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Innocence Project Innocence Project Jobs in California

Innocence Project Innocence Project information

See California salary details

$26.9K

$83.8K

$150.8K

How much do innocence project innocence project jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for innocence project innocence project in California is $83,841.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,816.00 and $105,267.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Innocence Project Innocence Project vs Public Defender?

AspectInnocence ProjectPublic Defender
CredentialsLegal education, law degree, bar admissionLegal education, law degree, bar admission
Work EnvironmentNonprofit, research-focused, case investigationPublic sector, courtroom, client advocacy
Employer & IndustryNonprofit organizations, criminal justice reformGovernment, criminal defense
Common Search IntentUnderstanding roles in wrongful conviction casesLegal defense for indigent clients

The Innocence Project and Public Defender roles both require legal credentials and involve criminal justice work. However, the Innocence Project primarily focuses on investigating wrongful convictions within nonprofit settings, while Public Defenders provide courtroom defense for indigent clients on behalf of the government. Both roles are vital in the justice system but differ in their focus, employer, and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Innocence Project Innocence Project jobs in California? For Innocence Project Innocence Project jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Innocence Project Innocence Project jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Innocence Project Innocence Project jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Innocence Project Innocence Project jobs? Cities in California with the most Innocence Project Innocence Project job openings:
Infographic showing various Innocence Project Innocence Project job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,841 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Post-Conviction Justice Unit Supervising Attorney

Department of Justice

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$13K - $17K/mo

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Under the direction of the Chief Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Law Division and the general direction of the Chief Deputy Attorney General and the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General Supervisor of the Post-Conviction Justice Unit (PCJU) is responsible for the development and day-to-day supervision of PCJU. This includes directing the work of the unit; developing policies, practices, and objectives; hiring, evaluating, and developing staff; establishing effective working relationships statewide with district attorneys' offices, other conviction review units, innocence projects, other DOJ sections, and other stakeholders; and personally performing complex legal work related to evaluating and investigating claims of actual innocence and cases for potential resentencing or other relief.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
This is a hybrid position under the current DOJ telework policy, which is subject to modification. The position provides the opportunity to work remotely or in the office, or a combination of both, but some in-office attendance is required. Travel and additional in-person attendance may be required for court appearances, meetings, or other operational needs.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL SUPERVISOR
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-518095
Position #(s):
420-231-5703-XXX
Working Title:
Post-Conviction Justice Unit Supervising Attorney
Classification:
DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL SUPERVISOR $13,203.00 - $17,727.00
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:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Work Week:
Monday-Friday
Department Information
  • This position is located in the Division of Criminal Law, Post-Conviction Justice Unit (PCJU) and may be filled in either Sacramento, San Francisco, Fresno, Los Angeles or San Diego. Please clearly indicate your preferred city or cities in the "Examination or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying" section of your State Application.

  • Please disregard the SROA/Surplus language below, as the Department of Justice requires applicants to submit their SROA/Surplus Letter if that is the basis of their eligibility.
  • The Deputy Attorney General classifications qualify for a "Hire Above Minimum" (HAM) salary (Hiring Above Minimum Policy).
    The starting salary for each classification will be:
    Deputy Attorney General Supervisor (8 years): $14,655
    New to State candidates in the DAG series will be hired at the starting HAM salary of the classifications .
  • For more information about the department please visit the Attorney General's website at http://www.oag.ca.gov
  • If you would like to speak to a recruiter prior to submitting your application, please email Recruiters@doj.ca.gov
  • Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR

Special Requirements
  • A fingerprint check will be required.
  • Clearly indicate the basis of your eligibility in the "Explanations" section located at the bottom of page one on your state application (STD 678).
  • The Deputy Attorney General Supervisor exam may be found on-line at http://oag.ca.gov/careers/exams
  • You do not have to take an exam before you apply for a job. However, you must complete and pass the exam to be eligible for hire.

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: 8/14/2026
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:
Department of Justice
Courtney Contreras
Attn: Courtney Contreras (JC-518095)
1300 I Street 720
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Justice
Courtney Contreras
Courtney Contreras (JC-518095)
1300 I Street 720
Sacramento , CA 95814
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.
  • Statement of Qualifications - The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a narrative discussion of how your education, training, experience, and skills meet the Desirable Qualifications for the position, and why you are interested in the position. In addition, the SOQ serves as documentation of your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing.
    In your SOQ, please address how you possess each Desirable Qualification using specific examples of your education, training, and experience. This will be the only tool used for determining your final score and rank on the eligibility list for this position. Please address and number the Desirable Qualifications in the same order as listed on this bulletin under the Desirable Qualifications section.
    The SOQ must be typed, single spaced, 12-point font, and no more than 2 pages in length. Applicants who do not follow these requirements may be disqualified from the examination. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of SOQs.
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:
1. Knowledge and experience handling criminal cases in the California criminal justice system or another jurisdiction's criminal justice system.
2. Knowledge and experience conducting postconviction reviews of criminal cases in California or other jurisdictions.
3. Knowledge and experience directing and supervising the work of other legal professionals, including attorneys, paralegals, and investigators, and developing or implementing best practices or policies for a specialized unit or organization.
4. Knowledge and experience building effective working relationships with stakeholders within and outside your own agency, organization, or office.
5. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to convey complex facts, proceedings, and legal principles clearly and concisely to executive management, courts, and other stakeholders.
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 position or application process.
Human Resources Contact:
Courtney Contreras
(916) 210-7235
Courtney.Contreras@doj.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:
EEO Officer
(916) 210-7580
EERROffice@doj.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.
Additional Application Filing Information
Please note, if using the United States Postal Service for delivery, there is no guarantee that your application will be date stamped and will arrive by the final filing date. If your application does not have a postmark or date stamp and arrives after the final filing date, your application will not be accepted. Therefore, to ensure timely delivery of your application, it is recommended that you use either electronic delivery, parcel service, or certified mail. Using one of these options will provide proof of delivery prior to the final filing date. If you are mailing your application, as a courtesy we ask that you contact the HR consultant listed to confirm your application has been received. This is not required, but highly encouraged so we can ensure the timely submission of your application.
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.