Job ID: 24234
Agency: Department of Game, Fish and Parks
Location: Pierre
Salary: $99,643.54 to $115,796.51 annually; depending on experience
Pay Grade: L3
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. For more information on the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, please visit https://gfp.sd.gov/.

This position will serve as the Department of Game, Fish and Parks senior attorney addressing all legal matters/issues.

Duties will include providing legal opinions, litigation, drafting of contractual agreements, rules and laws; and will also provide legal counsel and interpretation of law for the Game, Fish and Parks Commission.

Why the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks?
Working for the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is not just a job. It is a life passion. It is about working together as a team with colleagues, customers, landowners, and partner organizations to ensure that our state’s outdoor heritage lives on for the next generation. Providing exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities for people to enjoy is one of the best jobs in state government. Our atmosphere empowers professional success and team building, while fostering relationships to build a culture focused on our four strategic plan goals.

• Provide outdoor recreational opportunities
• Serve as stewards of our state’s natural resources
• Inspire confidence
• Foster professional excellence

All we need is you to join our team! Sound like a good fit so far? As a South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks employee, here is what you will experience:

• Innovation – the GFP team is consistently revolutionizing enhancements to outdoor recreation in terms of technology and customer experience. We invite new ideas and interaction from our employees.
• Collaboration and Communication – our employees work with various teams, programs, and divisions within the agency, outside state and federal agencies, and public stakeholders. We want all employees to know that their voice will be heard as we continuously work towards our future goals.
• Professional Development – We provide training and support for you to become an expert in the field and obtain the skills necessary to be successful in your position.
• Task Diversity – the work duties are never boring. Your duties may include meetings with coworkers, collaborating with other government representatives, representing the Department at Commission meetings and national conferences, visiting one of our state parks and recreation areas or working to enhance habitat on a game production area. The outdoors provides for a pretty nice corner office!

What You Will Do:
Duties will include providing legal opinions, litigation, drafting of contractual agreements, rules and laws; and will also provide legal counsel and interpretation of law for the Game, Fish and Parks Commission.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
At least five (5) years of prior legal experience in civil and/or criminal practice and litigation, appellate practice, and administrative law. Must be proficient in performing legal research; possess the ability to interpret federal laws, state statutes, and administrative rules; possess strong oral and written communication skills, including preparation of legal briefs, reports, memorandums, and correspondence; prepare legislation and administrative rules and be familiar with the process required to adopt legislation and administrative rules; be a self-starter; and have the ability to work well with others.

Must be a graduate of an accredited law school and be a member of or eligible for admission to the South Dakota State Bar.

Knowledge of:

• federal laws, state statutes and administrative rules;
• legal briefs, reports, memorandums and correspondence.

Skill to:

• providing legal support to various divisions and the commission within the Department Game, Fish and Parks;
• drafting legislation and administrative rules;
• maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
• other duties as assigned by the Department Secretary.

Ability to:

• deal tactfully with others;
• work with other professionals on highly technical issues;
• communicate effectively;
• conduct meetings and presentations;
• work independently with minimal supervision, while following instructions and accepting guidance;
• analyze facts, evidence, and precedents and arrive at a logical interpretation.

What South Dakota Has to Offer:
Pierre, South Dakota is centrally located in the state and boasts the beautiful Missouri River. Our state has a rich frontier history and is a premier outdoor destination, offering some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the nation. Fishing, hunting, and photography are all popular activities that offer year-round opportunities for residents. Multiple state parks are ideal getaways for camping, hiking and biking.

If you enjoy a career that is both exciting and challenging and want to make a difference in public service, we’d like to hear from you!

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach a cover letter and Curriculum Vitae.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

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 employer paid health insurance 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://sodakprod-lm01.cloud.infor.com:1443/lmghr/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=NAE
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"