Job Posting: Chief Counsel

Department of Industrial Relations

JC-525463
-
Chief 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: 8/4/2026

Job Description and Duties

As the Chief Counsel, you will serve as the principal legal advisor to the Executive Officer and the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board. In this role, you will provide strategic legal counsel, oversee complex administrative and regulatory matters, and represent the Board in high-profile legal proceedings that support California's occupational safety and health program.

We are seeking an experienced attorney with strong legal judgment, leadership skills, and a commitment to public service. The ideal candidate will possess:

Legal and Regulatory Knowledge

Knowledge of California administrative law, the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), labor and employment law, and occupational safety and health laws.

Experience interpreting statutes, regulations, case law, and proposed legislation.
Familiarity with the California Public Records Act, Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, and state ethics laws is desirable.

Leadership and Strategic Counsel

Experience advising executive leadership, boards, or commissions on complex legal and policy issues.
Ability to identify legal risks and provide practical, solutions-oriented legal advice.
Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to ethical decision-making.

Litigation and Administrative Practice

Experience handling administrative hearings, litigation, or other complex legal proceedings.
Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, including drafting legal opinions, briefs, proposed decisions, and regulatory documents.
Experience representing governmental agencies or public entities is desirable.

Communication and Organizational Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal issues to diverse audiences.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and meet competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership, stakeholders, and partner agencies.

• Strategic Legal Counsel: Advise the Executive Officer and Board Members on complex legal, regulatory, and policy matters. Provide timely legal opinions, assess legal risks, and develop practical solutions to support informed decision-making.
• Administrative Hearings and Rulemaking: Administer the Board's permanent variance program, serve as Variance Hearing Officer, prepare proposed decisions, and provide legal oversight of rulemaking activities to ensure compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act and other applicable laws.
• Litigation and Legal Representation: Develop legal strategies and represent the Board in administrative and judicial proceedings. Coordinate with the Attorney General's Office and other governmental agencies on complex legal matters.
• Regulatory Compliance and Legislative Analysis: Monitor legislative developments, oversee Public Records Act compliance, conduct legal research, and provide guidance to ensure the Board's actions comply with applicable state and federal laws.

This posting may be used to fill future vacancies in accordance with 2 CCR §249.3

To be considered for this Attorney lV job opportunity, applicants must be either reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility or have reinstatement eligibility. To take the exam and gain employment list eligibility, please click here to access the exam bulletin:

https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1581

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

Working Conditions

This position is located at: 2520 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 350, Sacramento, CA 95833.

  • Location: Based at our Sacramento office. Enjoy the convenience of easy freeway access, nearby restaurants and shops, and free parking.
  • Hybrid Flexibility: Eligible applicants residing in California can take advantage of hybrid telework options under Government Code 14200—combining in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.
  • Office Setting: Work in a modern, temperature-controlled office with state-of-the-art facilities designed for both individual and collaborative work. Expect a dynamic environment where extended work hours may occasionally be required to meet project demands.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-525463
Position #(s):
400-850-5780-001
Working Title:
Chief 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

Department Information

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) was established in 1927. Its mission is to improve working conditions for California's wage earners and to advance opportunities for profitable employment in California. DIR administers and enforces laws governing wages, workplace safety and health, apprenticeship training programs, and medical care and other benefits for injured workers.

Electronic Submission of Applications preferred. Application Packages maybe submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at https://jobs.ca.gov/ Applications must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on or before the above final filing date.

Please only submit ONE application. Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing.

If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail a completed and signed State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 and application package to the mailing address provided in the “Application Instructions” section below and ensure the following:

Clearly indicate the Job Code #, Position Number and the Title of this position in the “Examination or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying” section located on the first page of your State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678.

  • Clearly indicate the basis of your eligibility (cert, transfer, reinstatement, etc.) in the “Explanations” section located on the first page of your State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678.
  • Remove and do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678. This page is for examination use only.
  • Do not include your full Social Security Number on your documents and/or do not provide any LEAP information.
Department Website: https://www.dir.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) highlighting your experience that qualifies you for this position must accompany the application. A resume/curriculum vitae must be submitted IN ADDITION to the SOQ. The SOQ should be typed in 12-point font, no more than two (single-sided) pages in length and address the following in the order listed below:

1. Describe your experience providing legal advice to executive leadership, boards, commissions, or other decision-making bodies.
2. Describe your experience with administrative law, rulemaking, administrative hearings, or litigation, and how it relates to the duties of this position.
3. Describe your approach to exercising sound, independent judgment when your legal analysis conflicts with the desired direction of agency or Board leadership or external stakeholders. How do you navigate these dynamics while ensuring absolute commitment to ethical standards?

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: 8/4/2026

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 Industrial Relations
Cert Mailing Address Sacramento
Attn: Human Resources/Certs Unit
1416 9th Street, 13th 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 Industrial Relations
Cert Drop Off Address Sacramento
Human Resources/Certs Unit
1416 9th Street, 13th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 04:00 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.
  • Statement of Qualifications - Please see Special requirements section of the posting for instructions on the Statement of Qualifications.
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:

  • Extensive knowledge of California administrative law, labor and employment law, the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), and occupational safety and health laws.
  • Experience advising executive leadership, boards, commissions, or public agencies on complex legal and policy matters.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze complex legal issues, develop practical legal solutions, and exercise sound independent judgment.
  • Experience representing clients in administrative hearings, litigation, or other legal proceedings.
  • Strong legal research, writing, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills.
  • Experience drafting legal opinions, proposed decisions, regulations, briefs, and other legal documents.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships with executive leadership, government agencies, stakeholders, and the public.
  • Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, integrity, and ethical decision-making.

Benefits

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

Working for the State of California comes with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Paid Sick Leave and Vacation
  • Retirement Benefits via CalPERS
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Paid Holidays
  • 401(k) and 457 plans
  • Military Leave
  • Reimbursement Accounts
  • Public Transit Subsidy

Contact Information

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

Department Website: https://www.dir.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Certification Unit
(800) 564-0771
cert@dir.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:
Diversity and Inclusion Office
(916) 559-6999
DIO@dir.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 Information

Preference will be given to persons with State Restriction of Appointments (SROA) or Surplus status. Applicants must attach a copy of their most recently dated letter that specifies their designation as either SROA or surplus candidate as proof.

Qualified candidates must have eligibility in State employment, be in a reachable rank on an employment list for this classification, be currently in this classification, or have transfer eligibility to this classification.

If you do not hear from us in 4-6 weeks, you may assume the position has been filled by another applicant. Please note that all additional vacancies that become available may be added to this advertisement.

Please note that the Exam and Certification Online System (ECOS) does not allow you to resubmit your application once you withdraw it. If you have any updates to your online application, please contact the Personnel, Recruitment, & Hiring Unit at (800) 564-0771.

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey: DIR Applicant Survey

DIR Mission and Core Values

Our mission is to protect and improve the welfare and working conditions for California's wage earners and to advance opportunities for profitable employment in California. DIR is also committed to ensuring that all employers comply with labor laws in California to support a fair and thriving business environment.

Integrity - We fulfill the promise of our mission through fair, honest and ethical behavior.

Service - We are committed to responsibly serving the public and value their trust.

Respect - We treat others with dignity, courtesy and consideration.

Quality - We take pride in providing the public with accurate and timely services.

Transparency - We conduct ourselves with openness and accountability in all aspects of our work.

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