Job Posting: Environmental Attorney

CA High Speed Rail Authority

JC-537104
-
Environmental Attorney
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: 11/30/2026

Job Description and Duties

Attorney IV
Under general direction of the Attorney Supervisor, at the advanced journey level, the attorney in this position will work with Authority executives, senior staff (planners, engineers, and environmental specialists), and consultants, and will represent the Authority before external stakeholders involved in all phases of the development and implementation of high-speed rail (“HSR”) system throughout California. The attorney performs the most complex environmental legal work including reviewing projects under, and advising on, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), providing legal advice on land use matters, permitting (including federal and state Endangered Species Acts, and 401/404/408 permits), contamination-related issues, and environmental planning matters (such as environmental justice, Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA], and Limited English Proficiency [LEP] issues). This attorney will also perform the more complex and sensitive legal work related to implementation and operation of the California high-speed rail system and program, including work in the areas of contracts, procurements, public records disclosure, government claims, and conflicts of interest. This position may also work closely with private outside litigation counsel and attorneys at the California Attorney General’s Office.
Attorney III
 Under general direction of the Attorney Supervisor, at the journey level, the attorney in this position will work with Authority executives, senior staff (planners, engineers, and environmental specialists), and consultants, and will represent the Authority before external stakeholders involved in all phases of the development and implementation of high-speed rail (“HSR”) system throughout California. The attorney performs complex environmental legal work including reviewing projects under, and advising on, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), providing legal advice on land use matters, permitting (including federal and state Endangered Species Acts, and 401/404/408 permits), contamination-related issues, and environmental planning matters (such as environmental justice, Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA], and Limited English Proficiency [LEP] issues). This attorney will also perform complex and sensitive legal work related to implementation and operation of the California high-speed rail system and program, including work in the areas of contracts, procurements, public records disclosure, government claims, and conflicts of interest. This position may also work closely with private outside litigation counsel and attorneys at the California Attorney General’s Office.

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

Working Conditions

Part-time telework is available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.

Must be able to work appropriately and effectively under stress, manage more complex and varied workload and meet deadlines. 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.

While working on-site, employee will work in a climate-controlled office under artificial light. However, due to periodic problems with the heating and air conditioning, the building temperature may fluctuate. Incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and video display terminal and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. Employees may be required to travel outside of their workstation to perform general tasks.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-537104
Position #(s):
311-160-5780-801
Working Title:
Environmental Attorney
Classification:
ATTORNEY IV
$11,993.00 - $16,096.00 A
Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals.
For additional information please visit https://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113.


New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
ATTORNEY III
$10,852.00 - $15,325.00 A
Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals.
For additional information please visit https://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113.


# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California High-Speed Rail Authority is delivering the first 220-mph, electric high-speed rail project in the nation and has just received over $3 Billion from the federal government to advance design and construction and purchase electric trains. This support from the federal government puts the Authority on track to begin high-speed rail operations in the early 2030s.

The Authority is seeking an environmental attorney to provide legal advice related to NEPA, CEQA, permitting, and planning. This is your opportunity to become a part of this exciting and significant project and to help the Authority meet its goal of creating the greenest infrastructure project in the nation.

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey. Completing this survey is not required to be considered for this vacancy.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCM6SCC

Department Website: https://hsr.ca.gov/jobs/

Special Requirements

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. An SOQ is a narrative that describes your qualifications for this position. The SOQ must be no more than two (2) pages, typed in 12-point font, organized and numbered as reflected below. You must respond to all of the following questions. Applicants who do not comply with these requirements may be disqualified from the hiring process.

1. Describe how your work experience has prepared you to perform the responsibilities of this position as described in the duty statement. Provide specific examples of your experience handling the different tasks set forth in the duty statement.

2. Describe your experience communicating, interacting with, and meeting the expectations of, several clients with different objectives and priorities, including developing and delivering clear and persuasive written advice or oral presentations. Specify the type of presentation or written document submitted and your specific involvement in preparing and presenting the information.

Applications received without the SOQ may 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 represent that the SOQ you submit is your own work, articulated in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own or the product of your own work 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

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: 11/30/2026

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:

CA High Speed Rail Authority
High Speed Rail Authority
Attn: Human Resources
770 L Street, Suite 620, MS 4
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

CA High Speed Rail Authority
High Speed Rail Authority
Human Resources
770 L Street, Suite 620, MS 4
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.
  • 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:
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to conduct legal research and writing, sometimes under short deadlines.
• Experience with CEQA, NEPA, or associated environmental laws and how they apply to state agencies and public projects.
• Experience with CEQA or NEPA litigation.
• Experience with any one of the following: National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), state and federal agency environmental justice guidance, regulations, and orders, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, CERLCA, RCRA, Endangered Species Act, Section 4(f) of the US Department of Transportation Act, federal or state Administrative Procedures Acts.
• Experience drafting legal and environmental documents such as legislation, regulations, or contracts.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of initiative, flexibility, judgment, and confidentiality.
• Ability to operate independently, but with the judgment to know when to ask for assistance and guidance from a supervisor or colleague.
• Ability to represent the Authority in dealings with other government agencies and private entities in a way that reflects well on the Authority.
• Dependable, punctual, excellent attendance.
• Knowledge of the Authority organization, operations, and relevant policy issues.
• Experience preparing correspondence involving inclusion of recommendations for effective courses of action.
• Litigation experience in including the ability to negotiate settlements and draft litigation documentation.
• Exercise good judgment and calm professionalism in all situations.
• Experience presenting opinions, ideas, or advice in front of numerous individuals.
• Experience balancing priorities from numerous clients regarding an array of subjects.
• Experience with environmental permitting and mitigation.

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/jobs/
Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources
(916) 669-6606
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:
EEO Office
(916) 324-1541
eeo@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.

If applying via postal mail or by dropping off your application, applicants must include JC-537104 and Environmental Attorney, 311-160-5780-801 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 for the Attorney IV, please click here to access the exam bulletin.
To gain employment list eligibility for the Attorney III, 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