Closing Date: 9th January, 2026

Description:

Job Description and Duties:
The mission of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) is to restore, protect and enhance the enviornment and to ensure public health, environmental quality, and economic vitality. The Office of the Secretary (OOS) heads CalEPA by overseeing and coordinating the activities of one office, two boards, and three departments (BDOs) dedicated to improving California's environment. CalEPA fufills its mission by developing, implementing, and enforcing environmental laws that regulate air, water and soil quality, pesticide use, and waste recycling and reduction.

The Legal Unit is part of the Office of the Secretary. Its mission is to provide the highest quality legal advice and representation to the Office of the Secretary on a variety of complex topics related to enviromental regulation including, but not limited to: adoption, interpretation, implementation, and enforcement of State and federal environmental and administrative laws and regulations, litigation in conjunction with the California Attorney General's Office, personnel matters, contracts, conflicts of interest, hearing procedures, and proposed legislation. The Legal Unit provides legal assistance and coordinates legal and enforcement matters across its BDOs, coordinates with other state and local agencies, and engages with public stakeholders as appropriate.

Under the supervision and the general direction of the Deputy Secretary for Law Enforcement and Counsel and Assistant General Counsels, the Senior Staff Attorney IV is responsible for independently providing verbal and written legal advice to OOS and coordinating with and assisting CalEPA BDOs on a variety of complex legal issues and emerging areas of the law, including but not limited to: litigation matters of CalEPA and its BDOs, environmental enforcement efforts at the state and federal levels, and general legal and administrative tasks (such as those to comply with the Public Records Act, Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, state contracting laws and regulations, and conflicts of interest law, among others). The tasks include independently providing oral and written advice, providing strategic advice to guide litigation, reviewing documents, performing legal research, drafting and reviewing legal memorandum and correspondence, coordinating with other agency and BDO counsel, and performing a variety of related legal tasks. This position will require the attorney to apply negotiation and litigation experience, advocacy, and analytical skills in a variety of situations that may arise. This position presents an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative, inter-disciplinary team dedicated to protecting public health and the environment.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=30174076&name=2025-11-17DRAFTDutyStatementAttyIV-Litigation_jl_skb.pdf)

Working Conditions:
The positions at the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) may be eligible for hybrid in-office work and in-state telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Telework is subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria set forth in the current CalEPA telework policy and/or future program need. Employees may be required to report to the position's designated headquarters location at their own expense, as indicated on their duty statement.

Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee shall receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours PLP 2025 leave credits, monthly. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement do not reflect the 3 percent reduction in pay.
  • Position located in a high-rise building.
  • Requires being stationary, consistent with office work, for extended periods.
  • Standard office environment (artificial lighting, controlled temperature, etc.)
  • Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone.

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 
  • Job Application Package Checklist (http://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=501485)
  • Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=30174076&name=2025-11-17DRAFTDutyStatementAttyIV-Litigation_jl_skb.pdf)

Department Information:
This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.; for more information about E-Verify, please go to www.dhs.gov/e-verify

CARB values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment where employees from various backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. CARB believes the diversity of our employees collectively makes up one of the world's most respected environmental organizations. CARB offers various modern interview options, including remote phone and video interviews. Join CARB and help us improve the lives of all Californians.

Department Website: http://www.arb.ca.gov

Special Requirements:
The position(s) require(s) a(n) The California State Bar License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

Applicants must include a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this recruitment. The SOQ is a narrative discussion prepared by the applicant describing how their skills, knowledge, abilities, education, training, and experience qualify them for the position. The SOQ documents each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Candidates whose applications do not include the required SOQ will not be considered for this position. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.
  • Require Name on SOQ
  • Maximum number of pages: 3 (Arial font, 12 point, single spaced, 1-inch margins)

Describe your education, training, experience, and skills that enable you to perform the duties listed in the Duty Statement.

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: 1/9/2026

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:
State Air Resources Board
Lisa Webb
Attn: Classification and Certification Unit
1001 I Street, 5th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
State Air Resources Board
Lisa Webb
Classification and Certification Unit
1001 I Street, 5th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Please drop-off applications with Security Guard located at the front entrance.
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: