Job Description

Job Description and Duties

This is a re-post. If you previously applied, there is no need to re-apply as your application is on file and will be considered.

***Please ensure application is complete with detailed job descriptions/tasks performed, employment beginning and ending date information, and hours worked per week.

Working at the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, widely known as Cal/OSHA, means much more than showing up for a job. You will be able to work on programs that are vital to the health and safety of our community, work force, and the state. We recognize the strength in teamwork. We know that by encouraging collaboration and diversity, educating employers in best practices, and protecting the health and safety of employees through enforcement of the California Labor Code and regulations we will benefit our economy as a whole. Be part of a team that prides itself in making a difference for Californians.

Under the general direction of the Attorney Supervisor of the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), the incumbent represents DOSH in the full range of legal issues within the jurisdiction of the Division. Works effectively with opposing counsel and other external representatives who also have a high level of experience, expertise and skills. Represents DOSH in administrative hearings before the Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board (the Appeals Board) and civil and writ litigation before California trial and appellate courts; analyzes and drafts legislation; serves as counsel at public meetings; and provides legal services on a wide variety of other issues impacting DOSH, in multiple substantive areas of law, including occupational safety and health law, administrative law, employment law, labor law, constitutional law, privacy law, corporate law, bankruptcy law, criminal law, and civil procedure. Advises special investigators in the Bureau of Investigations and DOSH enforcement and legal staff on criminal law, its intersection with Title 8 and the Labor Code and criminal referrals to district attorneys for prosecution. Drafts regulations, prepares regulatory packages and advises the Chief and Deputy Chiefs on the same.

Essential functions of this position are to perform competently and with strong technical skills in the specific job duties identified above; to accomplish assigned legal work with minimal supervision and exercising broad discretion, while also taking and following direction from the Attorney Supervisors, Assistant Chief Counsels, Chief Counsel and DOSH leadership; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, as required for the specific job duties, including by consistently producing well-written and compelling legal briefs and other written work product; to appear and perform competently and with a high degree of expertise and professionalism in civil or administrative courts; to communicate in a professional, respectful and productive manner with opposing counsel, clients, stakeholders, colleagues, and the public; to travel as necessary and as assigned; and to demonstrate good judgment and act with high ethical standards and professionalism.

(**NOTE telework agreements are available and attorneys currently conduct a majority of hearings remotely.)

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

To be considered for this 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: 

Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for hours in the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) per month. For more details, please click  e  to visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This job is located at:
Division of Occupational Safety and Health - Legal Unit
1750 Howe Avenue, Suite 440, Sacramento, CA 95825

There is (1) position that may be filled in either Sacramento or Fresno. If you are interested in working in the other locations, you must submit an application for that job control number.

This is a full time position headquartered in our Cal/OSHA Sacramento District Office located on the 4 th floor, 1750 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, California. The office is in a high rise building with both artificial and natural lighting.  Employees in this position have offices, work at desks, and are required to work extensively on computers as necessary to accomplish their duties. This position also requires in-state travel, either locally within Northern California, or for one to three-day overnight trips within California, based on assignments, and as determined according to the needs of DOSH.  Attorneys will normally average a 40-hour work week, however they are expected to work all hours as necessary to accomplish their assignments and fulfill their responsibilities.

Special Requirements

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 Application should be completely filled out describing all experience and contain no errors. All experience and education realating the the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included with sufficient detail to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume
• Cover letter. Please describe all experience you believe makes you a competent candidate.
• A recent writing sample that is no longer than 15 pages in length (if the original writing sample is longer than 15 pages, you may provide the first 15 pages only.)

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:

• Applicants should exhibit a commitment to public service and safe work places.
• Possess excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills. Knowledge of proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
• Ability to research, analyze, and apply legal principles, facts, and case precedents to legal problems.
• Ability to study, interpret and apply laws, regulations and court decisions for the purpose of giving advice.
• Ability to prepare clear and effective persuasive legal arguments. Ability to draft complaints, motions, briefs, legal memos, rules, regulations and rulemaking documents, and/or legislation.
• Knowledge of oral advocacy and or communication skill especially as they relate to trial advocacy.
• Knowledge of state employment, labor, workers compensation and/or occupational safety and health laws, codes, and regulations, legal principals and their application.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability and desire to contribute to a collegial office

environment.

• Be Proficient using Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook.
• Ability to communicate with witnesses who are reluctant, afraid, anxious and/or uncooperative, and whose input and participation may be needed to complete an assignment or hearing.
• Ability to think creatively, independently and with discernment.
• Ability to professionally and persuasively communicate opinions and ideas.
• Have effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Ability to work cooperatively with a variety of individuals, organizations, employers, corporations, and maintain confidence and respect of others.
• Ability to be flexible and handle unexpected developments, respond effectively under strict time constraints.
• Ability to prioritize and complete assignments in a timely manner.

Benefits

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

• Health, Dental & Vision Benefits
• Paid Sick & Vacation
• Retirement (CalPERS)
• Basic Group Term Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 11 Paid Holidays
• 401 (k) & 457 plans
• Military Leave
• Reimbursement Accounts
• Public Transit Subsidy
• Near Public Transit and bus lines
• 5 minute walking distance to restaurants and shopping
• Onsite security
• Telework

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

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 - Cover Letter
• Other - A recent writing sample that is no longer than 15 pages in length (if the original writing sample is longer than 15 pages, you may provide the first 15 pages only.)

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Work at office, Remote work, Flexible hours, Night shift

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