Lawyer

PLEASE NOTE\: THIS POSITION WILL BE OPEN UNTIL FILLED, WITH A FIRST DATE OF REVIEW ON December 16, 2024

Work Unit Overview:

This position is part of the Department of Natural Resources Legal Unit in Helena, MT.  This position will primarily provide legal advice and representation to DNRC's Central Services Division (which includes the Office of Administrative Hearings, Fiscal Bureau, and Human Resources Bureau), Forestry/Trust Land Division, and Water Resources Division.

DNRC Legal Counsel:

•   Collaborates with legal team and works closely with DNRC program staff on a wide range of legal issues related to management of Montana’s natural resources.
•         Provides legal advice, conducts document review, and drafts legal documents for DNRC staff and leadership related to legal issues and policy matters involving the DNRC’s mission.  
•         Represents DNRC in all phases of litigation and administrative proceedings that involve defending or pursuing affirmative actions related to DNRC’s natural resource management responsibilities. 
•         Performs a variety of additional duties which may include providing legal support for special projects, rulemaking, and legislative drafting.

Supervision\:  It is not expected that this position will supervise staff.

Application and Selection Procedures\:  Selection procedures to be used in evaluating applicant's qualifications may include, but not limited to\: an evaluation of education, work experience, applicant’s writing sample, submitted materials and an interview(s).

APPLICATION MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION ARE\: 

• State Application
• Cover Letter - Your cover letter should explain your interest and/or experience in natural resource law, property law, administrative law and/or other relevant experience.
• Resume

TIP\:  When attaching your resume, cover letter and other material, you must mark the attachments as "relevant".  

BENEFITS:

• Health Care & Benefits  
• Retirement 
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays

For any questions regarding this position, please contact Becky Quick at 406-444-6673 or at Rebecca.Quick@mt.gov.

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• The required knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school with course work in constitutional, natural resource, mineral, property, and administrative law. 
• Incumbent must become licensed to practice law in Montana within 6 months of hire.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of legal analysis principles, practices and theories.
• Knowledge of court and administrative hearing processes, procedures, and rules.
• Knowledge of legal research methods and techniques, including use of LEXIS, Westlaw, and the internet.
• Ability to analyze difficult legal problems and synthesize a course of action.
• Ability to maintain a positive, cordial, and effective relationship with throughout the Department.
• Advanced skill in written and oral communication.
• Ability to use a personal computer, various software programs, and standard office equipment necessary to perform the functions of the position.

Special Information:  Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.  A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months. 

Eligibility to Work: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver’s license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card".  The State of Montana does not sponsor Visa's or Green Cards.