Attorney I

Job Description and Duties

This is a great position for newer attorneys looking to be involved in consequential fish and wildlife and water management issues in California. The attorney will provide critical support to CDFW's staff engaged in the Water Storage Investment Program, a unique program established by the voter-approved Proposition 1 in 2014. This attorney will work closely with a team of CDFW staff and provide legal support on a broad range of environmental and natural resources issues, relating to the Fish and Game Code, the California Environmental Quality Act, the Water Code, and other interrelated water and aquatic species issues. Strong communication and analytical skills, teamwork, and a willingness to dive into details will make an attorney successful in this role. They will work with other CDFW attorneys focused on aquatic species and water issues, and be a part of our highly collaborative and collegial Office of General Counsel. While the position is currently advertised as limited term, has the potential to transition to a permanent position after 12 months. A more detailed description of the position's duties is set forth in the duty statement.

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program.

Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program:

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This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Employees are currently required to work in-person at least two (2) days per week. Beginning July 1, 2026, employees will be required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.

Link to Attorney Exam: CalCareers

This position is a 12-month Limited Term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.

During this 12-month Limited Term assignment, you will receive full health, dental, and vision benefits! You will also earn State Service and accrue monthly leave credits.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Maintain normal and consistent work hours, averaging 40 hours per week. Work in excess of 40 hours per week is expected, when necessary, to complete assignments in a timely manner. Position may require the Incumbent to sit for long periods of time. Light lifting or reaching may be required, though reasonable accommodation may be provided upon request.

This position will be located in Sacramento. Some overnight travel (less than 5%) may be required.

Special Requirements

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

This position requires active membership in the California State Bar.

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:

Demonstrated ability to effectively perform and complete work; set and meet priorities; work with technical experts; and negotiate and handle difficult and sensitive situations with thoughtfulness and tact.

Excellent legal research, oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; organizational skills; sound judgment; strong attention to detail; ability to effectively manage competing deadlines; and a collegial and professional attitude and interest in the mission of CDFW.

Benefits

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

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-007-5778-027 and RPA Number E-OGC 25-015in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) for Which You Are Applying section of the State Application Form (Std. Form 678). Applications that do not list the Position Number and RPA Number may not be considered.

It is recommended that Application Packages be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at . If applications are mailed, we recommend applications are sent certified mail as we are unable to verify receipt.

Applications that do not follow the Filing Instructions may not be considered.

This advertisement may be used to fill additional vacancies for this JC.

Resume – Resumes will be reviewed in addition to the STD 678 for employment history. Resumes must include the complete to and from dates (MM/DD/YYYY) and hours worked per week.

Applicants must submit a complete and accurate application package, free from spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors

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 - A Cover Letter is required and must be submitted along with your STD 678 application. Failure to include a Cover Letter will result in an incomplete application submission.