the state's natural resources bond measure;
- Advising on state contracting, ethics issues, administrative adjudication, Public Records Act compliance, and personnel and labor issues;
- Advising on environmental review and permitting; and
- Managing the Legal Office's work with the Attorney General's Office on civil litigation.
Experience supporting grant programs, experience supporting projects that require tribal engagement, and expertise in real property law are all desirable qualifications. The successful candidate will be a collaborative and thoughtful leader who exercises excellent judgment, develops people, communicates effectively with attorneys and non-attorneys, and is comfortable navigating novel legal questions where the path forward is not always clear. This is an opportunity for an experienced attorney to combine sophisticated legal work with meaningful leadership and to help advance programs with significant statewide impact.
Please note: This position requires a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Applications submitted without an SOQ or an SOQ that does not answer the items/questions, and/or does not follow formatting instructions will be considered not interested in this position and will be eliminated from the selection process. Resumes and cover letters do not take the place of the SOQ. Please see the Statement of Qualifications section for more information.
In accordance with CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.
Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee's monthly salary by 4.62% [BU2] in exchange for leave credits. The salary range(s) included on this job advertisement do not reflect this reduction in pay. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue PLP 2025 hours on the first day of each pay period in accordance with their applicable Bargaining Unit contract. (https://eservices.calhr.ca.gov/enterprisehrblazorpublic/public/mou/bargainingsearch)
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33623091&name=401-5871-001DS_09_2026.pdf)
Working Conditions:
This position is located in Downtown Sacramento and is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, with employees required to work in-person at 715 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. At least one day of remote work and four days of in-office work per week is the available hybrid telework schedule for this position. Alternative work locations will not be considered.
Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview but must show proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.
Please see attached duty statement for information related to the working conditions for this position.
Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5871)
Additional Documents
Department Information:
With a Team of Scientists and Other Dedicated Professionals, the Department of Conservation (doc) Administers a Variety of Programs Vital to California's Public Safety, Environment, and Economy. the Services Doc Provides Are Designed to Balance Today's Needs with Tomorrow's Obligations by Fostering the Wise Use and Conservation of Energy, Land, and Mineral Resources.
All Employees Are Responsible for Contributing to An Inclusive, Safe, and Secure Work Environment that Values Diverse Cultures, Perspectives, and Experiences, and Is Free from Discrimination.
Cnra Career Center
The Cnra Career Center (https://resources.ca.gov/careers), Located in Downtown Sacramento, Is Open to Both Prospective and Current Employees Looking to Grow Their Careers. the Center Provides a Range of Personalized Services Designed to Support You at Every Stage of Your Professional Journey.
Services Include:
Location: Poppy Pavilion, 715 P Street, Sacramento, Ca 95814
Hours of Operation: Tuesday–thursday 11:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Department Website: Http://www.Conservation.Ca.Gov
Special Requirements:
This Position Is Subject to The Department of Conservation's Conflict of Interest Code. Candidates May Be Precluded from Employment with The Department if They, or Their Spouse, Hold Interests in Oil, Gas, or Geothermal Entities.
This Position Is Contingent on Budget Approval.
Application Instructions:
Completed Applications and All Required Documents Must Be Received or Postmarked by The Final Filing Date in Order to Be Considered. Dates Printed on Mobile Bar Codes, Such as The Quick Response (qr) Codes Available at The Usps, Are Not Considered Postmark Dates for The Purpose of Determining Timely Filing of An Application.
Final Filing Date: 11/2/2026
Who May Apply:
Individuals Who Are Currently in The Classification, Eligible for Lateral Transfer, Eligible for Reinstatement, Have List or Leap Eligibility, Are in The Process of Obtaining List Eligibility, or Have Sroa And/or Surplus Eligibility (please Attach Your Letter, if Available). Sroa and Surplus Candidates Are Given Priority; Therefore, Individuals with Other Eligibility May Be Considered in The Event No Sroa or Surplus Candidates Apply.
Applications Will Be Screened and Only the Most Qualified Applicants Will Be Selected to Move Forward in The Selection Process. Applicants Must Meet the Minimum Qualifications Stated in The Classification Specification(s).
How to Apply:
Complete Application Packages (including Your Examination/employment Application (std 678) and Applicable or Required Documents) Must Be Submitted to Apply for This Job Posting. Application Packages May Be Submitted Electronically Through Your Cal Career Account at Www.Cal Careers.Ca.Gov. when Submitting Your Application in Hard Copy, a Completed Copy of The Application Package Listing Must Be Included. if You Choose to Not Apply Electronically, a Hard Copy Application Package May Be Submitted Through an Alternative Method Listed Below:
Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5871)
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist (https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=533924)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33623091&name=401-5871-001DS_09_2026.pdf)
Department Information:
With a Team of Scientists and Other Dedicated Professionals, the Department of Conservation (doc) Administers a Variety of Programs Vital to California's Public Safety, Environment, and Economy. the Services Doc Provides Are Designed to Balance Today's Needs with Tomorrow's Obligations by Fostering the Wise Use and Conservation of Energy, Land, and Mineral Resources.
All Employees Are Responsible for Contributing to An Inclusive, Safe, and Secure Work Environment that Values Diverse Cultures, Perspectives, and Experiences, and Is Free from Discrimination.
Cnra Career Center
The Cnra Career Center (https://resources.ca.gov/careers), Located in Downtown Sacramento, Is Open to Both Prospective and Current Employees Looking to Grow Their Careers. the Center Provides a Range of Personalized Services Designed to Support You at Every Stage of Your Professional Journey.
Services Include:
- One-On-One Career Consultations
- Application and Résumé Reviews
- Personalized Career Guidance
- Mock Interviews
- Tips and Best Practices for Applying to Positions
Location: Poppy Pavilion, 715 P Street, Sacramento, Ca 95814
Hours of Operation: Tuesday–thursday 11:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Department Website: Http://www.Conservation.Ca.Gov
Special Requirements:
This Position Is Subject to The Department of Conservation's Conflict of Interest Code. Candidates May Be Precluded from Employment with The Department if They, or Their Spouse, Hold Interests in Oil, Gas, or Geothermal Entities.
This Position Is Contingent on Budget Approval.
Application Instructions:
Completed Applications and All Required Documents Must Be Received or Postmarked by The Final Filing Date in Order to Be Considered. Dates Printed on Mobile Bar Codes, Such as The Quick Response (qr) Codes Available at The Usps, Are Not Considered Postmark Dates for The Purpose of Determining Timely Filing of An Application.
Final Filing Date: 11/2/2026
Who May Apply:
Individuals Who Are Currently in The Classification, Eligible for Lateral Transfer, Eligible for Reinstatement, Have List or Leap Eligibility, Are in The Process of Obtaining List Eligibility, or Have Sroa And/or Surplus Eligibility (please Attach Your Letter, if Available). Sroa and Surplus Candidates Are Given Priority; Therefore, Individuals with Other Eligibility May Be Considered in The Event No Sroa or Surplus Candidates Apply.
Applications Will Be Screened and Only the Most Qualified Applicants Will Be Selected to Move Forward in The Selection Process. Applicants Must Meet the Minimum Qualifications Stated in The Classification Specification(s).
How to Apply:
Complete Application Packages (including Your Examination/employment Application (std 678) and Applicable or Required Documents) Must Be Submitted to Apply for This Job Posting. Application Packages May Be Submitted Electronically Through Your Cal Career Account at Www.Cal Careers.Ca.Gov. when Submitting Your Application in Hard Copy, a Completed Copy of The Application Package Listing Must Be Included. if You Choose to Not Apply Electronically, a Hard Copy Application Package May Be Submitted Through an Alternative Method Listed Below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You May Submit Your Application and Any Applicable or Required Documents To:
You May Submit Your Application and Any Applicable or Required Documents To:
Department of Conservation
N/a
Attn: Andrea Derich
715 P Street, Ms 1806
Sacramento, Ca 95814
N/a
Attn: Andrea Derich
715 P Street, Ms 1806
Sacramento, Ca 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You May Drop Off Your Application and Any Applicable or Required Documents At:
You May Drop Off Your Application and Any Applicable or Required Documents At:
Department of Conservation
N/a
Andrea Derich
715 P Street, Ms 1806
Sacramento, Ca 95814
Due to Limited Access, Please Call the Hiring Contact Prior to Dropping Off Your Application Package
08:00 Am - 05:00 Pm
N/a
Andrea Derich
715 P Street, Ms 1806
Sacramento, Ca 95814
Due to Limited Access, Please Call the Hiring Contact Prior to Dropping Off Your Application Package
08:00 Am - 05:00 Pm
Required Application Package Documents
The Following Items Are Required to Be Submitted with Your Application. Applicants Who Do Not Submit the Required Items Timely May Not Be Considered for This Job:
The Following Items Are Required to Be Submitted with Your Application. Applicants Who Do Not Submit the Required Items Timely May Not Be Considered for This Job:
- Current Version of The State Examination/employment Application Std Form 678 (when Not Applying Electronically), or The Electronic State Employment Application Through Your Applicant Account at Www.Cal Careers.Ca.Gov. All Experience and Education Relating to The Minimum Qualifications Listed on The Classification Specification Should Be Included to Demonstrate how You Meet the Minimum Qualifications for The Position.
- Resume Is Required and Must Be Included.
- Statement of Qualifications -
- All Interested Candidates Must Submit a Statement of Qualifications (soq) to Be Considered for This Position. Your Soq Serves as Demonstration of Your Ability to Present Information Clearly and Concisely in Writing. It Must Be T
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