Job Posting: General Counsel

High-Speed Rail Authority Office of the Inspector General

JC-488658
-
General Counsel
ATTORNEY IV

$11,993.00 - $16,096.00 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: Until Filled

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Inspector General for the High-Speed Rail Authority, the Attorney IV is the house counsel and serves as a member of the Executive team. This position performs a wide variety of complex and sensitive legal services, works independently, and supports OIG-HSR’s mission including, but not limited to: advises the Inspector General and OIG-HSR staff on legal questions and issues; prepares and analyzes legal opinions, regulations, and legislative measures; assists in the development of policies and procedures; performs legal research and review for audits, inspections, evaluations, reviews, and investigations; assists in investigations into fraud, abuse, misconduct, and other violations; reviews contracts and assists with contract negotiations; advises on human resources/personnel matters and drafts and reviews documents relating to personnel actions; and responds to Public Records Act requests. This position works closely with OIG-HSR staff and contractors to ensure OIG-HSR compliance with privacy and security legal requirements, industry standards, and best practices for protecting the identity of whistleblower complainants and other confidential information. This position also works closely with OIG-HSR leadership and staff to ensure departmental compliance with laws, regulations, and OIG-HSR policy. The Attorney IV performs with a high degree of independence, and is responsible for minimizing risk exposure, and guarding against non-compliance with policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.

This advertisement is posted as Open Until Filled and the advertisement will remain open until the vacancy is filled. Cut-offs for applications will be every other Thursday starting August 28, 2025, and applications will be reviewed per those cut-off dates. Hires can be made at any time based on the applications received by the cut-off dates.

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

Working Conditions

Telework may be available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position and may be discussed during the interview process. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.


While working on-site, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled area which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. The incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and keyboard, and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. Employee must be able to focus for long periods of time, multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities, and complete tasks or projects with short notice. Employee must develop and maintain cooperative working relationships and display professionalism and respect for others in all contact opportunities.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-488658
Position #(s):
288-100-5780-001
Working Title:
General Counsel
Classification:
ATTORNEY IV
$11,993.00 - $16,096.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
High-Speed Rail Inspector General

Department Information

The Inspector General is tasked with promoting the efficient and effective management of public funds and contracts at the California High-Speed Rail Authority by performing audits and investigations. The Office of the Inspector General is responsible for providing oversight related to the delivery of the high-speed rail project, as defined in Public Utilities Code, Section 187010(d). It also provides oversight related to contracts, change orders, and project update reports, which are required of the California High-Speed Rail Authority pursuant the Public Utilities Code, Section 185033.5. The Inspector General conducts this work independent of the legislative and executive branches of government. The Inspector General must report at least annually to the Legislature and Governor. As a new statutorily established office, the Inspector General will additionally be responsible for selecting and employing officers and employees necessary to carry out the functions of the office.

Special Requirements

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply for this position. You must provide narrative responses and specific examples for each item listed below in your SOQ to be considered for this position. Your SOQ must be typed in 12-point font, no longer than three pages, organized and numbered as reflected below, and must respond to all the following items. Resumes, reference letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ.

1. Please describe why you are interested in this position and how your training, education, and experience has prepared you to successfully fulfill the responsibilities of this role, as described in the duty statement.

2. Please describe your experience providing strategic legal analysis, advice, and services to an executive or management team. Please provide examples demonstrating your ability to manage, analyze, and advise on multiple discrete legal topics simultaneously.

3. Please describe your experience presenting legal arguments and information to external stakeholders, such as staff of the Governor’s office, members of the Legislature, and interest groups. Please also describe what approaches you have taken when external parties have disagreed with legal conclusions for which you were responsible.

Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.

For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below.

Application Instructions

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: Until Filled

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:

High-Speed Rail Authority Office of the Inspector General
High-Speed Rail Inspector General
Attn: Human Resources
770 L Street, Suite 620, MS4
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

High-Speed Rail Authority Office of the Inspector General
High-Speed Rail Inspector General
Human Resources
770 L Street, Suite 620, MS4
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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply. Please see above “Special Requirements” section for SOQ instructions.
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:

• Demonstrates personal and professional ethical behavior and a commitment to fostering and promoting accountability and integrity in government.
• Objectivity, impartiality, sound judgment, and a high degree of integrity.
• High degree of confidentiality for sensitive issues.
• Knowledge of the organization and functions of California state government, particularly those functions directly affecting the high-speed rail project.
• Experience or knowledge in any or all of the following areas of law: contracting and procurement; California Public Records Act; labor and employment; ethics and conflicts of interest; whistleblower protection; criminal law and procedure; and other areas relevant to the duties of the position.
• Experience providing legal services and support to an executive team.
• Experience advising agencies, individuals, or entities on matters concerning criminal, civil, or administrative investigations.
• Experience leading or participating in an organization's compliance program.
• Experience researching and working on complex legal issues.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with internal staff, legislative staff, public officials, and Authority staff.
• Strong ability to maintain composure during, and successfully navigate, difficult conversations and situations.
• Ability to advocate and defend positions and ideas with confidence and enthusiasm, and to confront difficult issues to ensure they are addressed.
• Ability to think strategically, manage change, and provide innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to explain complex legal issues to OIG-HSR employees, Authority staff, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience or ability to handle multiple assignments and work effectively under pressure.
• Strong organizational skills, the ability to set priorities when faced with conflicting demands, and meeting deadlines within challenging and strict time constraints.
• Ability to develop and implement organizational improvements and innovations.
• Ability to analyze and develop solutions to technical, personnel, and politically sensitive problems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team and to respond effectively to feedback.
• Ability to use a personal computer, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

Benefits

The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, a retirement pension, a telework stipend if applicable, and an array of other options.

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.

Department Website: https://hsr.ca.gov/office-of-the-inspector-general/
Human Resources Contact:
Sloane Young
(916) 407-9319
recruitment@hsr.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:
Amanda Millen
(916) 281-8763
Amanda.Millen@oig.hsr.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.

Application Information

The STD. 678 is required and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.

If applying via postal mail or by dropping off your application, applicants must include JC-488658 and General Counsel, 288-100-5780-001 in the 'Job Title' section of the STD. 678 to be considered for this position. Please indicate on the STD 678 your basis of eligibility in the "Explanations" field (i.e. SROA, surplus, reemployment, reinstatement, transfer, or list eligible.)

Surplus/SROA candidates must provide a copy of their surplus/SROA letter with their application. Consideration may be given to applicants on another Department's employment list, provided the criteria are met to transfer the eligibility from the employment list to the Authority's employment list. The High-Speed Rail Authority does not currently offer Training and Development opportunities at this time.

NOTE: To be considered for this job opportunity, applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. If you are new to California State service and you do not have list eligibility, you must take the exam for this classification. To gain employment list eligibility, please click here to access the exam bulletin.

Location

The High-Speed Rail Authority headquarters building is located in downtown Sacramento on the corner of 8th and L Street. We are located one block away from the 8th and Capitol light rail stop, as well as the 7th and Capitol light rail stop. The building is also within walking distance of DOCO, the California State Capitol Park, a farmer’s market during summer months, and Old Sacramento.

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