Environmental Justice and Protection Section

California Department of Justice; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 99,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

CalPERS pension

Paid holidays

Public service loan forgiveness

Job summary

California Department of Justice in California seeks an experienced Deputy Attorney General to lead environmental litigation and policy efforts. The role involves representing state interests and shaping enforcement across critical issues from climate to clean water.

The position operates in a hybrid model within the Environmental Justice and Protection Section, with opportunities across San Diego, Oakland, Los Angeles, Fresno or Sacramento. Public service benefits apply.

Qualifications

• Licensed attorney admitted to the California Bar.
• Experience in environmental law and government work preferred.

Responsibilities

• File, brief, and argue complex environmental cases in state and federal courts.
• Coordinate multi-agency and multi-state coalitions on landmark actions.
• Enforce laws to reduce pollution in fenceline communities.
• Conduct investigations and advise the Attorney General on threats.
• Partner with District Attorneys on joint civil and criminal prosecutions.

Skills

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Litigation

Regulatory law

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Job Description And Duties

California is a global leader in environmental protection, law, and regulation. The Environmental Justice and Protection Section seeks talented, experienced, and dedicated attorneys to work on some of the most challenging and cutting-edge matters in environmental law. On behalf of the People of California, section members represent California interests and enforce environmental laws on a broad range of critical issues, including climate change, drinking water, clean energy, endangered species, air quality, hazardous waste, and toxic chemicals. As a Deputy Attorney General in the section, you would:

• File, brief, and argue complex environmental cases in state and federal courts at every stage from investigation through appeal;
• Coordinate multi-agency and multi-state coalitions on landmark environmental actions involving the federal government;
• Enforce laws to reduce pollution in fenceline communities;
• Conduct investigations and advise the Attorney General on emerging environmental threats;
• Partner with District Attorneys on joint civil and criminal environmental prosecutions.

In addition to participating in some of the most consequential environmental litigation in the nation, you would receive the satisfaction and benefits that come with a public service career in California state government. When you join the California Department of Justice as a Deputy Attorney General, you are not just taking a job. You are joining a community of talented, driven, and supportive professionals and accessing one of the nation’s most comprehensive public service compensation packages featuring exceptional health benefits and the security of a CalPERS pension.

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

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-512609

Position #(s): 420-430-5705-XXX

Working Title: Environmental Justice and Protection Section

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: $7,969.00 - $12,026.00

DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL III: $10,852.00 - $15,325.00

DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL V: $12,659.00 - $16,883.00

# of Positions: Multiple

Work Location

United States

Telework

Hybrid

Job Type

12 Month Limited Term - Full Time

Department Information

• This position is located in the Division of Public Rights, Environmental Justice and Protection Section, and may be filled in either San Diego, Oakland, Los Angeles, Fresno or Sacramento. Please clearly indicate your preferred city or cities in the 'Examination or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying' section of your State Application.
• 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 V (lateral only): $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 of Justice, please visit the Attorney General’s website at http://www.oag.ca.gov
• Please visit our 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!