Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources General Counsel

Job Description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 31752
Agency: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Location:Pierre, SDSalary: $85,000 - $105,000/annually, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: L1, L2 or L3
Closing Date: 06/25/2025

The Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources (DANR) is seeking a dedicated Attorney to provide legal expertise in supporting the department's mission to protect and preserve agriculture, environment, and natural resources through effective regulatory services, natural resource conservation, and financial and technical assistance. This role involves advising multiple divisions, ensuring regulatory compliance, and representing the department in legal proceedings.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney looking to apply their expertise in a public service setting, directly impacting our state's environment and agricultural landscape in a team setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide legal counsel to department secretary and divisions on legal matters.
• Oversee compliance with federal and state regulations, including the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act.
• Represent the department in administrative hearings and other legal proceedings.
• Oversee the Ag Mediation Program.
• Legislative responsibilities: bill review, drafting, and lobbying.
• Manage open records requests and ensure adherence to public records laws.
• Advise staff and boards on compliance with open meetings laws.
• Assist staff with development and execution of enforcement actions and settlement agreements.
• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda, policies, and legal opinions.

This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources. For more information on the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources, please visit https://danr.sd.gov/ .

Licenses and Certifications:

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree.
• Licensed to practice law in South Dakota.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
1-20 years of experience; knowledge of South Dakota and federal regulations and a strong desire to advocate for our state's agriculture heritage and environmental regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to assess legal risks and provide clear, practical guidance.
• Knowledge of South Dakota agriculture and natural resources. .
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to agriculture, the environment, and natural resource protection.
• Knowledge of the state and federal legislative process.
• Experience handling administrative hearings and regulatory compliance matters is a plus.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume and a legal brief writing sample of less than 10 pages.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/ . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=1RK
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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