Closing Date: 25th June, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:Under the general direction of the Chief Counsel, the Attorney IV provides legal advice and representation to the Department's divisions. The Attorney is expected to maintain regular and reliable attendance, work independently, and exercise a high degree of sound judgment and discretion. As Senior Counsel at an advanced level, the Attorney IV may be called upon to represent the Chief Counsel at high-level meetings, and in the absence of the Chief Counsel, may be called upon to serve in the role of Acting Chief Counsel. The Attorney IV acts in a lead capacity over the work of other attorneys and staff.
As an employee of the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA), you are required to perform the “essential functions” of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, then CDFA is the place for you!!
This CDFA work location is near restaurants, coffee shops, and a farmer's market. We are within walking distance to light rail/public transportation, across the street from beautiful Capitol Park, and two miles from Downtown Commons (DOCO).
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The CDFA does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32264286&name=03SO-92DutyStatement_AttorneyIV_Approved.pdf)
Working Conditions:
The duties of this job are performed indoors approximately 95% of the time. The employee has an office and is equipped with standard office equipment (computer, desk, chair, etc.). Consistent with requirements under the Unit 2 Memorandum of Understanding, state personnel rules and Departmental policies, the Attorney will be provided with a dedicated office if they work in- person more than 50 percent of the week, and will either have use of a hoteling space or dedicated office (if available) if they work remotely the majority of the time.
The duties of this job require the employee to operate various office equipment such as a computer with software programs, use Lexis, Microsoft Outlook, stapler, hole-punch, photocopier, and fax machine.
This position may/may not be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the CDFA and based on the current telework policy. While the CDFA supports telework where possible, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises, as determined by the Department.
Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Attorney IV (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5780)
Additional Documents
Department Information:
The Mission of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is to safeguard a resilient food system and promote an equitable marketplace, cultivating a California grown food supply that is globally recognized for innovation, quality, and sustainability.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture's Legal Office advises and represents the Department on a wide range of issues; supports the development and implementation of the Department's programs by providing legal services to the Secretary, Executive Office, and seven Divisions; and directs the State Attorney General in representing the Department in litigation matters.
https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/exec/legaloffice/
Special Requirements:
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your Employment Application (STD. 678). Applications received without an appropriate SOQ based on the instructions below may be disqualified from this recruitment. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered in lieu of the SOQ. The SOQ instructions and questions are below:
Environmental & Agricultural Regulation
Describe your experience advising on environmental, agricultural, natural resources, pest mitigation, or land use matters. Include any experience involving environmental compliance, invasive species, pesticides, biological issues, or agricultural regulatory programs. Please include any experience with California Environmental Quality Act, and involvement in drafting Environmental Impact Reports (EIR) or Program EIRs.
Emergency / Crisis Response
Describe any experience advising governmental entities or executive leadership during emergencies, crises, or rapidly evolving operational situations. Include your role in legal analysis, coordination, decision-making, or implementation.
Enforcement & Administrative Law
Describe your experience involving administrative enforcement, permitting, inspections, quarantines, or regulatory compliance matters. Include any experience drafting or interpreting statutes, regulations, enforcement actions, or administrative decisions. Within that experience, if applicable, describe experience advising governmental entities or executive leadership during emergencies, crises, or rapidly evolving operational situations.
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: 6/25/2026
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.
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)
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist (http://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=520782)
- Duty Statement (http://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=520782)
Department Information:
The Mission of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is to safeguard a resilient food system and promote an equitable marketplace, cultivating a California grown food supply that is globally recognized for innovation, quality, and sustainability.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture's Legal Office advises and represents the Department on a wide range of issues; supports the development and implementation of the Department's programs by providing legal services to the Secretary, Executive Office, and seven Divisions; and directs the State Attorney General in representing the Department in litigation matters.
https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/exec/legaloffice/
Special Requirements:
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your Employment Application (STD. 678). Applications received without an appropriate SOQ based on the instructions below may be disqualified from this recruitment. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered in lieu of the SOQ. The SOQ instructions and questions are below:
- Restate Questions/Prompts prior to response
- Include your name and job control number in the top right-hand corner of each page
- Must be double-spaced, no more than four (4) pages, and Arial size 12 font
Environmental & Agricultural Regulation
Describe your experience advising on environmental, agricultural, natural resources, pest mitigation, or land use matters. Include any experience involving environmental compliance, invasive species, pesticides, biological issues, or agricultural regulatory programs. Please include any experience with California Environmental Quality Act, and involvement in drafting Environmental Impact Reports (EIR) or Program EIRs.
Emergency / Crisis Response
Describe any experience advising governmental entities or executive leadership during emergencies, crises, or rapidly evolving operational situations. Include your role in legal analysis, coordination, decision-making, or implementation.
Enforcement & Administrative Law
Describe your experience involving administrative enforcement, permitting, inspections, quarantines, or regulatory compliance matters. Include any experience drafting or interpreting statutes, regulations, enforcement actions, or administrative decisions. Within that experience, if applicable, describe experience advising governmental entities or executive leadership during emergencies, crises, or rapidly evolving operational situations.
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: 6/25/2026
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.
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 Food & Agriculture
Attn: Human Resources Branch, JC-520782
1220 N Street, Room 242
Sacramento, CA 95814
Attn: Human Resources Branch, JC-520782
1220 N Street, Room 242
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 Food & Agriculture
Attn: Human Resources Branch, JC-520782
1220 N Street, Room 242
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Attn: Human Resources Branch, JC-520782
1220 N Street, Room 242
Sacramento, CA 95814
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:
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview
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. In the letter, please explain the reason for your interest in this position and why you are a well-qualified candidate.
- Statement of Qualifications -
- A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your Employment Application (STD.678). Please see the Special Requirements section for the SOQ details.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview
