Senior Staff Attorney

This senior-level role offers the opportunity to shape and strengthen the legal work of the Department of Conservation's Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM), which regulates oil and gas production in the state.

The Attorney V will partner closely with one of the two Assistant Chief Counsel to lead and elevate the Department's approach to some of its most complex, sensitive, and high-impact legal matters. Under the general direction of the Chief Counsel and one of two Assistant Chief Counsels, the Attorney V will serve as a trusted legal advisor on CalGEM's supervision of oil and gas production under its regulatory program and statutory authorities. This role will focus on the most challenging and novel legal issues, including enforcement, rulemaking, permitting, environmental compliance, bankruptcy, civil litigation, and other matters central to CalGEM's mission. As a senior Attorney and subject matter leader, the Attorney V will:

• Lead analysis of the Department's most complex, sensitive, and high-profile legal issues, providing clear, strategic, and well-supported advice.
• Partner with the Assistant Chief Counsel and executive leadership to develop legal strategies that advance program priorities and ensure legally durable decision-making.
• Work closely with the State of California Department of Justice and the Office of the Attorney General on civil litigation matters, including case strategy, coordination, and oversight.
• Help refine and implement the Department's internal procedures for managing civil litigation, including intake, coordination, discovery practice, and tracking of matters.
• Guide and mentor junior attorneys, helping to elevate the quality, consistency, and impact of legal work across the team.
• Provide expert advice on statutory and regulatory interpretation, enforcement approaches and legal risks.
• Collaborate with program, technical and policy staff to develop practical, legally sound solutions to complex challenges.
• Personally handle or play a lead role in high-impact matters, including those with significant legal, policy, or public visibility.

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% [BU 2] 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.

PLEASE NOTE:All relevant work experience, skills sets, and professional qualifications must be listed on the STD. 678. Applications will be screened based on the information provided on the STD. 678 and not on your resume or SOQ. Failure to include required information on the STD. 678 may result in elimination from the recruitment process. APPLICATIONS WITH "SEE RESUME" OR “SEE ATTACHED” WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

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

Salary

• $12,659 - $16,883/month

Qualifications

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

• ATTORNEY V

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.

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

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a(n) Membership in the State Bar of California License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

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: 4/7/2026

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
Primary Cert Contact
Andrea Derich
715 P Street, MS 1806
Sacramento, CA 95814
Due to limited access, call 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.
• Other - COVER LETTER: Applicants must submit a cover letter with their application package to be considered for this opportunity.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) should be no more than 3 pages in length, 12-point Arial font, 1-inch margins. Please respond to each question separately and include specific examples from your experience.
  
  1. Describe your experience leading or guiding attorneys or professional staff, including your approach to:
  a. Coaching and mentoring
  b. Providing constructive and actionable feedback
  c. Supporting professional development and building team capability
  d. Influencing outcomes and addressing performance or work quality concerns without direct supervisory authority.
  
  2. Describe your experience with civil litigation, including working with the Office of the Attorney General or outside counsel. Experience with matters involving the conservation, management, or extraction of natural resources should be emphasized. In your response, address:
  a. Your role in supporting or managing litigation strategy
  b. Your role overseeing pleadings, discovery, and case progression
  c. Your experience developing or improving internal processes for managing litigation.

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 provides hybrid telework opportunities, with employees required to work in-person in Sacramento at least two days per week at 715 P Street, MS 1906, Sacramento, CA 95814 . 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 the attached duty statement for information related to this position’s working conditions.

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 V 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.