Senior Counsel

Job Description and Duties

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

This is a re-advertisement. Previously submitted applications are still being considered.

Under the general direction of the Chief Counsel, the Attorney IV provides legal advice and representation to the Department’s divisions. The Attorney is expected to maintain regular and reliable attendance, work independently, and exercise a high degree of sound judgment and discretion. As Senior Counsel at an advanced level, the Attorney IV may be called upon to represent the Chief Counsel at high-level meetings, and in the absence of the Chief Counsel, may be called upon to serve in the role of Acting Chief Counsel. The Attorney IV acts in a lead capacity over the work of other attorneys and staff.

As an employee of the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA), you are required to perform the “essential functions” of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, then CDFA is the place for you!!

This CDFA work location is near restaurants, coffee shops, and a farmer’s market. We are within walking distance to light rail/public transportation, across the street from beautiful Capitol Park, and two miles from Downtown Commons (DOCO).

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The CDFA does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

The duties of this job are performed indoors approximately 95% of the time. The employee has an office and is equipped with standard office equipment (computer, desk, chair, etc.). Consistent with requirements under the Unit 2 Memorandum of Understanding, state personnel rules and Departmental policies, the Attorney will be provided with a dedicated office if they work in- person more than 50 percent of the week, and will either have use of a hoteling space or dedicated office (if available) if they work remotely the majority of the time.

The duties of this job require the employee to operate various office equipment such as a computer with software programs, use Lexis, Microsoft Outlook, stapler, hole-punch, photocopier, and fax machine.

This position may/may not be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the CDFA and based on the current telework policy. While the CDFA supports telework where possible, 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, as determined by the Department.

Special Requirements

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your Employment Application (STD. 678). Applications received without an appropriate SOQ based on the instructions below may be disqualified from this recruitment. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered in lieu of the SOQ. The SOQ instructions and questions are below:

•Restate Questions/Prompts prior to response

•Include your name and job control number in the top right-hand corner of each page

•Must be double-spaced, no more than four (4) pages, and Arial size 12 font

1. Environmental & Agricultural Regulation

Describe your experience advising on environmental, agricultural, natural resources, pest mitigation, or land use matters. Include any experience involving environmental compliance, invasive species, pesticides, biological issues, or agricultural regulatory programs. Please include any experience with California Environmental Quality Act, and involvement in drafting Environmental Impact Reports (EIR) or Program EIRs.

2. Emergency / Crisis Response

Describe any experience advising governmental entities or executive leadership during emergencies, crises, or rapidly evolving operational situations. Include your role in legal analysis, coordination, decision-making, or implementation.

3. Enforcement & Administrative Law

Describe your experience involving administrative enforcement, permitting, inspections, quarantines, or regulatory compliance matters. Include any experience drafting or interpreting statutes, regulations, enforcement actions, or administrative decisions. Within that experience, if applicable, describe experience advising governmental entities or executive leadership during emergencies, crises, or rapidly evolving operational situations.

Benefits

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

Additional Information

Employment History on the STD 678 (State Application) must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes or other documents cannot substitute for a completed state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 may be disqualified.

Please do not include any confidential information such as social security number, marital status, ethnicity, age, salary or disability information on any of the documentation uploaded with your online application.

If the classification you are applying for has an education requirement, transcripts will be required to verify you meet the minimum qualifications of the classification. Please be sure to redact any confidential information before uploading your transcripts.

Upon hire you may be required to provide official sealed transcripts or an original degree or certificate.

Applicants with foreign degrees may be asked to provide an official foreign transcript evaluation which indicates course work is equivalent to a degree from an accredited U.S. College or University.

This position may require a medical clearance.

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 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. In the letter, please explain the reason for your interest in this position and why you are a well-qualified candidate.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your Employment Application (STD.678). Please see the Special Requirements section for the SOQ details.