Closing Date: 11th November, 2025

Description:

General Counsel Division, Infrastructure and Transportation Section
The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) seeks one attorney to join the Infrastructure and Transportation Section (INS) of the General Counsel Division. The successful applicant will work within INS to provide general counsel advice and legal services to state agencies, including transactional support and advice.

The Infrastructure and Transportation Section
INS supports the delivery of the state's most critical built infrastructure and transportation services.

INS attorneys serve the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and other transportation agencies, providing advice and legal services, supporting administration, operation, and maintenance of the state's transportation services and infrastructure. INS attorneys routinely advise ODOT regarding: its legal authorities; environmental compliance programs (e.g. National Environmental Protection Act, Clean Water Act, solid and hazardous waste programs, etc.); land use and other issues in planning and permitting; land interest acquisition; maintenance jurisdiction and operation responsibilities for the transportation system; and procurement and contracting to support project development over the lifecycle of the project.

Additionally, INS attorneys provide specialized advice and transactional support to all state agencies, such as Oregon Department of Administrative Services and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, involved in design and construction projects, through project planning, procurement, contract development, contract review, and administration. INS attorneys also provide legal services supporting the state's efforts to increase equity and accessibility throughout state government. Our work requires our attorneys to develop a deep understanding of Oregon's public contracting code and infrastructure needs.

Position Description:
The successful applicant will have a combined practice providing transactional advice and oral and written advice to agencies regarding their programs and authorities. This recruitment seeks candidates willing and able to work collaboratively with other attorneys and client representatives; willing and able to engage in and support contested case hearings work; interested and proficient in procurement and contracting, including contract administration and disputes; and driven to provide strategic, quality legal services to state agencies.

Duties of this position may include:

Advising on agency authority and state law, including funding and program rules;
Advising on public records and meetings laws;
Reviewing and drafting agreements;
Assisting in developing legislation and administrative rules;
Reviewing, drafting and developing procurement and bid documents;
Reviewing, drafting and developing design and construction contracts;
Assisting agencies with conventional design-bid-build transactions, as well as advanced and alternative construction delivery methods;
Working cooperatively with other attorneys within INS and across the General Counsel Division and DOJ to ensure correct and coordinated legal services; and
Other duties as assigned by management.

Attributes of a successful candidate will include:

Excellent writer;
Excellent communicator, including ability to efficiently and successfully explain complex legal concepts to clients;
Thrives when handling a full workload;
Accountability for work product and time management skills;
A growth mind-set and openness to receiving constructive feedback;
Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with colleagues and clients;
A commitment to public service; and
A recognition of the DOJ's unique role as the single legal representative for the state of Oregon, and the importance of coordinated and consistent representation between AAGs across projects and agencies.

Office Location/Remote Work
This position is Salem-based with opportunities for working remotely on a hybrid schedule.

Minimum Qualifications:

Law degree from a fully accredited law school and an active member in good standing with the Oregon State Bar by the time of appointment;
At least five years of either legal experience or a combination of career and legal experience relevant to the position duties; and
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and belonging where individual experiences and perspectives are valued and supported.

Preferred Qualifications:

At least three years' transactional experience or at least three years' experience working on procurement and contracting matters;
Excellent contract drafting skills and familiarity with Oregon's public contracting code and administrative rules;
Experience providing legal services to a governmental entity in Oregon;
A working knowledge of the National Environmental Protection Act;
A working knowledge of Oregon's land use laws and appeals procedures;
Experience working with the Federal Highways Administration or the Oregon Department of Transportation; and
Experience analyzing, applying, and drafting state or local statutes, ordinances, policies, and rules.

Applicants are asked to provide details in their cover letter and resume that explain how their education, training, and experience meet the minimum qualifications. You may still be considered if you do not have all or some of the “Preferred Qualifications.” Applicants most closely matching the requirements and needs of the position will be invited to interview. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to Andrea Goodwin, Attorney-in-Charge, Infrastructure and Transportation Section, at 971-218-1657 or andrea.goodwin@doj.oregon.gov.

Application Process:
To apply for this position, follow the "Apply" link above and complete the application online and all supplemental questions.

Attach your resume.

Attach your cover letter.

Attach a writing sample (not to exceed seven pages) suitable for assessing analytical and writing ability. A writing sample is not needed from attorneys currently working at the Oregon Department of Justice at the time of application. However, a copy may be requested at a later date if needed.

This OAJA-represented position will be filled at either the Assistant Attorney General or Senior Assistant Attorney General level, salary range $8,842.00 - $17,168.00 per month, depending primarily on years of legal practice experience and other factors. Employees who are Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95% and pay a 6% employee contribution to PERS; the salary range noted reflects base salary only. For a partial list of our benefits, you can learn here.

All Applicants: You will only have one opportunity to upload the required resume and cover letter. Drag and drop both resume and cover letter into Workday when prompted to upload your resume. If you are concerned that one or both requested documents didn't attach to your application, if you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions, or need assistance with the application process, please contact doj.recruitment@doj.oregon.gov. Any materials emailed will be associated on your behalf if received before the posting deadline.

Current State Employees: Login to Workday using your state-issued login and apply via the Jobs Hub Worklet located on your home page. Using a private account disrupts the hiring process for all internal candidates.

The Department of Justice:
The Mission of the Oregon Department of Justice is to serve state government and to support safe and healthy communities throughout Oregon by providing essential justice services. Its over 1,600 employees in ten divisions, including nearly 400 lawyers, are dedicated to the rule of law and serving the people of Oregon and its government.

The Attorney General and our ten divisions are dedicated to:

Providing ethical, independent and high quality legal services to state government;
Safeguarding consumers from fraud and unfair business practices;
Fighting crime and helping crime victims;
Advocating for vulnerable children;
Supporting families through the collection of child support;
Enforcing environmental protections;
Defending the civil rights of all Oregonians;
Pursuing justice and upholding the rule of law.

Working for the Department of Justice:
Assistant Attorneys General, on behalf of the Attorney General, represent the State of Oregon and state-elected and appointed officials, agencies, boards and commissions in most civil and many criminal proceedings. The Department offers a broad range of opportunities for attorneys to work on significant and complex issues that face our state and make a difference to the citizens of Oregon while providing unparalleled career satisfaction and professional prospects.

Conduct Expectations:
The role of the Oregon Depart