Gavin Newsom’s return to office mandate mystery as multiple remote and hybrid roles emerge

Gavin Newsom’s order requiring most California state employees to report to the office four days a week is officially in effect — but a growing number of state agencies are still advertising hybrid and remote jobs.

The policy, which took effect July 1, applies to roughly 108,000 state employees under the governor’s authority and represents a major shift for workers who had expanded telework arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But as of Monday, multiple job postings on the state’s CalCareers website continued to describe positions as either “telework eligible” or offering hybrid work schedules. State officials said those listings do not conflict with Newsom’s directive, noting that telework remains an available option for some positions and agencies depending on operational needs.

The California Government Operations Agency, which oversees the state’s return-to-office policy, said telework and hybrid arrangements have existed in state government before the pandemic and continue to be available in certain circumstances.

Officials said the governor’s executive order requires departments under his authority to have employees working in the office a minimum of four days per week, while allowing agencies to use statewide guidance when determining exceptions and operational needs.

Among the openings are positions within the California Departments of Insurance, Education, Health Care Services, Consumer Affairs, Social Services, Employment Development and Alcoholic Beverage Control, as well as the State Compensation Insurance Fund, the Sacramento Bee reported.

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Some listings advertise full telework eligibility, while others state employees may qualify for hybrid schedules depending on the position.

State officials cautioned that the terms “telework” and “hybrid” are sometimes used interchangeably by departments when posting available positions, meaning a listing does not necessarily indicate an employee will work remotely full-time.

Newsom announced the return-to-office policy in March, arguing that more in-person work would improve collaboration, innovation, accountability and public service after years of widespread remote work.

The order generally requires agencies under the governor’s authority to have employees in the office at least four days each week beginning July 1.

Agencies were allowed to grant limited exemptions for operational needs, disability accommodations, collective bargaining agreements or positions whose duties require alternative work arrangements.

The return-to-office policy has drawn criticism from some labor groups representing state employees, who have argued that expanded telework options can reduce commuting costs, improve flexibility and help the state compete for workers.

However, state officials said the continued availability of telework positions does not represent a conflict with the executive order, as individual departments may continue using flexible work arrangements when permitted under state guidance.

It remains unclear whether the positions advertised as telework-eligible or hybrid will require employees to comply with the state’s new four-day in-office policy after they are hired

The Post reached out to each of the departments with remote or hybrid job listings, as well as the Governor’s Office, seeking clarification on how the postings align with Newsom’s return-to-office mandate.

The Governor’s Office referred questions to the California Government Operations Agency, which oversees the state’s return-to-office policy.

The positions listed on CalCareers include:

• Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control — ABC Agent (Hybrid); Contra Costa, Shasta, Santa Clara, San Joaquin, Monterey, Los Angeles, San Diego or Orange counties; $6,339-$10,609 per month. Investigates criminal activity involving licensed businesses, including undercover operations. Deadline: Until filled.
• California Department of Insurance — Casualty Actuary (Telework eligible); Los Angeles, Oakland or Sacramento; $11,092-$14,723 per month. Analyzes insurance data and regulates property and casualty insurance rates. Deadline: July 16.
• California Department of Education — Child Nutrition Consultant (Hybrid); Inyo, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties; $5,892-$8,040 per month. Reviews school nutrition programs and provides guidance to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Deadline: Until filled.
• State Compensation Insurance Fund — Claims Manager (Telework eligible); Bakersfield, Eureka, Fresno, Glendale, Oxnard, Pasadena, Pleasanton, Redding, Rohnert Park, Sacramento, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Stockton or Vacaville; $8,773-$9,965 per month. Oversees claims teams and customer service operations. Deadline: July 20.
• State Compensation Insurance Fund — Insurance Accounting Specialist (Telework eligible); Pleasanton, Riverside, Vacaville, Santa Ana, Sacramento or Pasadena; $6,623-$8,290 per month. Supports financial reporting, accounting operations and regulatory filings. Deadline: July 31.
• State Compensation Insurance Fund — IT Security Specialist (Telework eligible); United States; $8,625-$11,557 per month. Protects the agency’s web applications, cloud systems and AI tools from cyber threats. Deadline: July 11.
• Department of Health Care Services — Medical Consultant (Telework eligible); Sacramento, San Francisco, Richmond, Fresno, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Rancho Cucamonga, Burbank or San Diego; $13,372-$19,790 per month. Reviews policies and procedures for California’s Medical Assistance Program. Deadline: July 20.
• Department of Consumer Affairs — Nursing Education Consultant (Hybrid); More than 20 California cities; $7,207-$10,825 per month. Oversees vocational nursing and psychiatric technician education programs and ensures schools meet state standards. Deadline: July 20.
• California Department of Social Services — Research Data Engineer (Hybrid); Multiple California counties; $7,640-$9,561 per month. Develops and manages data systems used to improve department programs and services. Deadline: July 27.
• Employment Development Department — Training Coordinator (Hybrid eligible); United States; $6,031-$7,547 per month. Designs employee training programs and updates instructional materials to reflect new department policies. Deadline: July 16.