Assistant Chief Counsel

Under the general direction of the Chief Counsel, the Assistant Chief Counsel serves as a senior leader in the Department of Conservation’s Legal Office, helping to manage a talented team of attorneys and analysts providing legal counsel on some of the Department’s most complex and consequential matters. This position will support a broad and varied portfolio of legal issues with a particular focus on the work of the Department’s Division of Land Resources Protection. This broad portfolio includes:

• Supporting programs that strengthen California’s rural communities through agricultural conservation easements and grant programs;

• Playing a key role in the implementation of programs funded through Proposition 4, the state’s natural resources bond measure;

• Advising on state contracting, ethics issues, administrative adjudication, Public Records Act compliance, and personnel and labor issues;

• Advising on environmental review and permitting; and

• Managing the Legal Office’s work with the Attorney General’s Office on civil litigation.

Experience supporting grant programs, experience supporting projects that require tribal engagement, and expertise in real property law are all desirable qualifications. The successful candidate will be a collaborative and thoughtful leader who exercises excellent judgment, develops people, communicates effectively with attorneys and non-attorneys, and is comfortable navigating novel legal questions where the path forward is not always clear. This is an opportunity for an experienced attorney to combine sophisticated legal work with meaningful leadership and to help advance programs with significant statewide impact.

Please note: This position requires a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Applications submitted without an SOQ or an SOQ that does not answer the items/questions, and/or does not follow formatting instructions will be considered not interested in this position and will be eliminated from the selection process. Resumes and cover letters do not take the place of the SOQ. Please see the Statement of Qualifications section for more information.

In accordance with CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee’s monthly salary by 4.62% [BU2] in exchange for leave credits. The salary range(s) included on this job advertisement do not reflect this reduction in pay. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue PLP 2025 hours on the first day of each pay period in accordance with their applicable Bargaining Unit contract.

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

Salary

• $14,513 - $17,742/month

Qualifications

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

• ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL

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:

• Ability to communicate effectively (verbally/written)
• Excellent computer skills
• Possess good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently, as well as in a team environment.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments
• Ability to promote a positive working environment and relationship with others.

Other Information

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Department Information

With a team of scientists and other dedicated professionals, the Department of Conservation (DOC) administers a variety of programs vital to California's public safety, environment, and economy. The services DOC provides are designed to balance today's needs with tomorrow's obligations by fostering the wise use and conservation of energy, land, and mineral resources.

All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.

CNRA Career Center

TheCNRA Career Center, located in downtown Sacramento, is open to both prospective and current employees looking to grow their careers. The center provides a range of personalized services designed to support you at every stage of your professional journey.

Services include:

• One-on-One career consultations
• Application and résumé reviews
• Personalized career guidance
• Mock interviews
• Tips and best practices for applying to positions

Location: Poppy Pavilion,715 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Hours of Operation: Tuesday–Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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

Special Requirements

• This position is subject to the Department of Conservation’s Conflict of Interest code. Candidates may be precluded from employment with the department if they, or their spouse, hold interests in oil, gas, or geothermal entities.

This position is contingent on budget approval.

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: 11/2/2026

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 Conservation
N/A
Attn: Andrea Derich
715 P Street, MS 1806
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Conservation
N/A
Andrea Derich
715 P Street, MS 1806
Sacramento, CA 95814
Due to limited access, please call the Hiring Contact prior to dropping off your application package
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.
• Statement of Qualifications - All interested candidates must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) to be considered for this position. Your SOQ serves as demonstration of your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. It must be typed and no more than three pages in length, using Arial 12-point font and normal margins. Your SOQ must respond to the two following prompts:

  1. Describe your experience that prepares you to provide strategic legal advice and counsel for implementation of grant programs funded by a voter enacted bond measure.

  2. Describe your experience leading, supervising, developing, or mentoring a team of legal professionals. Provide specific examples demonstrating your leadership approach.

• Other - COVER LETTER: A cover letter addressing your work experience and your interest in the position is required.

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

This position is located in Downtown Sacramento and is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, with employees required to work in-person at 715 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. At least one day of remote work and four days of in-office work per week is the available hybrid telework schedule for this position.Alternative work locations will not be considered.

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview but must show proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.

Please see attached duty statement for information related to the working conditions for this position.

Contact Information

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

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

Human Resources Contact:
Andrea Derich
(916) 858-9026
andrea.derich@conservation.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) 215-0955
EEO@conservation.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.

Additional Information

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION:If new to California State service, or need to gain list eligibility for this classification, you will need to have taken and passed the examination for this classification in order to be hired for this position. Please go to CalHR’s website to review the exam bulletin:

ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL EXAM

EDUCATION INFORMATION:If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this classification, please provide your unofficial transcripts. Applicants who completed their education outside of the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must provide evaluated transcripts. The transcript evaluation must state the number of units to which foreign coursework is equal. Foreign education evaluation services can be found at https://www.naces.org. Official transcripts and official foreign degree transcripts will be required prior to appointment. If you are not using education to qualify for this classification, you do not need to submit transcripts. To bypass the required document, select Choose/Upload and select Bypass File.

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

DOC employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid sick and vacation
• California State holiday pay
• 401(k) and 457 plans
• Retirement (CalPERS)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Public Transit Subsidy

Additional benefit information can be found on the following websites:

California State Civil Service Employee Benefits information may be obtained by going to the California Department of Human Resources website at State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary.

Information regarding benefits provided by membership in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System can be found at www.calpers.ca.gov.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.