Workers’ Compensation Judge (Administrative Law Judge)

The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) is seeking two highly skilled Workers’ Compensation Judges (Administrative Law Judges) to join the Division of Workers’ Compensation in Fresno. Under the direction of a Supervising Administrative Law Judge, the ALJ conducts judicial hearings, issues decisions, and resolves complex legal disputes arising under the California Labor Code and workers’ compensation laws.

This is an opportunity to serve California’s workforce by ensuring fair, timely, and accurate adjudication of workers’ compensation matters. Telework options are available under the department’s hybrid work model.

The Workers’ Compensation Judge (Administrative Law Judge) serves as an impartial judicial officer for the Division of Workers’ Compensation and is responsible for conducting hearings, conferences, and trials involving disputes arising under the California workers’ compensation system. Working under the general direction of a Supervising Administrative Law Judge, the incumbent presides over proceedings, evaluates testimony and documentary evidence, rules on legal issues, and issues written decisions that determine the rights and obligations of parties involved in workers’ compensation cases.

The Judge independently manages a high-volume caseload, ensures compliance with all governing statutes and regulations, and applies relevant provisions of the Labor Code, California Code of Regulations, and established case law. This position requires the ability to navigate complex factual and legal issues, maintain courtroom control and decorum, and interact professionally with attorneys, injured workers, employers, claims representatives, medical professionals, and hearing participants.

Typical duties include conducting mandatory settlement conferences, status conferences, expedited hearings, and trials; reviewing medical evidence and legal submissions; applying rules of evidence; drafting findings, awards, orders, and opinions; and utilizing electronic case-management systems. The incumbent must exercise sound judicial temperament and adhere to the California Code of Judicial Ethics at all times.

This position works in an office and courtroom environment and may be eligible for hybrid telework in accordance with departmental policy. The role requires significant computer use for legal research, case review, and preparation of written decisions.

Minimum Requirements:
Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications for the Administrative Law Judge classification as described in the official Class Specification. In addition, candidates must:

• Be an active member of the State Bar of California.

• Adhere to the California Code of Judicial Ethics.

• Have eligibility through list appointment, reinstatement, transfer, SROA/surplus, or be in the process of obtaining list eligibility.

Desirable Qualifications:
Candidates with the following knowledge, skills, and experience will be highly competitive:

• Expert knowledge of the Labor Code, workers’ compensation regulations, and leading judicial decisions.

• Strong understanding of rules of evidence, judicial procedures, subpoena authority, and deposition processes.

• Ability to conduct fair, orderly, and impartial proceedings.

• Experience reviewing complex medical and technical terminology related to industrial injuries.

• Skill in analyzing legal issues and applying statutes, regulations, and precedent to case facts.

• Exceptional legal writing skills with the ability to summarize evidence and issue clear, timely decisions.

• Strong communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to evaluate competing arguments, reconcile disagreements, and maintain professionalism in contentious settings.

• Demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to manage heavy caseloads.

• Experience with Microsoft Office and other computer-based legal tools.

Experience in the following areas is highly valued:

• Conducting legal research

• Participating in hearings or trials

• Preparing judgments, orders, recommendations, or written decisions

• Summarizing evidence and preparing findings in litigation

• High-volume administrative or judicial caseload management

Final Filing Date: December 5, 2025

Electronic submission through CalCareers is strongly preferred. Please submit only one application.

To apply electronically:
Submit your STD 678 application via your CalCareers Account at: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=495846

To apply by mail:
Department of Industrial Relations
Attn: Personnel Recruitment & Hiring Unit
2180 Harvard Street, Suite 160
Sacramento, CA 95815

To apply in person (drop-off):
Same address as above
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday–Friday

Required Application Package Documents:

• Completed STD 678 (State Examination/Employment Application)

• Resume (optional)

• Any applicable eligibility documents (SROA/Surplus letter, reinstatement, etc.)

Important Notes:

• Do not submit the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) page of the STD 678.

• Do not include your full Social Security Number or any LEAP information.

• Applications must be received or postmarked by the final filing date.

• Mobile USPS QR-code barcodes are not considered valid postmarks.

• Candidates requiring reasonable accommodations for interviews must notify the scheduler when contacted.

Eligibility Requirement:
To be considered, applicants must have list eligibility, be in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have reinstatement, transfer, or SROA/surplus eligibility.

Exam to obtain list eligibility:
https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1507

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

• Positions Available: 2

• Location: 2550 Mariposa Mall, Suite 4078, Fresno, CA

• Telework: Hybrid

• Classification Salary Ranges:

  • Range A: $10,588 – $14,547

  • Range B: $11,105 – $15,263
    (New-to-State candidates are hired at the minimum of the classification range.)

• Future Vacancies:
  This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies under 2 CCR §249.3.

• Work Environment:
  Judges work in an office and courtroom setting with significant computer use. Courtrooms and offices are equipped with natural and artificial lighting and climate control.

• DIR Mission:
  DIR is committed to protecting California’s workforce, enforcing labor laws, ensuring safe workplaces, and promoting fair employment conditions.

• EEO & Drug-Free Workplace:
  The State of California is an equal opportunity employer. All employees are expected to comply with the State’s drug-free workplace requirements.

• Contact Information:
  Human Resources – Certification Unit
  Phone: (800) 564-0771
  Email: cert@dir.ca.gov

• California Department of Industrial Relations

• (916) 662-9200