Natural Resources Law Attorney

Job Description And Duties

Are you interested in joining a dynamic team of attorneys to represent California agencies responsible for protecting California’s environment and natural resources? The Natural Resources Law Section is seeing motivated attorneys with experience in state and federal litigation to join our team to handle cases critically important to the protection of the state’s environment and help further our client agencies’ missions of protecting and fairly managing our state’s natural resources.

The Natural Resources Law Section represents most state agencies responsible for natural resources protection and pollution control, including the California Air Resources Board, CAL FIRE, Department of Fish and Wildlife, State Water Resources Control Board and nine regional water boards, Department of Toxic Substances Control, CalRecycle, and Department of Food and Agriculture, among others. Attorneys in the section typically handle cases involving air pollution, water rights and water supply, water quality, CEQA, hazardous substances, endangered species, wildfire cost recovery, and timber harvest plans, as well as business and corporate issues.

The position’s duties include representing state agencies in complex and impactful civil litigation in state and federal courts at all stages – from pre-litigation advice and investigation through trial and appeal, including working with our Office of the Solicitor General on matters that reach the U.S. Supreme Court. You will serve as plaintiff’s counsel prosecuting civil environmental enforcement cases, and as defense counsel defending state agency actions. We also advise some boards and commissions on compliance with open meeting laws and on other issues when asked. Most of your work will be in state and federal courts in California, but some could be in courts in other states as well. Every deputy’s case load varies, and attorneys who are mission driven and welcome challenges thrive here.

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

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-522354

Position #(s):

420-420-5705-XXX

Working Title

Natural Resources Law Attorney

Classification

DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL IV

$11,993.00 - $16,096.00

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Shall Consider

DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL III

$10,852.00 - $15,325.00

DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL V

$12,659.00 - $16,883.00

DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL

$7,969.00 - $12,026.00

# of Positions:

Multiple

Work Location:

United States

Telework

Hybrid

Job Type

Permanent, Full Time

Work Week

Monday-Friday

Department Information

• These positions are located in the Public Rights Division, Natural Resources Law Section, and may be filled in Sacramento, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Oakland. Please clearly indicate your preferred city or cities in your cover letter.
• Please disregard the SROA/Surplus language below, as the Department of Justice requires applicants to submit their SROA/Surplus Letter if that is the basis of their eligibility.
• The Deputy Attorney General classifications qualify for a “Hire Above Minimum" (HAM) salary ( Hiring Above Minimum Policy ).
  
  

The Starting Salary For Each Classification Will Be

• Deputy Attorney General Range A (0-24 months): $8,846 and Range B (2-5 years): $9,956
• Deputy Attorney General III (5 years): $12,046
• Deputy Attorney General IV (6 years): $13,313
• Deputy Attorney General V (Lateral): $14,051
  
  

New to State candidates in the DAG series will be hired at the starting HAM salary of the classifications.

• DAG V consideration - lateral transfers only.
• For more information about the Department, please visit the Attorney General’s website at http://www.oag.ca.gov .
• If you'd like to speak with a recruiter prior to submitting your application, please email Recruiters@doj.ca.gov .
• Please visit the new webpage: Become a DOJ Deputy Attorney General | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General .
• Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR .
  
  

Benefits of working for the State of California:

• Work-life balance
• 11 paid holidays
• Flexible paid leave options
• Consistent wage increases
• Pension retirement
• Job stability
• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and more!