Working Title: Associate General Counsel
Job Class: Staff Attorney 1
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 93659
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 04/18/2026
Closing Date : 05/08/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Commissioner's Office / DNR General Counsel
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $34.69 - $51.45 / hourly; $72,432 - $107,427 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Employees/MAPE
FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) seeks a Staff Attorney 1 to assist the General Counsel and Senior Associate General Counsels in performing legal work. As part of the General Counsel team, this attorney assists on a broad range of legal topics related to natural resource law, which may include water, forestry, fish and wildlife, parks and trails, public lands management, and the intersections among these areas. Work will also encompass environmental review and administrative law, specifically data practices, rulemaking, and contracting. Core functions are legal research, interpretation of federal and state laws, regulations, and court cases, and assisting in advising DNR Divisions on natural resource and administrative law issues.
Responsibilities include:
Providing accurate legal advice and interpretation of state and federal laws and regulations to ensure that appropriate options and solutions are defined and developed.
Providing accurate and relevant legal information to senior attorneys in a timely and efficient manner.
Assisting with complex legal issues by providing legal research, drafting legal memoranda, or reviewing documents.
Providing accurate legal advice and interpretation of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act to ensure legal compliance. Providing legal review of documents responsive to data practices requests to ensure that not public data and data protected by legal privilege are redacted prior to production. Contributing to the development of data practices policies and procedures for the DNR.
Assisting in the development and review of rules, policies, and procedures ensuring compliance with applicable laws while meeting the DNR's goals and objectives.
This position requires in-person work at least three full days per week at the DNR Central Office in St. Paul, Minnesota. Part-time telework may be approved at the discretion of the agency and is subject to change. If approved, the employee must complete a telework agreement.
Minimum Qualifications
A J.D. degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
A current license to practice law in the State of Minnesota.
One year experience practicing law that demonstrates all the areas below:
Excellent legal research, analysis, and writing skills.
Strong communication skills demonstrating the ability to speak and write effectively related to legal advice and assistance.
Ability to understand, interpret, and explain laws, rules, and regulations, and apply this understanding to complex legal and factual matters.
Ability to collaborate effectively with individuals in a variety of positions to identify issues and resolve problems.
Demonstrated experience practicing natural resource or environmental law or at least 2 years of documented coursework in natural resource or environmental law.
Demonstrated experience in legal research, writing, and constructing a legal argument.
Demonstrated ability to relate and communicate effectively with individuals who do not share the same culture, ethnicity, language or common experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Law review, moot court or judicial clerkship
Working knowledge of administrative law or tribal law.
Experience with state governance requirements.
Experience developing and conducting technical training on legal matters.
Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal History Check
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
