California Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation
Staff Counsel
Pay: $108,990/yr
Posted: 4 days ago
Location: Sacramento, CA (Remote)
Last Updated: 1 day ago
Hours: Full-Time
Expires: 12/14/2026
Job Description
Classification:
ATTORNEY III
Working Title:
Staff Counsel Department:
Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation Job Control:
JC-536417
Location:
Sacramento County Telework:
Hybrid Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time Positions:
1
Salary:
$10,852.00 - $15,325.00 per
Month Final Filing Date:
11/23/2026 Job Description and Duties Under the general direction of the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation's (LCI's) Chief Counsel, the incumbent serves at the full journey level as an experienced attorney performing complex and sensitive legal work with broad discretion and minimal supervision. Working in coordination with other members of the LCI legal team, the incumbent independently provides research, analytical, and advisory legal services that advise LCI and its statutory boards, councils, leadership, and staff on the legal aspects of LCI's programs and administrative activities. The incumbent leads and coordinates agreements with agency partners, grantees, and contractors, provides Council meeting support, and delivers organizational legal guidance. The incumbent independently handles complex and sensitive assignments and may conduct complex and difficult hearings. This position is distinguished from the Attorney level by the difficulty of assignments, the level of independence, and the expertise required. The incumbent has thorough knowledge of personnel, civil rights, government contracting, public meeting rules and procedures, conflict of interest and ethics laws, the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, and Public Records Act request protocols. Working knowledge of the California Environmental Quality Act, Planning and Zoning Law, and legislative and budgetary processes is expected. The incumbent applies this knowledge independently to complex and sensitive matters and exercises sound legal judgment with limited review. The incumbent must have a commitment to serving California's diverse communities and creating a work environment that celebrates diverse backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences. The incumbent must have an ability to travel up to 5% of the time and occasionally work on evenings, weekends, and holidays. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement . Working Conditions Persons appointed to this position must be reasonably expected to exert up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Occasional/overnight travel up to 5% may be required. 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: Legal understanding of public contracting, public agency laws including the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, Public Records Act, and Political Reform Act, conflict of interest and ethics, and California land use, zoning, and general plan laws, including the California Environmental Quality Act. Experience in state and/or local government. Experience with legislative affairs. Able to work collaboratively and independently. Extensive analytical, verbal, and written communication skills. Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and organizational skills Collaborative, adaptable, and able to prioritize emergent and ongoing tasks. Experience working in and with under-resourced communities including disadvantaged communities (DAC), Tribal communities, rural communities, immigrant communities, low-income communities, and/or communities of color. Proven commitment to serving diverse communities. An ability to create and succeed in a work environment that celebrates diverse backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences. Benefits There are many benefits to joining our team! We offer competitive pay, advancement opportunities, upward mobility, work-life-balance, and for many positions, flexible hours and remote work options. The State of California offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility, such as: Pension through CALPERS Medical Benefits, including health , dental , and vision insurance Medical benefits into retirement Deferred Compensation options: 401k and 457b Leave benefit options (Vacation/Sick or Annual Leave) Paid Holidays Life Insurance ScholarShare (College Saving Account) School Loan forgiveness under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Department Information The Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI serves the Governor and his Cabinet as staff for long-range planning and research and constitutes the comprehensive state planning agency. LCI assists the Governor and the Administration in planning, research, policy development, and legislative analysis. LCI formulates long- range state goals and policies to address land use, climate change, population growth and distribution, urban expansion, infrastructure development, groundwater sustainability and drought response, and resource protection. LCI's budget programs include State Planning and Policy Development, Strategic Growth Council, California Volunteers, Office of Community Partnership and Strategic Communication, Racial Equity Commission, and Youth Empowerment Commission. LCI is a fast-paced, creative work environment that requires staff to have strong collaboration skills, an ability to quickly respond to changing policy needs, and a positive attitude and sense of humor. Proven commitment to creating a work environment that celebrates diverse backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences. Telework This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order N-22-25 and at the sole discretion of LCI under California Government Code Section 14200. The incumbent is required to report in-person and site-based four days per week. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time. The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with LCI policies. CA residency Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, upon job offer, candidates must provide proof of residence in California prior to their appointment becoming effective, or the offer may be rescinded. Personal Leave Program Reduction In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees' monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction. For more details, please click here to visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.