Attorney III

Under the direction of the Assistant Chief Counsel for the Division of Recycling, the Attorney III will play a key role in supporting California’s efforts to promote environmental protection and a circular economy. This position offers the opportunity to work on complex, high-impact matters in a supportive, mission-driven legal office.

As an Attorney III, you will:

• Lead administrative law cases, including preparing matters for hearing, advising program staff, negotiating settlements, and representing the Department in administrative proceedings.
• Serve as the Department’s liaison with the Attorney General’s Office on civil and criminal cases.
• Conduct legal research and analysis involving state and federal laws, regulations, and case decisions related to the Department’s programs—especially the Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act.
• Draft high-quality legal documents, including briefs, Accusations, memoranda, and correspondence involving complex and sensitive issues.
• Handle requests made under the California Public Records Act.
• Review, draft, and advise on legislative proposals and rulemaking packages relating to the Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act and its regulations.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, and maintain a professional, respectful working style with colleagues, stakeholders, and the public.

Why This Role Matters

Your work will support California’s nationally recognized recycling programs and help ensure integrity, transparency, and strong legal foundations for policies that impact millions of Californians and the environment.

See the duty statement for full details.

This position may be eligible for hybrid telework under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria set forth in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program need. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the position’s designated headquarters location, as indicated on their duty statement, at their own expense. Beginning July 1st, 2026, it is anticipated the position will be office-centered and employees will be expected to report to the office at least four days per week.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Salary

• $10,852 - $15,325/month

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ATTORNEY III
• ATTORNEY

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:

• Experience preparing cases, advising and representing a client in administrative actions including administrative hearings and settlement negotiations. Providing litigation support to the Attorney General's Office for civil and criminal proceedings.
• Experience analyzing legal issues, and preparing memoranda, briefs, and letters to program participants, stakeholders, and other attorneys.
• Experience reviewing and responding to California Public Records Act requests.
• Experience advising clients regarding regarding a regulatory law, including drafting policies, procedures, and regulations in order to implement the law.
• Experience writing about complex legal issues in a legal memorandum or letter.
• Experience drafting an administrative or judicial pleading.

Other Information

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Department Information

California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) brings together the state’s recycling and waste management programs to move the state towards a circular economy that reduces waste and reuses all materials.

Through landmark initiatives like the Integrated Waste Management Act and Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act, California works toward a society that uses less, recycles more, and takes resource conservation to higher and higher levels.

CalRecycle’s Mission: Protecting California’s environment and climate for the health and prosperity of future generations through the reduction, reuse and recycling of California resources, environmental education, disaster recovery and the transition from a disposable to a fully circular economy.

CalRecycle values diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to protect the environment and preserve resources by empowering Californians to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Join CalRecycle to improve the lives of all Californians.

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

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

• When submitting application in hard copy, applicants are required to submit a standard state application (Form Std.678) with an original signature, and clearly indicate RPA 25-254/25-260 & Position # 835-211-5795-705/706 in the “Job Title(s)” section of the Standard State Application or you will not be considered for the position.

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: 7/26/2026

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:

Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery
N/A
Attn: Human Resources RPA 25-254 and 25-260
P.O. Box 4025, MS 19A
Sacramento, CA 95812-4025

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery
N/A
Human Resources RPA 25-254 and 25-260
1001 I Street, 19th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95812-4025
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:

• 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 - Please provide a cover letter.
• Other - Please provide writing samples. See instructions below under writing samples.

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.

Working Conditions

The incumbent works in a high-rise office building in an enclosed, non-windowed office in a smoke-free environment. The work schedule is Monday through Friday. Mandatory overtime, including evening and weekend work, may be necessary during the year end closing process or when the department is mission tasked.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

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

Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources RPA 25-254 and 25-260
(916) 341-6646
careers@calrecycle.ca.gov

Hiring Unit Contact:
Allison Walls
(916) 341-6646
allison.walls@calrecycle.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 Officer
(916) 341-6660
EEO@calrecycle.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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

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. Benefits

In addition to a compelling vision for California, CalRecycle offers competitive pay, benefits, and features for its workforce. To review the pay and benefits offered to California civil service staff, please review CalHR's website at CalHR Benefits Website - CalHR