Workers’ Compensation Judge

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

Job summary

California Department of Industrial Relations is seeking an Administrative Law Judge in Goleta, CA to hear and decide matters under the Labor Code and related regulations in the Division of Workers' Compensation.

The role requires strong research, drafting, and formal decision-writing skills.

Qualifications

• Must be a member of the State Bar of California.
• Adhere to the California Code of Judicial Ethics.
• Experience drafting documents and conducting legal research.

Responsibilities

• Hear and decide judicial matters arising under the Labor Code and California Code of Regulations relating to workers’ compensation.
• Perform related work within the Division of Workers' Compensation.
• Draft opinions and communicate decisions to parties and agencies.

Skills

Legal drafting

Legal research

Written communications

Job description

Job Description And Duties

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.

Under the general direction of the Supervising Administrative Law Judge, the Administrative Law Judge is assigned to hear and decide judicial matters arising under the Labor Code and California Code of Regulations relating to workers’ compensation and related laws and does other related work within the Division of Workers' Compensation.

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

• 249.3

To be considered for this Adminstrative 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=1507

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

Working Conditions

This position is located at: 120 Cremona Drive, Suite 270, Goleta, CA 93117.

The incumbent works in an air-conditioned office building with natural and artificial lighting as well as temperature control. In addition, the incumbent will perform work in private offices or court rooms. The position is required to work extensively on computers as necessary for drafting documents, conducting research, drafting email communication, and other purposes.

Special Requirements

The Administrative Law Judge must adhere to the California Code of Judicial Ethics and be a member of the State Bar of California.

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: 8/13/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates 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).

Required Application Package Documents

• 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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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.