What are the responsibilities and job description for the ATTORNEY III position at Department of Industrial Relations?
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 Assistant Chief Counsel of the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Attorney IIIs represent DOSH in a wide range of legal issues within the jurisdiction of the Division. Attorney IIIs work with broad discretion and independence, and are expected to be experts in broad, complex and sensitive areas of employment law pertaining to occupational safety and health with knowledge of administrative proceedings, writs, and appeals.
Duties include, but are not limited to: representing DOSH in complex and sensitive administrative hearings before the Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board (the Appeals Board); representing DOSH in civil and writ litigation before California trial and appellate courts; representing and advising the Chief, management, and the Division with regard to policy, sensitive and high profile matters, and program direction; providing analysis and advice concerning Public Records Act requests; analyzing and drafting proposed legislation; drafting proposed regulations; appearing before the Occupational safety and Health Standards Board; and providing legal services on a wide variety of other issues that may arise in the operation of DOSH, in multiple substantive areas of law, including occupational safety and health law, administrative law, employment law, labor law, constitutional law, corporate law, bankruptcy law, criminal law, and civil procedure law.
There is one (1) position that may be filled in either San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monrovia, San Diego, or Santa Ana.. Please also see the other postings under a different job control in CalCareers for the other locations. If you are interested in the position at more than one location, please submit a new application for each job control.
This posting may be used to fill future vacancies in accordance with 2 CCR §249.3
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
This job is located at:
Division of Occupational Safety and Health - Legal Unit
4206 Technology Drive, Ste. 3, Modesto, CA 95356
Will also consider other locations in: San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Modesto, Los Angeles, Monrovia, San Diego, or Santa Ana.. If you are interested in working in the other locations, you must submit an application for that job control number.
**NOTE telework agreements are available and attorneys currently conduct a majority of hearings remotely.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.- ATTORNEY III
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
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
- 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. Application should be completely filled out describing all experience and contain no errors. All experience and education relating to 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.)
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: 3/11/2025Who May 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
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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.
- 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.)
Desirable Qualifications
- 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
- 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
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.
