Attorney in the Water Rights and Drinking Water Branch

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 475058 to locate the job posting and apply. 

Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers once the job closes on 05/05/2025. No applications will be accepted after the job closing date.

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 in the Water Rights and Drinking Water Branch. The position location is 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

As part of its water right functions, the State Water Resources Control Board provides guidance and state intervention under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), 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 Office of Sustainable Groundwater Management and Division of Water Rights. 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. The job opening presents an opportunity to gain entry to the exciting and dynamic field of law, including SGMA implementation. Under the direction of an Attorney Supervisor, board attorneys work independently in a fast-paced, collegial environment.

Duties:

Under an Attorney Supervisor, provide legal advice to the board’s Office of Sustainable Groundwater Management, Division of Water Rights, and board members relating to water right law, including SGMA, administrative procedure, federal and state statutes relating to environmental requirements and water project operations, and related issues. The Attorney also assists and works with the Attorney General in litigation matters involving the board.

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.

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Job type: Full-Time

$7,737.00 - $11,676.00 per Month

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