Closing Date: 30th November, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:Attorney IV
Under general direction of the Attorney Supervisor, at the advanced journey level, the attorney in this position will work with Authority executives, senior staff (planners, engineers, and environmental specialists), and consultants, and will represent the Authority before external stakeholders involved in all phases of the development and implementation of high-speed rail (“HSR”) system throughout California. The attorney performs the most complex environmental legal work including reviewing projects under, and advising on, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), providing legal advice on land use matters, permitting (including federal and state Endangered Species Acts, and 401/404/408 permits), contamination-related issues, and environmental planning matters (such as environmental justice, Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA], and Limited English Proficiency [LEP] issues). This attorney will also perform the more complex and sensitive legal work related to implementation and operation of the California high-speed rail system and program, including work in the areas of contracts, procurements, public records disclosure, government claims, and conflicts of interest. This position may also work closely with private outside litigation counsel and attorneys at the California Attorney General's Office.
Under general direction of the Attorney Supervisor, at the advanced journey level, the attorney in this position will work with Authority executives, senior staff (planners, engineers, and environmental specialists), and consultants, and will represent the Authority before external stakeholders involved in all phases of the development and implementation of high-speed rail (“HSR”) system throughout California. The attorney performs the most complex environmental legal work including reviewing projects under, and advising on, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), providing legal advice on land use matters, permitting (including federal and state Endangered Species Acts, and 401/404/408 permits), contamination-related issues, and environmental planning matters (such as environmental justice, Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA], and Limited English Proficiency [LEP] issues). This attorney will also perform the more complex and sensitive legal work related to implementation and operation of the California high-speed rail system and program, including work in the areas of contracts, procurements, public records disclosure, government claims, and conflicts of interest. This position may also work closely with private outside litigation counsel and attorneys at the California Attorney General's Office.
Attorney III
Under general direction of the Attorney Supervisor, at the journey level, the attorney in this position will work with Authority executives, senior staff (planners, engineers, and environmental specialists), and consultants, and will represent the Authority before external stakeholders involved in all phases of the development and implementation of high-speed rail (“HSR”) system throughout California. The attorney performs complex environmental legal work including reviewing projects under, and advising on, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), providing legal advice on land use matters, permitting (including federal and state Endangered Species Acts, and 401/404/408 permits), contamination-related issues, and environmental planning matters (such as environmental justice, Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA], and Limited English Proficiency [LEP] issues). This attorney will also perform complex and sensitive legal work related to implementation and operation of the California high-speed rail system and program, including work in the areas of contracts, procurements, public records disclosure, government claims, and conflicts of interest. This position may also work closely with private outside litigation counsel and attorneys at the California Attorney General's Office.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33984418&name=DS311-160-5780_5795-801.pdf)
Working Conditions:
Part-time telework is available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.
Must be able to work appropriately and effectively under stress, manage more complex and varied workload and meet deadlines. Employee must be able to focus for long periods of time, multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities and complete tasks or projects with short notice. Employee must develop and maintain cooperative working relationships and display professionalism and respect for others in all contact opportunities.
While working on-site, employee 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. Incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and video display terminal and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. Employees may be required to travel outside of their workstation to perform general tasks.
Minimum Requirements:
Under general direction of the Attorney Supervisor, at the journey level, the attorney in this position will work with Authority executives, senior staff (planners, engineers, and environmental specialists), and consultants, and will represent the Authority before external stakeholders involved in all phases of the development and implementation of high-speed rail (“HSR”) system throughout California. The attorney performs complex environmental legal work including reviewing projects under, and advising on, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), providing legal advice on land use matters, permitting (including federal and state Endangered Species Acts, and 401/404/408 permits), contamination-related issues, and environmental planning matters (such as environmental justice, Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA], and Limited English Proficiency [LEP] issues). This attorney will also perform complex and sensitive legal work related to implementation and operation of the California high-speed rail system and program, including work in the areas of contracts, procurements, public records disclosure, government claims, and conflicts of interest. This position may also work closely with private outside litigation counsel and attorneys at the California Attorney General's Office.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33984418&name=DS311-160-5780_5795-801.pdf)
Working Conditions:
Part-time telework is available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.
Must be able to work appropriately and effectively under stress, manage more complex and varied workload and meet deadlines. Employee must be able to focus for long periods of time, multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities and complete tasks or projects with short notice. Employee must develop and maintain cooperative working relationships and display professionalism and respect for others in all contact opportunities.
While working on-site, employee 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. Incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and video display terminal and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. Employees may be required to travel outside of their workstation to perform general tasks.
Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Additional Documents
Department Information:
The California High-Speed Rail Authority is delivering the first 220-mph, electric high-speed rail project in the nation and has just received over $3 Billion from the federal government to advance design and construction and purchase electric trains. This support from the federal government puts the Authority on track to begin high-speed rail operations in the early 2030s.
The Authority is seeking an environmental attorney to provide legal advice related to NEPA, CEQA, permitting, and planning. This is your opportunity to become a part of this exciting and significant project and to help the Authority meet its goal of creating the greenest infrastructure project in the nation.
Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey. Completing this survey is not required to be considered for this vacancy.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCM6SCC
Department Website: https://hsr.ca.gov/jobs/
Special Requirements:
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. An SOQ is a narrative that describes your qualifications for this position. The SOQ must be no more than two (2) pages, typed in 12-point font, organized and numbered as reflected below. You must respond to all of the following questions. Applicants who do not comply with these requirements may be disqualified from the hiring process.
Applications received without the SOQ may not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and represent that the SOQ you submit is your own work, articulated in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own or the product of your own work may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.
For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below.
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: 11/30/2026
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 IV (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5780)
- 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=537104)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33984418&name=DS311-160-5780_5795-801.pdf)
Department Information:
The California High-Speed Rail Authority is delivering the first 220-mph, electric high-speed rail project in the nation and has just received over $3 Billion from the federal government to advance design and construction and purchase electric trains. This support from the federal government puts the Authority on track to begin high-speed rail operations in the early 2030s.
The Authority is seeking an environmental attorney to provide legal advice related to NEPA, CEQA, permitting, and planning. This is your opportunity to become a part of this exciting and significant project and to help the Authority meet its goal of creating the greenest infrastructure project in the nation.
Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey. Completing this survey is not required to be considered for this vacancy.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCM6SCC
Department Website: https://hsr.ca.gov/jobs/
Special Requirements:
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. An SOQ is a narrative that describes your qualifications for this position. The SOQ must be no more than two (2) pages, typed in 12-point font, organized and numbered as reflected below. You must respond to all of the following questions. Applicants who do not comply with these requirements may be disqualified from the hiring process.
- Describe how your work experience has prepared you to perform the responsibilities of this position as described in the duty statement. Provide specific examples of your experience handling the different tasks set forth in the duty statement.
- Describe your experience communicating, interacting with, and meeting the expectations of, several clients with different objectives and priorities, including developing and delivering clear and persuasive written advice or oral presentations. Specify the type of presentation or written document submitted and your specific involvement in preparing and presenting the information.
Applications received without the SOQ may not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and represent that the SOQ you submit is your own work, articulated in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own or the product of your own work may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.
For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below.
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: 11/30/2026
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:
CA High Speed Rail Authority
High Speed
High Speed
