Attorney IV JC-488031

To be considered for this position, you must apply at CalCareers.ca.gov. To apply, you must first create a CalCareers account. Once your account is created, you can search for job code 488031 to locate the job posting and apply. 

Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers once the job closes on 11/21/2025. No applications will be accepted after the job closing date.

Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.

Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position and might be expected to comply with Executive Order (EO) 22-25 after July 1, 2026.

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. Employees appointed to the Attorney or Water Resource Control Engineer classification will receive Recruitment Higher Above Minimum (HAM) rate in accordance with the approved Civil Service Pay Scales.

In addition, note: Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee’s monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period in accordance with the applicable bargaining contract. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.

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.

Job type: Full-Time

$11,993.00 - $16,096.00 per Month

The Water Resources Control Board is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer.