Assistant Attorney General - Environmental Grants, Contracts, and Procurement

Assistant Attorney General - Environmental Grants, Contracts, and Procurement

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 | 801-597-4659
Application Deadline – 9/7/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental Grants, Contracts, and Procurement Attorney Role Supporting Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

This recruitment will be open until filled. Applications will be reviewed weekly.

The Environment, Health, and Human Services Division of the Utah Attorney General’s Office seeks a highly motivated attorney to provide dedicated legal support to the Utah Division of Air Quality (DAQ) with a primary focus on program development, implementation, administration, and compliance oversight of federal and state air-quality-related grant programs.

The position centers on legal counsel advising on grant program development, implementation, and operations with extensive contract review, drafting, and negotiation responsibilities for a large portfolio of federally funded programs administered by DAQ (including Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Grants , Clean Ports Program, Climate Pollution Reduction Grants, Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, Mitigating Emissions from Marginal Conventional Wells Grants, Targeted Airshed Grants, and related initiatives).

This temporary position is grant funded through January 2029 and is designed to support DAQ’s rapidly expanding grants and incentives programs, including subawards, and implementation grants, which require continuous federal compliance and risk management review, timely deliverables, and high-volume contract-related processing.

 

Responsibilities

Provide full-spectrum legal counsel to DAQ’s Grants & Incentives Section, including:

●        Drafting, reviewing, and approving participant agreements, amendments, MOUs, MOAs, vendor contracts, subaward agreements, and grant program terms and conditions, and other grant-related legal documents.

●        Ensuring compliance with federal requirements including 2 CFR 200, Build America Buy America (BABA), Davis-Bacon Act, and other federal conditions relevant to DAQ grant programs.

●        Advise on legally defensible program requirements pre- and post- program launch. Conducting legal analyses regarding program eligibility, participant support costs, privacy/PII handling, and federal reporting expectations.

●        Interpretation of federal governing documents and federal agency regulations and policies.

●        Advising on data-sharing with partner agencies, utilities, federal entities, and contractors; evaluating legal risks and compliance under state and federal privacy and public records requirements.

●        Supporting DAQ staff in managing high-volume contract-related queues, urgent deadlines, and complex multistakeholder grant frameworks.

●        Provide legal guidance on state procurement requirements, including contract routing questions, vendor eligibility, purchasing thresholds, exemption analysis, and coordination with DAQ program staff when procurement issues arise.

●        Advise DAQ on federal grant risk management, audit readiness, and ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance and minimize exposure to enforcement or funding risks.

Qualifications

●        Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.

●        Admission to the Utah State Bar in good standing.

●        Demonstrated ability to interpret complex federal regulations, grants guidance, and administrative law principles.

●        Excellent legal writing, contract drafting, and analytical skills.

●        Strong ability to manage high-volume workloads with strict deadlines.

●        Must successfully complete a background investigation prior to final employment offer.

●        Comfortable working in a typical office environment, including safe use of office equipment and adherence to fire regulations.

Preferred Qualifications:

●        Experience with administrative law, government contracting, federal grants, public procurement, or environmental law.

●        Experience advising government agencies or working in the public sector.

●        Familiarity with federal financial assistance programs, 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance), and federal grant frameworks.

About the Role

Location –
195 North 1950 West
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

Application Materials

 Applicants must submit a cover letter describing their interest in the position, resume (including relevant accomplishments, work experience, class rank, and GPA.), contact details, three references, unofficial law school transcript, and a substantive writing sample. A security background check is required. Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted. The Utah Office of the Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer.

Salary

Salary determined by experience level, based on initial Bar admittance year and years actively practicing law, less any years not practicing law.

 Bar Date         Annual
2026-2024  $127,046.40
2023-2021  $134,035.20
2020-2018  $141,814.40
2017-2013  $149,988.80
2012- Prior $151,881.60 - $186,576.00 (Depending on Experience)

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.

The Agency
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