Closing Date: 25th October, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:Under general direction of a Deputy Chief Counsel, the Assistant Chief Counsel is responsible for supervising a group of attorneys involved in a variety of litigation and other legal activities. The incumbent may also coordinate more complex and/or major specialized areas in the Legal Division and/or have statewide responsibility for the Department's legislative program.
The Caltrans Legal Division is comprised of five offices statewide, including its headquarters office near the State Capitol in Sacramento and offices in Oakland, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Fresno.
Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program. Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program: http://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113.
PARF# 42-27-0081 / JC-535264
Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel Exam. For those who do not have current eligibility (e.g., transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) and/or who will be new to state civil services employment, you must be on the state examination list to be eligible for these positions. To apply for the exam, please click here and search by typing in the classification title.
Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment survey to tell us how you found out about this job.
https://forms.office.com/g/RyK102ty4G
https://youtu.be/oC9wIp8QalI
Apply today to join our team! We especially encourage applicants to check out our Caltrans Career Compass (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33795265&name=ACC42-27-0081DS.pdf)tool! The Caltrans Career Compass (https://salmsprodstore.blob.core.windows.net/$web/careercompass/scormcontent/index.html#/) is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in applying to Caltrans positions.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33795265&name=ACC42-27-0081DS.pdf)
Working Conditions:
Position located at 4050 Taylor St San Diego, San Diego County.
Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
While at their base of operation, employees will work in a climate-controlled office under artificial light. However, due to periodic problems with the heating and air conditioning, the building temperature may fluctuate. Will have to perform work duties in different court rooms throughout the state and therefore, this position does require travel.
This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans' evolving telework policy. Caltrans supports telework, recognizing that in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksites with minimum notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate will be required to commute to the headquartered location as needed to meet operational needs. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee's designated headquartered location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
Minimum Requirements:
Working Conditions:
Position located at 4050 Taylor St San Diego, San Diego County.
Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
While at their base of operation, employees will work in a climate-controlled office under artificial light. However, due to periodic problems with the heating and air conditioning, the building temperature may fluctuate. Will have to perform work duties in different court rooms throughout the state and therefore, this position does require travel.
This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans' evolving telework policy. Caltrans supports telework, recognizing that in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksites with minimum notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate will be required to commute to the headquartered location as needed to meet operational needs. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee's designated headquartered location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
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:
Caltrans Mission: Improving Lives and Communities Through Transportation.
Caltrans Vision: A Thriving and Connected California.
The Caltrans Workforce Is Made up Of Diverse and Unique Individuals Who Contribute to Our Organizational Success.
Department Website: Www.Dot.Ca.Gov
Director's Eeo Policy: Https://dot.Ca.Gov/programs/equal-Employment-Opportunity
Director's Eeo Policy Statement: Https://dot.Ca.Gov/programs/equal-Employment-Opportunity
Special Requirements:
The Statement of Qualifications (soq) Serves as Documentation of Each Applicant's Ability to Present Information Clearly and Concisely in Writing. Please Follow the Instructions Below; Failure to Include and Complete the Soq as Instructed May Result in The Soq Not Being Considered and In Disqualification from The Interview. Resumes and Cover Letters Will Not Take the Place of The Soq. the Soq Must Be Typed, No More than Two Pages in Length, and 12-Point Arial Font.
Please Address the Following:
Possession of Minimum Qualifications Will Be Verified Prior to Interview And/or Appointment. if You Are Basing Your Eligibility on Education, You Must Include Your Unofficial Transcript(s)/diploma for Verification. Unofficial, Original, or Official Sealed Transcripts Will Be Accepted and May Be Required upon Appointment. Applicants with Foreign Transcripts/degrees Must Provide a Transcript/degree U.S. Equivalency Report Evaluation that Indicates the Number of Units and Degree to Which the Foreign Coursework Is Equivalent. Please Visit Either of The Following Two Websites for A List of Evaluation Agencies: Https://www.Naces.Org/members or Https://aice-Eval.Org. Please Redact Birthdates and Social Security Numbers.
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: 10/25/2026
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. Individuals Who Are Eligible for A Training and Development Assignment May Also Be Considered for This Position(s).
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
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=535264)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33795265&name=ACC42-27-0081DS.pdf)
Department Information:
Caltrans Mission: Improving Lives and Communities Through Transportation.
Caltrans Vision: A Thriving and Connected California.
The Caltrans Workforce Is Made up Of Diverse and Unique Individuals Who Contribute to Our Organizational Success.
Department Website: Www.Dot.Ca.Gov
Director's Eeo Policy: Https://dot.Ca.Gov/programs/equal-Employment-Opportunity
Director's Eeo Policy Statement: Https://dot.Ca.Gov/programs/equal-Employment-Opportunity
Special Requirements:
- State Bar of California License
- Possession of A Valid Driver's License Is Required when Operating a State Owned or Leased Vehicle.
- Statement of Qualifications (soq) Required.
Please Address the Following:
- Knowledge of Law Relating to Public Transportation Issues. Federal Aid Statutes Relating to Transportation; California Law Relating to Acquisition, Administration, and Risk Management.
- Knowledge of The Organization, Mission, and Goals of The Department of Transportation in Order to Function Effectively in A Position that Works Closely with And Supports Top Management of The Department of Transportation.
- Experience at A Supervisory And/or Management Level in The Department of Transportation or Comparable Agency, Including Knowledge of Transportation, Civil Litigation, Current Management Principles and Practices, and Demonstrated Ability to Plan, Direct, Coordinate and Review the Work of A Program Consisting of Professional Legal Staff.
- Breadth and Variety of Experience as An Attorney, Attorney Supervisor And/or Contractor of Attorneys, in The Research and Analysis of Transportation and Business-Related Issues, and In Defending, Pursuing and Resolving Civil and Administrative Cases in Administrative Forums, California Superior Courts, Appellate Courts, Supreme Court, Federal District Courts and Courts of Appeal.
- Ability to Act as Legal Advisor to Top Management, Including the Ability to Formulate Legal Policy and To Initiate and Recommend Strategic Changes Impacting the Department of Transportation Programs and The Organization as A Whole, in Order to Meet Competitive Demands, Objectives, and Values.
Possession of Minimum Qualifications Will Be Verified Prior to Interview And/or Appointment. if You Are Basing Your Eligibility on Education, You Must Include Your Unofficial Transcript(s)/diploma for Verification. Unofficial, Original, or Official Sealed Transcripts Will Be Accepted and May Be Required upon Appointment. Applicants with Foreign Transcripts/degrees Must Provide a Transcript/degree U.S. Equivalency Report Evaluation that Indicates the Number of Units and Degree to Which the Foreign Coursework Is Equivalent. Please Visit Either of The Following Two Websites for A List of Evaluation Agencies: Https://www.Naces.Org/members or Https://aice-Eval.Org. Please Redact Birthdates and Social Security Numbers.
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: 10/25/2026
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. Individuals Who Are Eligible for A Training and Development Assignment May Also Be Considered for This Position(s).
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
