Attorney 2

Closing Date: 4th December, 2023

Description:

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.

Are you passionate about conserving and protecting the environment? If so, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hiring an attorney to do exactly that! DNR protects the environment and manages the state's natural resources on behalf of the people. This important and rewarding work improves the quality of life in Iowa and ensures a legacy for future generations. If you want a career with excellent work/life balance and a gratifying and dynamic legal practice – this is the right position for you.

DNR seeks an attorney who is inquisitive, pro-active, disciplined, team-orientated, and self-sufficient. Your practice will be diverse and complex and include the following tasks:

• Enforce state and federal environmental laws and rules
• Review and evaluate alleged violations; conduct investigations to obtain facts
• Prepare administrative orders and conduct settlement discussions
• Represent the Department in contested cases, which includes performing all preparatory discovery functions and leading the litigation; as well as handling subsequent appeals or reviews before the Environmental Protection Commission
• Provide legal and policy advice to staff and management
• Prepare for and participate with the Iowa Attorney General's Office in litigation relating to environmental programs
• Assist with drafting administrative rules and ensure procedural and substantive compliance with the Iowa Administrative Procedure Act and underlying enabling laws
• Research, draft, and review legislation; assist the Department's legislative liaison
• Write and review contracts and agreements, and other similar documents as necessary to execute the Department's mission
• Respond to the general public's questions on Iowa's environmental laws
• Serve as general counsel to the DNR's Land Quality Bureau. The Land Quality Bureau is responsible for providing technical assistance and oversight for the remediation of contaminated sites, management of solid waste, cleanup of underground storage tanks, flood plain management, dam safety, coordination of geographic information systems, and development of sustainable environmental practices through financial and professional assistance.

Skills needed / preferred:

• At least 2 years of full-time work in the practice of law
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Project and time management
• Positive and professional demeanor

Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach a resume and cover Letter to the online application.

Note: The DNR is also hiring an Attorney 2 to assist with natural resources conservation, management, and outdoor recreation. Applicants are encouraged to apply for one or both opportunities. If you wish to be considered for both positions, you must apply to each individually. Please personalize your cover letter to indicate your interest in one or both positions.
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Essential Functions:

• Read, analyze, and understand State and Federal regulations, administrative rules, and procedures - and apply them as required.
• Conduct legal research and give legal advice in both oral and written formats.
• Conduct meetings, negotiations and lead investigations.
• Draft legal documents applying knowledge of administrative and civil procedure, law and rules of evidence.
• Manage client needs and matters and overall case load with professionalism, discretion, and integrity.
• Familiarity with computerized legal research skills

Critical Job Competencies
Position Specific Competencies: Accountability, Attention to Detail, Common Sense, Communication Skills, Computer Skills, Critical Thinking and Reasoning, Customer Focus, Negotiation Skills, Self-Management, Team Player, Technical Skills - Law????

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