Presiding Workers’ Compensation Judge

California Department of Industrial Relations; California; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Department of Industrial Relations is seeking a Supervising Administrative Law Judge to lead the district office operations of the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. The role involves presiding over hearings, supervising staff, and ensuring compliance with the California Code of Judicial Ethics.

This position requires substantial legal experience, including prior Administrative Law Judge duties and expertise in Workers’ Compensation law.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Administrative Law Judge.
• Five years of experience in the active practice of law or performing legal duties, including appellate practice, with two years interpreting Workers' Compensation Law.

Responsibilities

• Presides as a judicial officer over hearings under Workers’ Compensation Law.
• Supervises staff and oversees the operation of a district office.
• Adheres to the California Code of Judicial Ethics.

Skills

Administrative Law Judge experience

Workers' Compensation law experience

Education

Law degree (JD)

Job description

Job Description And Duties

Under the general direction of the Associate Chief Judge and Chief Judge, the Supervising Administrative Law Judge supervises the staff and is responsible for the operation of a district office of the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board but not including the merits of the judicial decisions of the judges; presides as a judicial officer over hearings under Workers’ Compensation Law; and does other related work within the Division of Workers' Compensation. The Supervising Administrative Law Judge must adhere to the California Code of Judicial Ethics.

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

• 249.3

To be considered for this Supervising Administrative Law Judge job opportunity, applicants must be either reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility or have reinstatement eligibility. To take the exam and gain employment list eligibility, please click here to access the exam bulletin: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=2764

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

Working Conditions

1800 30th Street, Suite 100
Bakersfield, CA 93301

The duties of this job are performed indoors most of the time. The employee works in the DWC Workers' Compensation Appeals Board. The employee’s work area is equipped with standard office equipment. Attend meetings in designated conference rooms and be willing to travel for off-site meeting/trainings, work in a team environment and independently.

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40-hour work week)

Relocation Reimbursement may be considered

Special Requirements

• One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Administrative Law Judge. or
• Five years of experience in the active practice of law or performing legal duties, including appellate practice. This experience must either have included or been supplemented by two years in work regularly requiring the interpretation and application of Workers' Compensation Law.

Final Filing Date: 11/19/2026

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.