Assistant Attorney General - Natural Resources

Assistant Attorney General - Natural Resources

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $61.08 - $89.70 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site

Recruiter – Desi Crane | aghr@agutah.gov | 385-271-5803
Application Deadline – 8/22/2026

Key Responsibilities

Assistant Attorney General - Public Lands
 

The Office of the Attorney General, Natural Resources Division, has an immediate opening for an attorney to work in its Public Lands Section. The incumbent in this position provides full-time representation to the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office (PLPCO) on matters primarily pertaining to federal public lands in the State of Utah and engagement with the federal agencies that manage them. Preference will be given to applicants with mediation, litigation, and courtroom experience. Some working knowledge of administrative law, public lands law, and general knowledge of natural resources law that pertains to public lands is preferred.

A successful candidate must have excellent oral advocacy and superior writing skills, experience reviewing and managing large volumes of documents, legal research abilities, and excellent case management skills with the ability to build rapport and work cooperatively with client agency representatives. The duties of this position will include working with county officials, state and federal legislators, state and federal agencies, and the public.

Preference will be given to applicants with 2-10 years of experience or more; entry level attorneys will also be considered. The successful candidate must be a member in good standing of the Utah State Bar upon application or have taken the most recent bar exam. Background checks are completed as a condition of employment. Some travel is required, as incumbents will need to represent the State in legal proceedings and related matters throughout the State.

Responsibilities

• Prepares cases by conducting legal research and gathering evidence.
• Provides consultation, makes recommendations, gives appropriate advice, and/or facilitates decisions.
• Determines needs in discovery, and/or completes discovery; participates in decision-making and strategy sessions in preparing cases for court.
• Writes or drafts correspondence, reports, documents and/or other written materials.
• Receives, researches, and responds to incoming questions or complaints; provides information, explains policy and procedures, and/or facilitates resolution.
• Represents the state or the client agency in lawsuits, grievances, and complaints.
• Engages in litigation, negotiates settlements, and participates in other court proceedings.
• Conducts (or represents agency at) formal and/or informal hearings.
• Interviews witnesses and takes depositions in preparation for trial.
• Some travel will be required with overnight stays.
• Communicate information and ideas clearly and concisely in writing
• Read, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures
• Speak clearly, concisely, and effectively
• Experience in the review, analysis, and legal interpretation of NEPA, APA, FLPMA, ESA, and/or NFMA preferred
• Familiarity with R.S. 2477 is not required but would be beneficial
• Understand and apply statutory and case law
• Analyze and draw conclusions regarding statutes, legal codes, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and legislative history
• Interact with people in a manner which shows sensitivity, tact, and professionalism
• Identify current and emerging trends in interpretation of legislative principles, theories, and practices of judicial or administrative law

 

 

 

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• A Juris Doctorate is required.
• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.
• A conditional offer of employment will be made pending a satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
• Member in good standing of the Utah State Bar.
• Must be able to travel as required. 
• Valid driver license required to drive a motor vehicle on a highway in this state per UCA 53-3-202(1)(a). 
• Attorneys are hired at a salary consistent with their experience-level-peers in non-supervisory positions. For the purpose of starting salary calculation, experience level is based on initial Bar admittance year, less any years not practicing law. Annual salary ranges for each grade level are outlined below:

About the Role

Location –
1594 West North Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116
United States
Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – AG - Employees at the Attorney General's Office

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization. 
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals. 
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

Utah Attorney General Office

If you are looking to make a meaningful impact while working in a dynamic, fast-paced legal environment, the Attorney General’s Office offers a unique opportunity. As counselors, protectors, and stewards, the Office plays a vital role in defending both the U.S. and Utah constitutions, protecting residents, and preserving the resources that make Utah special. You’ll contribute to upholding justice, advising state agencies, and safeguarding the rights and interests of Utah’s citizens. With responsibilities ranging from prosecuting corporate misconduct to enforcing public lands policy and supporting children’s justice initiatives, your work here will be both diverse and rewarding. Join a team dedicated to serving the public and advancing the cause of justice in Utah.

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (385) 271-5803.

Salary

• $61.08 - $89.70/hour