Chief Counsel

California Department of Industrial Relations; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Department of Industrial Relations seeks a Chief Counsel to serve as the principal legal advisor to the Executive Officer and the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board.

You will provide strategic legal counsel, oversee complex administrative and regulatory matters, and represent the Board in high‑profile legal proceedings that support California's occupational safety and health program.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of California administrative law, APA, labor and employment law, and OSHA laws.
• Experience interpreting statutes, regulations, case law, and proposed legislation.
• Familiarity with Public Records Act, Bagley‑Keene Open Meeting Act, and state ethics laws desirable.

Responsibilities

• Strategic legal counsel to the Executive Officer and Board Members on complex legal, regulatory, and policy matters.
• Administer the Board's variance program, serve as Variance Hearing Officer, prepare proposed decisions, and oversee rulemaking activities to ensure APA compliance.
• Develop legal strategies and represent the Board in administrative and judicial proceedings; coordinate with the Attorney General's Office and other agencies.
• Monitor legislative developments, oversee Public Records Act compliance, conduct legal research, and provide guidance to ensure compliance with applicable laws.

Skills

Administrative law

APA familiarity

Labor law

OSHA law

Statutory interpretation

Regulatory analysis

Public records act

Open Meeting Act

Ethics laws

Executive advising

Legal risk assessment

Litigation experience

Administrative hearings

Legal writing

Education

J.D. (Doctor of Jurisprudence)

Job description

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.

Job Description And Duties

As the Chief Counsel, you will serve as the principal legal advisor to the Executive Officer and the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board. In this role, you will provide strategic legal counsel, oversee complex administrative and regulatory matters, and represent the Board in high‑profile legal proceedings that support California's occupational safety and health program.

We are seeking an experienced attorney with strong legal judgment, leadership skills, and a commitment to public service. The ideal candidate will possess:

Legal and Regulatory Knowledge

Knowledge of California administrative law, the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), labor and employment law, and occupational safety and health laws.

Experience interpreting statutes, regulations, case law, and proposed legislation.

Familiarity with the California Public Records Act, Bagley‑Keene Open Meeting Act, and state ethics laws is desirable.

Leadership and Strategic Counsel

Experience advising executive leadership, boards, or commissions on complex legal and policy issues.

Ability to identify legal risks and provide practical, solutions‑oriented legal advice.

Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to ethical decision‑making.

Litigation and Administrative Practice

Experience handling administrative hearings, litigation, or other complex legal proceedings.

Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, including drafting legal opinions, briefs, proposed decisions, and regulatory documents.

Experience representing governmental agencies or public entities is desirable.

Communication And Organizational Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal issues to diverse audiences.

Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and meet competing deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership, stakeholders, and partner agencies.

• Strategic Legal Counsel: Advise the Executive Officer and Board Members on complex legal, regulatory, and policy matters. Provide timely legal opinions, assess legal risks, and develop practical solutions to support informed decision‑making.
• Administrative Hearings and Rulemaking: Administer the Board's permanent variance program, serve as Variance Hearing Officer, prepare proposed decisions, and provide legal oversight of rulemaking activities to ensure compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act and other applicable laws.
• Litigation and Legal Representation: Develop legal strategies and represent the Board in administrative and judicial proceedings. Coordinate with the Attorney General's Office and other governmental agencies on complex legal matters.
• Regulatory Compliance and Legislative Analysis: Monitor legislative developments, oversee Public Records Act compliance, conduct legal research, and provide guidance to ensure the Board's actions comply with applicable state and federal laws.

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

• 249.3

Working Conditions

This position is located at: 2520 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 350; Sacramento, CA 95833.

• Location: Based at our Sacramento office. Enjoy the convenience of easy freeway access, nearby restaurants and shops, and free parking.
• Hybrid Flexibility: Eligible applicants residing in California can take advantage of hybrid telework options under Government Code 14200—combining in‑office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.
• Office Setting: Work in a modern, temperature‑controlled office with state‑of‑the‑art facilities designed for both individual and collaborative work. Expect a dynamic environment where extended work hours may occasionally be required to meet project demands.

Special Requirements

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) highlighting your experience that qualifies you for this position must accompany the application. A resume/curriculum vitae must be submitted IN ADDITION to the SOQ. The SOQ should be typed in 12‑point font, no more than two (single‑sided) pages in length and address the following in the order listed below:

• Describe your experience providing legal advice to executive leadership, boards, commissions, or other decision‑making bodies.
• Describe your experience with administrative law, rulemaking, administrative hearings, or litigation, and how it relates to the duties of this position.
• Describe your approach to exercising sound, independent judgment when your legal analysis conflicts with the desired direction of agency or Board leadership or external stakeholders. How do you navigate these dynamics while ensuring absolute commitment to ethical standards?

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.