Assistant Attorney General - Natural Resources

About the job

The Office of the Attorney General, Natural Resources Division, has an immediate opening for an attorney to represent the Department of Natural Resources. The position involves advising the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands on a wide variety of state and federal legal issues related to management of sovereign lands, the administration and enforcement of conservation easements, and any other issues affecting the sovereign lands and forestry programs. This position requires membership in the Utah State Bar and qualification for admission to the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah. The applicant should have excellent written and oral advocacy skills, the ability to communicate ideas and information clearly and concisely, and the ability to work with others as part of a team. Preference for applicants with at least three years of legal experience related to natural resources and a working knowledge/understanding of state and federal laws pertaining to land management and forestry, including CERCLA, NFMA, the Utah Administrative Procedures Act, and other relevant statutes. Ideal candidates will have experience with sovereign/submerged lands, the public trust doctrine, contract/permit review and drafting, minerals royalties/leasing, and conservation easements. The position is located in Salt Lake City. The Office of the Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer. Security background checks are completed as a condition of employment. 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 and determining evidence to be used. ● Writes or drafts correspondence, reports, legal briefs and/or other written materials. ● Receives, researches and responds to incoming questions or complaints; provides information, explains policy and procedures, and/or facilitates a resolution. ● Represents the State or the employing agency in lawsuits, grievances, complaints, and other matters. ● Prepares litigation documents and legal work product, developing clear and concise analyses and recommendations grounded in case facts, applicable law, and state and federal regulatory standards. ● Conducts conferences with defendants and/or attorneys, negotiates settlements, and appears in court. ● Conducts, or represents agency at, formal or informal hearings. ● May be required to travel to various court locations and stay overnight.