Senior Counsel

Job Description And Duties:Are you looking for an exciting and fast-paced career?Join the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and be part of an organization that serves as a leader in emergency management and homeland security through dedicated service to all. We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team. If you are interested in a challenging opportunity in a high-energy, team-oriented environment, you are encouraged to apply.Job Summary:Under the general direction of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Legal Services II Division the Attorney III independently performs the most complex and sensitive legal assignments and serves as the expert/lead attorney in the Cal OES Legal Services Division.The position requires a high level of expertise on the demanding legal issues that affect Cal OES, ability to act with minimal supervision, and consistently exercise independent professional discretion on a diverse variety of problematic and complex legal issues and strategies. The legal advice provided may possibly have significant public safety, policy, and fiscal ramifications outside of the department and state government.Essential Functions:Complex Program Advice and Legal OpinionsSupport to Policy MakersPersonnel and Administrative SupportEmergency Response and Recovery SupportLitigation SupportCompliancePhysical Demands: The senior counsel must be able to negotiate effectively and conduct crucial litigation; work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and organizations and maintain the confidence and respect of others; and work effectively under pressure.This position requires a California State Bar License.You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Click 'Apply Now' to read the official job bulletin and apply. Applications will be received until 11:59pm PST on October 29, 2026.
Department Information:The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by hiring and retaining individuals from a variety of backgrounds and personal experiences. Our employees are empowered with the tools and resources necessary to meet our mission, while continuing to expand equity and inclusion efforts at all levels of the organization. We are committed to the spirit and work required to ensure the safety and resilience of every community in California.The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is an emergency response, homeland security, and disaster recovery agency and as a result, is a dynamic and exciting place to work in a team-oriented environment. Cal OES provides training to enhance the understanding of emergency and incident management to all employees.In the event of an emergency, employees may be contacted and requested to report to work in the event of an emergency. This contact may be outside of your normal working hours (evenings/nights, weekends, and holidays). This service may require irregular work hours, work locations other than the official duty location, and may include duties other than those specified in your official position description. Travel requirements in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature (weeks to months), with little advance notice, and you may be required to relocate to emergency sites.More information may be found here: Website
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:Experience in emergency management including planning, preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery.Experience with employment and labor law, including but not limited to employee counseling and discipline, reasonable accommodation, workers’ compensation, leaves of absence, and workplace investigations.Experience conducting administrative hearings, including but not limited to hearings before the State Personnel Board, the Department of Industrial Relations, and the Employment Development Department.Experience drafting, reviewing, and providing legal advice related to contracts and procurements.Experience drafting, reviewing, analyzing, negotiating, and/or editing legal documents including legal opinions, contracts, data sharing agreements, legislation, regulations, and legal notices.Experience interpreting and advising on the principles and applications of the California Public Records Act, the California Administrative Procedure Act, the Fair Political Practices Act, the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, and related regulations and cases interpreting these laws and regulations.Experience handling or monitoring litigation.
Benefits:Cal OES employees are eligible for a number of benefits and working for us is a great opportunity to join a committed team. Benefits include but are not limited to the following:Excellent CalPERS state pension plan401(k) and 457(b) PlansFlexible SchedulesGenerous paid time offHealth, dental & vision insurance for the employee or the employee's familyInvestment in careers developmentFree ParkingElectric Carport
Questions about the application process? and reference JC-533755