Legislative Consultant

Job Description and Duties

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

This is a re-advertisement. Applications submitted previously are still being considered. 

Under the general direction of the Deputy Secretary for Legislative Affairs, the incumbent will function as the California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Legislative Consultant and will ensure legislative functions at the Department are maintained in the event of the Deputy Secretary’s absence. In addition, the incumbent will perform tasks regarding a variety of emerging issues as they relate to agriculture and legislation including air and water quality and supply, energy and land use, endangered species, environmental protection, agricultural economics, agricultural labor, animal health issues, Federal grant programs, and the budget process.

As an employee of the CDFA, you are required to perform the “essential functions” of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.  If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, then CDFA is the place for you!!

This CDFA work location is near restaurants, coffee shops, and a farmer’s market. We are within walking distance to light rail/public transportation, across the street from beautiful Capitol Park, and two miles from Downtown Commons (DOCO).

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The CDFA does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

The duties of this position are primarily conducted indoors. Office equipment includes a computer, with various software programs, including e-mail, a telephone with voicemail, and stationery filing drawers and bins.

Travel throughout California and outside of the state may be required on an occasional basis.

This position may/may not be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the CDFA and based on the current telework policy. While the CDFA supports telework where possible, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises, as determined by the Department.

Special Requirements

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your Employment Application (STD. 678). Applications received without an appropriate SOQ based on the instructions below may be disqualified from this recruitment. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered in lieu of the SOQ. The SOQ instructions and five (5) questions/prompts are below:

•Restate Questions prior to response

•Include your name and job control number in the top right-hand corner of each page

•Must be single-spaced, no more than three (3) pages, and Arial size 11 font

1. Please describe your experience handling multiple competing legislative priorities at the same time and how you prioritized to ensure that they were all met.

2. Please describe your experience working with legislators and their staff, advocates, and executive level governmental officials outside your organization on politically sensitive issues.

3. Please describe a project you worked on that did not go as planned, and how you got back on track.

4. Please describe your experience critically analyzing public policy, developing recommendations, and problem solving. Please include any legislative experience researching, writing, reviewing, and analyzing bills, bill analysis, and legislative proposals.

5. Please describe your experience negotiating amendments, responding to legislative inquiries, and advising executive staff on the feasibility, risks, and strategy related to legislation.

Benefits

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

Additional Information

Employment History on the STD 678 (State Application) must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes or other documents cannot substitute for a completed state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 may be disqualified.

Please do not include any confidential information such as social security number, marital status, ethnicity, age, salary or disability information on any of the documentation uploaded with your online application.

If the classification you are applying for has an education requirement, transcripts will be required to verify you meet the minimum qualifications of the classification. Please be sure to redact any confidential information before uploading your transcripts.

Upon hire you may be required to provide official sealed transcripts or an original degree or certificate.

Applicants with foreign degrees may be asked to provide an official foreign transcript evaluation which indicates course work is equivalent to a degree from an accredited U.S. College or University.

This position may require a medical clearance.

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.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted with your State application (STD. 678). Please see the Special Requirements section for the SOQ details.