Full Job Posting: https://law.alaska.gov/department/jobs/26-NR-01.html
Alaska’s history, culture, and economy are inextricably bound to the State’s natural resources. Working in the Natural Resources section offers a unique opportunity to participate in development of Alaska natural resource management law, support dynamic resource management programs, and witness real-world application of the legal advice provided. Section attorneys typically specialize in particular program areas, but the section functions as a team and attorneys often perform work outside their primary area of responsibility. Opportunities to work on special projects or in newly identified program areas also occur.
The Natural Resources Section advises clients and litigates regarding:
- administration of the State’s 100-million-acre land base, including its public domain, forests, state parks, state refuges, and public trust doctrine lands;
- major infrastructure development projects (roads, mines, rail corridors, dams, etc.);
- management of the State’s fish and game resources; and
- projects involving other state land administrators such as the Trust Land Office, the Alaska Railroad Corporation, and the University of Alaska as well as private landowners.
Natural Resources section attorneys work closely with client program managers in a variety of capacities, including litigation in administrative, state, and federal forums, complex litigation, administrative appeals, major resource development projects and program initiatives, legislation and regulation drafting, and daily operational advice.
Responsibilities
The section currently seeks one experienced litigation attorney to support section clients, including the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land, mining, and water programs, parks, forestry; the Department of Fish and Game and the Board of Fisheries and Board of Game, and the Mental Health Trust Land Office. The selected attorney also will be assigned a variety of advice matters in the section’s portfolio, which includes land and resource management programs as well as federal matters pertaining to Alaska’s resource management interests. Client program assignments will be determined based on attorney experience, skills, and interest. Applicants should identify the nature and extent of their litigation experience and familiarize themselves with the programs administered by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Divisions of Mining Land & Water, Forestry and Fire Protection, Parks and Outdoor Recreation, the Mental Health Trust Land Office, and the Department of Fish and Game and the Boards of Fisheries and Game, and indicate program areas of interest in their applications.
Qualifications
Applicants must have graduated from an accredited law school and have a strong knowledge of general legal principles applicable to state government. Familiarity with Alaska history and Alaska natural resource management programs and policies is important to these positions. Three or more years of experience in state court litigation, including matters concerning land law, water law, and administrative law is strongly preferred.
Qualified applicants must have strong communication, oral advocacy, writing, and time management skills; must demonstrate excellent professional judgment; and must exhibit an interest in working on complex matters. The ability to handle a high volume of work that includes state and federal court litigation, cooperatively prioritize work with several clients, and develop and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues and clients is essential. Successful applicants will have strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work well with colleagues and support staff. Successful applicants will be highly motivated and able to work individually and as a member of a team with minimum supervision.
Application Process
Email your complete application to civil.recruit@alaska.gov.
Include the following documents:
- Cover Letter: List the position number 26-NR-01
- Resume: Include a complete history of education; professional work experience with dates (MM/YYYY); and the states and admission dates (MM/YYYY) for each bar license you have
- 3 Professional References
- 1 Professional Writing Sample
- If you are a current or recent State of Alaska employee, please also submit your most recent performance evaluation.
