Job Description
Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position.
The State Water Resources Control Board?s Office of Chief Counsel has an opening for an Attorney IV in the Water Rights Unit. The position location is 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
As part of its water right functions, the State Water Resources Control Board administers a permit and license program for appropriations, applies the common law public trust doctrine and the constitutional prohibition against waste and unreasonable use of water, adopts water quality plans and policies addressing the water quality impacts of water diversion and use, and makes or assists the courts in making determinations of water rights. The Office of Chief Counsel provides legal counsel to board members and the board?s Division of Water Rights and Office of Sustainable Groundwater Management. The practice is varied and interesting. It includes participation in complex administrative adjudications and general representation of the board and assisting in civil litigation involving the board?s actions. Under the general direction of an Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel, Board attorneys work independently in a fast-paced, collegial environment.
Duties:
Under general direction, the Attorney IV reviews, analyzes, interprets, and applies statutes, regulations, court decisions and other legal authorities, prepares legal documents, assists in the presentation of cases in court or before administrative tribunals, and assists in preparing legislation, regulations, plans, and policies. This position will focus on responding to federal actions that threaten California sovereignty, disregard California water law, or undermine water law administration in California.
Additional information:
Candidates must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class.
If the position requires driving, you must possess a current and valid driver?s license. Please Do Not include full Social Security Number, method of eligibility, and LEAP information in your application package.
Salary information ? CalHR salary rules allow appointment at the entrance rate (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, ? 599.673) of a classification. For classes with alternate ranges, placement is based on education/experience.
Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking this brief survey: Recruitment Survey.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.- ATTORNEY IV
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
Department Information
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the nine (9) Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) (collectively the Water Boards) work to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California?s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.
The Water Boards value diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California?s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations. Join the Water Boards to improve the lives of all Californians.
Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/
Special Requirements
In order to be considered for this position, you must include the following:
- RPA# 25-220-014 in the ?Examination or Job Title(s)? section of the State application when submitting a hardcopy application.
- Active Membership in the California State Bar.
Must have Attorney IV list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list. Here is the link to the exam: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1581.
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States that does meet accreditation standards must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due during final minimum qualification evaluation of candidate(s). A link of accepted evaluation agencies can be found here: https://www.naces.org/members.
Electronic submittal of applications and attachments through jobs.ca.gov is preferred. Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD. 678), including work experience, dates, hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 may be disqualified.
In the hiring interview, the panel will consider education, experience, personal development, personal traits and fitness for the job. In appraising experience, more weight may be given to the breadth of pertinent experience and evidence of the candidate's ability to accept and fulfill increasing responsibilities than to the length of his/her experience. For additional information, you may refer to the class specification.
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: 9/5/2025Who May 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
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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 - Two or three writing samples are required and must be included.
- Other - Cover Letter is required and must be included.
Desirable Qualifications
Excellent written and oral communication skills; knowledge of and/or experience in issues involving state/federal relations and federalism and in water rights, environmental, or administrative law; environmental justice and equity experience; interest in water law, environmental law, or public service.
Benefits
Water Board employees may be eligible for benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees, and some permanent, part-time employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment. https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx and Health Benefits | CalPERS
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Alexandra Ruiloba-Olah
(916) 341-5010
alexandra.ruiloba-olah@waterboards.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Andy Sawyer
(916) 341-5191
andy.sawyer@waterboards.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:Shyla Hoffman
(916) 341-5881
shyla.hoffman@waterboards.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.
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.
Practice Areas & Specialty
Environmental, Water/CWA
Designation
Key Skills Required
Job Overview
Job Function: Legal Services / Legal
Job Type: Full Time
Workplace Type: Not Specified
Experience Level: Not Specified
Salary: Competitive & Based on Experience
Experience: 0 - 0 yrs
Contact Information
Company Name: State Water Resources Control Board
Recruiting People: HR Department
Website: N/A
Location
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