Attorney General's Office - Division Director - Natural Resources

The Office of the Utah Attorney General has an immediate opening for an experienced attorney to serve as the Director of its Natural Resources Division. Preference will be given to applicants with experience in natural resources or public lands law, those with management experience, and those who have experience litigating complex cases in federal and state court, including managing complex discovery.

The Division Director will maintain a caseload, review and manage budget, supervise section directors and attorneys, aid and mentor attorneys, and collaborate with client agencies to maintain our team’s high standards.  We are looking for a colleague and leader who is a strong listener, writer, and communicator; and has an enthusiasm for building and being part of a team.

• Manage and guide team of attorneys and staff.
• Represent and advise the Utah Department of Natural Resources its various divisions.
• Assist and collaborate with the Office leadership and other Division Directors.
• Mentor and train attorneys, clerks, paralegals, and staff. 
• Develop and enforce division policies and procedures.
• Evaluate and supervise team members.
• Handle high-profile and complex cases.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Negotiate resolution of complex, multi-party litigation.
• Communicate, write, and listen well.
• Draft legal briefs, contracts, and memoranda. 
• Advise clients and colleagues on complex issues of law and regulation related to natural resources and public lands.
• Present on topics at conferences and panels.
• Learn new skills and practice areas as needed.  
• Potential travel to various events and courts in and outside of Utah.

• Find representing and litigating the public’s interest rewarding.
• Demonstrate inter-personal and management skills.
• Significant experience with complex civil litigation and client management.
• Significant experience managing and training attorneys and staff. 
• Ability to work independently and prioritize own tasks while overseeing and helping other attorneys and staff.
• Superb writing skills.
• Firm understanding of civil procedural and evidentiary rules.
• Commitment to meeting the highest work-product, professionalism, and ethical standards.
• Knowledge of modern technology in the practice of law.
• A Juris Doctorate is required. Candidate must be licensed to practice law in Utah or will be licensed in Utah quickly.
• Preference will be given to candidates with over ten years of relevant post-law school experience.

• This position is based in Salt Lake City and is not suitable for a candidate seeking remote work.
• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated, and requires a candidate to engage in, for example, safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; but there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying light items; driving a car, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.
• A conditional offer of employment will be made pending satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
• Must be able to travel in and out of state approximately two-to-four times a year. 
• Valid driver license required to drive a motor vehicle on a highway per Utah Code section 53-3-202(1)(a). 
• Active membership in the Utah State Bar is required.
• Base salary is calculated based on initial Bar admittance year, less any years not practicing law, as outlined below. Base salary listed herein does not include $10,000 annual management increase for Division Directors or any applicable grade or loyalty increases for existing employees.

  Bar Year	Base Rate	Annual (Rounded)
  2022-2024	$55.62	$115,690
  2019-2021	$58.62	$121,930
  2012-2018	$61.71	$128,357
  2007-2011	$64.89	$134,971
  2002-2006	$67.98	$141,398
  1997-2001	$71.07	$147,826
  1992-1996	$74.16	$154,253
  1987-1991	$77.25	$160,680
  1982-1986	$80.34	$167,107
  1977-1981	$83.43	$173,534
  1976-Prior	$86.43	$179,774