The staff lawyer will be responsible, under policy guidance, direction and supervision of the chief legal counsel, for providing competent legal counsel in all phases of the department, commission and board’s duties and responsibilities, as assigned. These legal services are provided through the chief legal counsel or as assigned from the director.
The lawyer reports to the chief legal counsel who assigns tasks, sets priorities, and reviews the strategies and recommendations on litigation, legal advice, regulations, and legislation in consultation with the lawyer. The lawyer is required to exercise and rely on his or her legal judgment in representing the agency in litigation and in analyzing and advising on legal issues and is required to exercise discretion in the conduct of litigation and administrative contested cases. The lawyer may be assigned to support and assist the assigned lead lawyer in major litigation. Highly sensitive, important, costly, and precedent-setting decisions are discussed with the chief legal counsel, director, chief of staff, chief of operations, and affected administrators and regional supervisors, but the lawyer is responsible for analyzing the legal ramifications of situations and recommending agency action. The lawyer is primarily responsible for legal advice, litigation strategy and conduct, investigations, and negotiations in areas of responsibility and tasks assigned. The lawyer works independently but is responsible for briefing the chief legal counsel and director's office on the more significant strategies and progress.
The duties also require a working knowledge of civil procedure, administrative law, natural resource and environmental law, contract law, and real estate law.
In summary, the lawyer is responsible for providing legal advice and representation on agency policy and legislation, including strategy, that affect both the short-term and long-term operations and goals of the department, commission, and board and for developing strategy and representing the department in litigation and administrative hearings, including prosecuting, defending, negotiating and settling cases, providing legal advice and representation in issues as assigned. The lawyer is also responsible for other day-to-day legal service needs of the department.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Core Competencies:
Teamwork This competency describes a person's ability to work with others, collectively pursuing a common goal regardless of personal preferences. It is the ability to cooperate with all team members, valuing each one's insight and skills. Demonstration of this competency is seen in the following:
Works effectively with individuals and groups; pursues universal solutions. Collaborates with others to understand and meet the public's needs. Shares workload with other team members; goes the extra step to ensure successful completion of work unit goals. Constructively resolves disagreements by negotiating mutual, acceptable solutions. Accepts and provides constructive feedback in working relationships.
Public Service This competency delineates a person's willingness to serve the public, to acknowledge that the citizens of Montana are our customers in addition to protecting the State's resources. This encompasses a person's attitude towards the public and the way that they treat the public in their daily professional life. Demonstration of this competency is seen in the following:
Demonstrates commitment to serving the public interest. Recognizes the public's concerns as meaningful and valuable. Responds positively and constructively to issues voiced by the public. Makes decisions that benefit the public even if the decision is unpopular. Puts the public’s needs ahead of personal interests.
People Skills This competency describes a person's ability to get along with others in a productive and positive manner. It encompasses a person's ability to demonstrate awareness for others feelings and concerns, and their capability in building stable, helpful work relationships. Demonstration of this competency is seen in the following:
Maintains positive working relationships with coworkers, the public, and other agencies. Gains cooperation from others when appropriate. Demonstrates trustworthiness in professional relationships. Treats people with respect, courtesy, and fairness. Maintains focus, emotional control and maturity in work-related situations.
Continual Improvement This competency describes a person's willingness to actively pursue opportunities for betterment in their professional knowledge and experience. It gets at their desire to see change and growth not only in themselves, but in the work processes they contribute to. Demonstration of this competency is seen in the following:
Identifies current opportunities for development and acts to take advantage of them. Shows interest in professional development and capitalizes upon opportunities. Takes initiative to continuously improve professional knowledge and skills. Recognizes inefficient/ineffective processes and identifies alternative solutions. Demonstrates a willingness to learn and try things in new ways.
To Apply:
Please remember to attach the required documents:
Cover Letter Resume
Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. A Resume is not a substitute for the State Application. This position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on March 9, 2025. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.
Special Information:
Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).
A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.
Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.
Office Location: Helena HQ. Regional HQ office location in Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, Kalispell, or Great Falls may be considered.
Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
The knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the duties of this position are acquired through a Juris Doctorate degree and admission to the Montana State Bar, plus 24 months of progressively more responsibility and experience as a practicing attorney, with specific civil trial/hearing experience strongly preferred. Subject matter experience in administrative law, natural resource and environmental law, and real estate law is preferred.
Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment: Not Applicable Salary: $ 49.45 - 49.45 Hourly Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan Number of Openings: 1 Employee Status: Regular Schedule: Full-Time Job Type: Standard Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes, 20 % of the Time Primary Location: Helena Agency: Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks Union: 000 - None Posting Date: Feb 13, 2025, 5:07:01 AM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Mar 10, 2025, 11:29:00 AM Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume Contact Name: Human Resources | Contact Email: **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW*** | Contact Phone: **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW*** The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.
State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
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