Job Posting: General Counsel

Sierra Nevada Conservancy

JC-511737
-
General Counsel
ATTORNEY IV

$11,993.00 - $16,096.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 3/29/2026

Job Description and Duties

The reporting location for the Attorney IV position is at the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) Headquarters Office located in Auburn, CA.  Working under the general direction of the Executive Officer of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (Conservancy), the Attorney IV is expected to oversee the full range of legal matters arising out of the Conservancy’s programs, and to work with well-informed discretion and independence. The Attorney IV provides complex and sensitive legal services with broad discretion and minimal supervision to the Executive Team and the Conservancy’s statutorily constituted board on all legal matters related to the functions and operations of Conservancy including, but not limited to, land use, environmental permitting, contracts, grants, real property interests, municipal law, California Public Records Act, Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, and operations of state government. The Attorney IV provides oral and written legal advice, conducts research, develops legal strategies, negotiates and drafts contracts and grants, reviews and edits staff recommendations and environmental assessments, reviews CEQA documents, and reviews pending and proposed legislation, as needed. Assignments involve novel legal theories and/or practice involving rapid evolution of law and specialization in the area of natural resources and general government law. Some overnight travel throughout the Sierra Nevada Region is required. 

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

Working Conditions

While this position is headquartered at the Auburn office, it is currently eligible for up to 60% telework. In accordance with Government Code 14200, telework eligibility requires California residency and may not be used to live or relocate out of state. Telework arrangements are subject to change based on executive orders or operational needs. The incumbent may be required to report to the Auburn office at the discretion of SNC.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-511737
Position #(s):
415-001-5780-001
Working Title:
General Counsel
Classification:
ATTORNEY 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.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Placer County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) mission is to improve the environmental, economic, and social well-being of California’s Sierra Nevada-Cascade Region and its communities. With forest health as the foundation, SNC’s keystone initiative, the Sierra Nevada Watershed Improvement Program, weaves together four priorities: restoring healthy ecosystems, improving community resilience, promoting sustainable recreation and tourism, and conserving natural and working lands. To date, the SNC has awarded over $140 million to projects throughout the Region, and partnered with other government entities to distribute over $20 million more.

Spanning nearly 27 million acres, the SNC’s service area encompasses all or part of 24 counties and runs from the Oregon border on the north to Kern County on the south. Regional watersheds provide water to more than 75% of Californians and vast swaths of Central Valley farmland.

The SNC values diversity at all levels of the department and is committed to fostering an environment in which employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. It is our belief that the diversity of our employees and their unique ideas inspire innovative solutions to complex challenges in California’s Sierra Nevada-Cascade region.
Department Website: http://www.sierranevada.ca.gov

Special Requirements

Applying electronically through calcareers.ca.gov is highly encouraged.

To be eligible for this position, you must either be transfer-eligible or take and pass the following exam:

https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1581


Please indicate on the State Application form (STD 678) your basis for eligibility in the “Explanations” field (SROA, surplus, reemployment, reinstatement, transfer, or list eligible). The STD 678 must include the following information, or it will be considered incomplete and may not be considered for an interview: "to" and "from" dates (month/day/year), hours worked per week, civil service classifications or private sector job titles, supervisor name and phone number, and duties performed. Applications that are blank or that refer to “see resume” in place of duties performed are not acceptable. DO NOT INCLUDE any confidential information in your application or supporting documents (Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, etc.)

Application Instructions

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: 3/29/2026

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).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Sierra Nevada Conservancy
Human Resources
Attn: Jennifer Barnes
11521 Blocker Drive, Suite 205
Auburn, CA 95603

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Sierra Nevada Conservancy
Human Resources
HR
11521 Blocker Drive, Suite 205
Auburn, CA 95603
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • 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 required and must be included.
  • Supplemental Application - Please see below for specific Supplemental Application directions.
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.

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:

• Must possess 10 years of experience practicing law, including 4 years at a level equivalent to an Attorney III
• Active member in good standing with the California State Bar
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment with strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to respond to client needs, handle complex legal matters independently, and effectively represent the Conservancy’s position using tact, assertiveness, and sound judgment
• Creative and innovative, with the ability to contribute effectively to team or group problem-solving activities

SPECIAL PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Experience managing large governmental or business operations involving a high level of executive contacts
• Experience handling multiple courses of action simultaneously in a complex environment
• Demonstrated leadership, diplomacy, professionalism, and courtesy
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both speaking and writing
• In-depth knowledge of state safety regulations and current safety issues
• Ability to prepare and deliver effective oral presentations to appropriate audiences

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Strong interpersonal, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilities
• Demonstrated ability to act independently with flexibility, discretion, and tact
• Ability to tactfully manage difficult situations, negotiate, and resolve issues without confrontation
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, actively listen, understand stakeholder needs, and resolve conflicts

WORK ENVIRONMENT, PHYSICAL, OR MENTAL ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM DUTIES

• Ability to effectively manage stress and meet deadlines under challenging conditions
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of clients and stakeholders
• Ability to work independently, analyze situations, and make sound decisions
• Ability to maintain the confidence and cooperation of involved parties while addressing complex issues
• Ability to develop comprehensive reports and written documents
• Maintain a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the classification

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: http://www.sierranevada.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Jennifer Barnes
(916) 213-3807
Jennifer.Barnes@Sierranevada.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Chelsea Froome
(530) 401-1841
Chelsea.Froome@sierranevada.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Jennifer Barnes
(916) 213-3807
Jennifer.Barnes@Sierranevada.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Supplemental Application

The Supplemental Application must be no more than four (4) typed pages, using 12-point font and 1-inch margins. Include your first and last name in the upper right-hand corner and use “Supplemental Application” as the title.

Questions

• What was the most significant, complicated, sensitive, and/or interesting CEQA legal issue you handled? Describe the issue and why it was significant, complicated, sensitive, or interesting. Explain how you approached it and whether you helped resolve it. If so, describe your role in the resolution; if not, explain why.

• Describe your experience working with program or policy staff who were not attorneys. How did you balance legal risk with program or policy goals?

Experience Rating

Using a scale of 0 (no experience) to 5 (extensive experience), rate your experience in the following areas:

  1. Drafting or reviewing a conservation easement
  2. Drafting or reviewing grant guidelines
  3. Drafting or reviewing regulations
  4. Drafting or reviewing legislation
  5. Drafting a grant agreement
  6. Drafting or advising on a state contract
  7. Drafting an interagency agreement
  8. Working with the Political Reform Act
  9. Addressing conflicts of interest issues outside the Political Reform Act
  10. Providing advice to a state or local board or commission
  11. Familiarity with the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act
  12. Responding to or advising on a California Public Records Act request
  13. Drafting or reviewing a Good Neighbor Agreement or Cooperative Agreement with the federal government
  14. Providing support to the Attorney General’s Office in state litigation involving your client

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.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job