Closing Date: 26th October, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:Would you like to work in an interesting area of law, including dam safety and flood protection? Are you interested in joining a team of highly qualified and motivated professionals doing exciting work? Are you interested in joining a department with its own Learning and Development program, and working with experienced attorneys eager to provide you with opportunities for professional growth? If you answered "Yes" to any of the above, join the Office of General Counsel within DWR!
This classification is currently subject to Section 5, Hiring-Above-Minimum (HAM) Authorization of the California State Civil Service Pay Scales.
In this role within the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), you will exercise independent judgment to perform duties related to the legal support of DWR executives, managers and staff on DWR's regulatory dam safety program, implemented by DWR's Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD), as well as a wide variety of Department and Central Valley Flood Protection Board (CVFPB) programs.
Working Conditions:
- Candidates must be residents of the State of California at the time of appointment.
- This position is based in Downtown Sacramento and is expected to report to the office four days per week.
- The incumbent may telework in accordance with DWR's Telework Policy. Incumbent can be required to report to the office, or any designated location at any time.
- The incumbent will work in an air conditioned, high-rise office building with natural and artificial lighting.
- Requires daily operation of a laptop computer and the ability to maintain a sitting or standing position consistent with a typical office setting.
Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Attorney III (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5795)
Additional Documents
Department Information:
Executive, Office of the General Counsel, Sacramento
Department of Water Resources (DWR) was established in 1956 by the California State Legislature. We manage California's water resources, systems, and infrastructure, including the State Water Project, in a responsible sustainable way.
At DWR, we are embedding climate change response into every project we undertake. We have set standards to help evaluate how each project incorporates climate resilience principles and ensure consistency across the Department. Our mission is to sustainably manage the water resources of California, in cooperation with other agencies, to benefit the state's people and protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.
DWR also strives to create a trusting and welcoming workplace where employees embrace diverse viewpoints and treat each other with civility and respect. An important component of DWR's equal employment opportunity program centers around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Department Website: https://water.ca.gov/
Free virtual career consultation services including one-on-one DWR career consultations, application/resume review, tips for applying, and mock interviews, provided by DWR's Recruitment and Workforce Planning section can now be scheduled via https://water.ca.gov/About/Careers.
Special Requirements:
This position is covered in the Political Reform Act and requires financial disclosure within 30 days of the first and last day physically worked in a covered position and annually by April 1.
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: 10/26/2026
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 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 III (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5795)
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist (https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=534790)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33820018&name=10.15.26(50000124)525JC534790AttorneyIII.pdf)
Department Information:
Executive, Office of the General Counsel, Sacramento
Department of Water Resources (DWR) was established in 1956 by the California State Legislature. We manage California's water resources, systems, and infrastructure, including the State Water Project, in a responsible sustainable way.
At DWR, we are embedding climate change response into every project we undertake. We have set standards to help evaluate how each project incorporates climate resilience principles and ensure consistency across the Department. Our mission is to sustainably manage the water resources of California, in cooperation with other agencies, to benefit the state's people and protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.
DWR also strives to create a trusting and welcoming workplace where employees embrace diverse viewpoints and treat each other with civility and respect. An important component of DWR's equal employment opportunity program centers around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Department Website: https://water.ca.gov/
Free virtual career consultation services including one-on-one DWR career consultations, application/resume review, tips for applying, and mock interviews, provided by DWR's Recruitment and Workforce Planning section can now be scheduled via https://water.ca.gov/About/Careers.
Special Requirements:
This position is covered in the Political Reform Act and requires financial disclosure within 30 days of the first and last day physically worked in a covered position and annually by April 1.
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: 10/26/2026
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 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 Water Resources
Mailing Address
Attn: Division of Human Resources
P.O. Box 1079
Sacramento, CA 95812
Mailing Address
Attn: Division of Human Resources
P.O. Box 1079
Sacramento, CA 95812
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 Water Resources
Submit in Person
Certification Desk
715 P Street, 7th floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Submit in Person
Certification Desk
715 P Street, 7th floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 04:30 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:
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:
Benefits:
Click here (http://www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/pages/salary-and-benefits.aspx) to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.
DWR is dedicated to creating an innovative workplace for its team members that is inclusive, diverse, and interactive! Here are a few of the ways we stay engaged with our team:
DWR also currently offers a variety of transportation resources and programs, including:
Additionally, as a State of California employee, you may be eligible for many benefits, such as:
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 - Cover Letter
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:
- Able to work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and organizations.
- Must be able to professionally communicate with DWR executive management, colleagues, and internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience with state contracting.
- Experience with regulatory programs or agencies and tribal resources.
- Experience with the review of legislation.
- Experience with real property and grants/bonds.
- Experience with flood protection.
- Experience with administrative law (Public Records Act or Administrative Procedure Act).
- Experience with administrative adjudication.
- Experience with the Office of Administrative Law (OAL).
- Experience with environmental compliance.
- Experience with related litigation.
Benefits:
Click here (http://www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/pages/salary-and-benefits.aspx) to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.
DWR is dedicated to creating an innovative workplace for its team members that is inclusive, diverse, and interactive! Here are a few of the ways we stay engaged with our team:
- Continuous and ongoing training
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program activities
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
DWR also currently offers a variety of transportation resources and programs, including:
- Transit pass subsidies
- Bike lockers
- A bicycle commuter program
Additionally, as a State of California employee, you may be eligible for many benefits, such as:
- Medical, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid hol
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