Closing Date: 22nd October, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:As part of a dynamic and growing legal office, this attorney will:
Report directly to an Assistant Chief Counsel and advise CDFW staff on a variety of legal issues relating to law enforcement, professional standards, fish and wildlife, and other issues arising under the Fish and Game Code and related laws.
Oversee litigation and lawsuits handled by the Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”); provide the OAG information concerning subject matter and policy direction on the conduct of litigation, as well as assisting with the drafting of pleadings, preparing witnesses for trial, compiling CDFW's administrative record, and all aspects of discovery; represent CDFW in administrative hearings.
Support the Law Enforcement Division and CDFW by responding to Public Records Act requests, document subpoenas, and/or requests for production of documents, including drafting correspondence to requesters and CDFW staff, reviewing documents to determine if exemptions from disclosure or privileges apply, and providing support to the Office of Attorney General representing CDFW in litigation challenging CDFW's response.
Conduct legal research; prepare legal opinions, memoranda, and correspondence; negotiate, draft, and review agreements and other documents; assist and advise CDFW staff regarding legal matters in which CDFW is involved or interested, including criminal procedure, discovery, search and seizure, natural resource laws, and regulatory issues relating to fish and wildlife.
Work collaboratively with other CDFW attorneys, wildlife officers, and administrative staff as a member of a team to support CDFW 's mission.
Link to Attorney Exam: CalCareers (https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Search/ExamSearchResults.aspx#classid=2465)
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Search/ExamSearchResults.aspx#classid=2465)
Working Conditions:
Maintain normal and consistent work hours, averaging 40 hours per week. Work in excess of 40 hours per week is expected, when necessary, to complete assignments in a timely manner. Travel is rarely required, but it may be necessary to travel within the State to attend or participate in meetings or hearings, and in those cases travel may involve one or more overnight stays.
Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Attorney (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5778)
Additional Documents
Department Information:
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) employees are committed to managing and protecting California's diverse wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend.
California is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. As such, CDFW values diverse employees working together to protect nature for all Californians. CDFW is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all backgrounds, cultures and personal experiences can thrive and connect others to our critical mission.
Join us and begin a meaningful new career!
Department Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov
Special Requirements:
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: 10/22/2026
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 CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.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 (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5778)
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist (https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=519131)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32036388&name=ProposedDutyStatement(AttorneyI)(3).pdf)
Department Information:
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) employees are committed to managing and protecting California's diverse wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend.
California is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. As such, CDFW values diverse employees working together to protect nature for all Californians. CDFW is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all backgrounds, cultures and personal experiences can thrive and connect others to our critical mission.
Join us and begin a meaningful new career!
Department Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov
Special Requirements:
- The position(s) require(s) a(n) State Bar of California License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.
- Active license with the State Bar of California.
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: 10/22/2026
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 CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.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 Fish and Wildlife
HRB Mailing Address (PO Box)
Attn: Human Resources Branch
P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244
HRB Mailing Address (PO Box)
Attn: Human Resources Branch
P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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:
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications:
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
Special Personal Characteristics: This position requires outstanding communication skills and the application of sound judgement.
Interpersonal Skills: This position requires outstanding interpersonal skills in working with others as part of a team.
Benefits:
- Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Closed Drop Off Location
- Human Resources Branch
- Temporarily Closed
- See Filing Instructions
- Sacramento, CA 95814
- 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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.CalCareers.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.
- Other - A Cover Letter is required and must be submitted along with your STD 678 application. Failure to include a Cover Letter will result in an incomplete application submission.
Desirable Qualifications:
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
Special Personal Characteristics: This position requires outstanding communication skills and the application of sound judgement.
Interpersonal Skills: This position requires outstanding interpersonal skills in working with others as part of a team.
Benefits:
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR (https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx) website and the CalPERS (https://www.calpers.ca.gov/) website.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Nathan Goedde
(916) 838-0054
nathan.goedde@wildlife.ca.gov
(916) 838-0054
nathan.goedde@wildlife.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
EEO Contact:
Civil Rights Office
(916) 902-9211
civilrights@wildlife.ca.gov
(916) 902-9211
civilrights@wildlife.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Filing
