Job Posting: Plastics Pollution Enforcement Attorney

Department of Justice

JC-485569
-
Plastics Pollution Enforcement Attorney
DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL IV

$11,644.00 - $15,627.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 8/7/2025

Job Description and Duties

The Environmental Justice and Protection Section of the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General, is looking for a purpose-driven, highly experienced civil litigation attorney to work on some of the most challenging and cutting-edge issues in the field of environmental law on behalf of the People of the State of California. We are seeking exceptional and motivated candidates for an opening in our section working primarily on plastic pollution enforcement matters, including representing the Attorney General in complex litigation in state court addressing the plastic pollution crisis in California.

The section is seeking experienced civil litigators who are familiar with practicing in California state court through all phases of a case, including trial. Experience propounding and responding to written discovery, taking and defending percipient and expert witness depositions, and responding to dispositive motions is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will have taken cases to a jury verdict and be familiar with the California Code of Civil Procedure.

While the focus of this position will primarily be on plastics pollution enforcement, the Environmental Justice and Protection Section handles a broad range of significant environmental matters on behalf of the Attorney General and the State of California. Attorneys in the section practice an array of state and federal laws, including the California Environmental Quality Act, the Hazardous Waste Control Law, the California Endangered Species Act, Proposition 65, and the Unfair Competition Law, as well as federal laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Federal Power Act, the federal Endangered Species Act, and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Attorneys in the section use these laws to address existing and future pollution, mitigate the dangers posed by climate change, pursue equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens in communities, provide information on exposures to toxic chemicals, and reduce health impacts from environmental and other exposures.

The Environmental Justice and Protection Section utilizes the Attorney General’s broad statutory and common law enforcement authority to participate in local, state, and federal agency decision making, and to litigate complex environmental matters through all phases of state and federal courts, representing the Attorney General in his independent capacity. Duties include but are not limited to: conducting difficult environmental investigations on behalf of the Attorney General; close coordination with District Attorney Offices, including joint prosecutions of both civil and criminal environmental cases; and providing legal advice on an ongoing basis to the Attorney General and, as needed, to California state agencies.


Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P7X675V

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on DOJ's current telework policy. While DOJ supports telework, 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.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-485569
Position #(s):
420-430-5705-XXX
Working Title:
Plastics Pollution Enforcement Attorney
Classification:
DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL IV
$11,644.00 - $15,627.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL V
$12,290.00 - $16,391.00
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

  • This position is located in the Division of Public Rights, Environmental Justice and Protection Section, and may be filled in either San Diego, Oakland, Los Angeles, or Sacramento. Please clearly indicate your preferred city or cities in the 'Examination or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying' section of your State Application.
  • Please disregard the SROA/Surplus language below, as the Department of Justice requires applicants to submit their SROA/Surplus Letter if that is the basis of their eligibility.

  • The Deputy Attorney General classifications qualify for a “Hire Above Minimum" (HAM) salary (Hiring Above Minimum Policy).

    The starting salary for each classification will be:

    • Deputy Attorney General IV (6+ years): $12,925

    • Deputy Attorney General V (lateral only): $13,642

    New to State candidates in the DAG series will be hired at the starting HAM salary of the classifications.

  • DAG V consideration - lateral transfers only. 

  • For more information about the Department of Justice, please visit the Attorney General’s website at http://www.oag.ca.gov 

Special Requirements

  • A fingerprint check will be required.
  • JC-485569 must be clearly stated in the "Examination or Job Title(s) for which you are Applying" section located on page one of your state application.
  • Individuals who are new to state service must have list eligibility in order to gain employment with the California Office of the Attorney General. Process is described at https://oag.ca.gov/careers/how-to-apply 
  • Please note that appointment to the DAG classifications will be made using the following examinations:

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: 8/7/2025

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates 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

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Justice
OHR-Nicole Farrah
Attn: Nicole Farrah (JC-485569)
1300 I Street, 7th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Justice
OHR-Nicole Farrah
Nicole Farrah (JC-485569)
1300 I Street, 7th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

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 - A cover letter is required. 
  • Other - Writing sample consisting of a dispositive motion, pretrial motion or appellate brief is required. 
  • Other - A short statement (no longer than two pages) detailing your civil litigation experience in California state and federal courts, including but not limited to written discovery, depositions, expert witnesses, pre-trial motion practice (demurrers, motions for summary judgment, etc.), and trial work. 
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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:


Candidates should have significant civil litigation experience in federal or state courts. A proven and significant interest in Environmental law background is highly desirable. Candidates should be able to work under tight deadlines and pressure, work independently and in a team setting, and have a demonstrated ability and experience in developing litigation plans, and managing complex legal matters.Candidates should possess excellent research and writing skills, as well as skill in oral advocacy and negotiations. Candidates should be well organized and detail oriented, have a positive attitude, be a team player, and have an excellent work ethic. Candidates should be highly motivated to work in the area of environmental law on behalf of the Attorney General and the State.

Benefits

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

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Human Resources Contact:
Nicole Farrah
(916) 210-7259
Nicole.Farrah@doj.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:
EEO Officer
(916) 210-7580
EERROffice@doj.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.

Additional Application Filing Information


Please note, if using the United States Postal Service for delivery, there is no guarantee that your application will be date stamped and will arrive by the final filing date. If your application does not have a postmark or date stamp and arrives after the final filing date, your application will not be accepted. Therefore, to ensure timely delivery of your application, it is recommended that you use either electronic delivery, parcel service, or certified mail. Using one of these options will provide proof of delivery prior to the final filing date. If you are mailing your application, as a courtesy we ask that you contact the HR Consultant listed to confirm your application has been received. This is not required, but highly encouraged so we can ensure the timely submission of your application.


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.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job