Attorney III

Job Description and Duties

Have you always wanted to be an investigator? Are you interested in joining a team of highly qualified and motivated professionals doing exciting work? Are you interested in joining a department with its own Learning and Development program, and working with experienced attorneys eager to provide you with opportunities for professional growth? If you answered "Yes" to any of the above, join the Office of General Counsel within DWR!

This classification is currently subject to Section 5, Hiring-Above-Minimum (HAM) Authorization of the California State Civil Service Pay Scales .

In this role within the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), you will exercise independent judgement to manage and conduct the most highly complex and sensitive investigations on behalf of DWR. You will provide legal advice with a high level of specialization to DWR executive management, program management, and staff about complex and sensitive issues related to employment law. This position is expected to report to the office four days per week.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

This position is covered in the Political Reform Act and requires financial disclosure within 30 days of the first and last day physically worked in a covered position and annually by April 1.

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:

• Able to work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and organizations.
• Must be able to professionally communicate with DWR executive management, colleagues, and internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience conducting employment investigations and drafting investigation reports.
• Experience in defending discrimination, disability, or harassment complaints specifically.
• Experience in negotiating and drafting settlement agreements.
• Knowledge of personnel policies and procedures.
• Experience training supervisors and managers on personnel issues.
• Experience writing adverse actions or their equivalent.
• Experience specific to State Personnel Board (SPB) or CalHR hearings or litigations.
• Experience with civil litigation.
• Experience evaluating conflicts of interest.

Benefits

to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.

Personal Leave Program 2025: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit 

Working Conditions: The new California Natural Resources Headquarters building is centrally located, has its own gym, and is close to many amenities and restaurants. DWR currently offers a variety of transportation resources and programs, including transit pass subsidies, bike lockers, and a bicycle commuter program. 

Special Instructions

To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678), resume , cover letter, and Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) . Please reference SAP Position #50045230 and Job Control #531392 in the “examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying” section of your application. The hiring unit will receive only the documents specified in the Required Application Package Documents section.

A Statement of Qualifications is required and must be included. It must be no more than 2-pages in length, single-spaced, 12-point font , and must highlight your experience and education as it relates to the qualifications listed on the job advertisement and the duty statement.

The following basis of eligibility will be considered:  List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, and SROA/Surplus.

Employment History on the STD 678 must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total hours worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

. This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.

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 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
• Statement of Qualifications - See Special Instructions for additional details.