Senior Associate General Counsel - Staff Attorney 3

Working Title: Senior Associate General Counsel

Job Class: Staff Attorney 3

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 90018
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes; up to 40%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/04/2025
• Closing Date: 11/24/2025
• 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: $42.94 - $63.69 / hourly; $89,658 - $132,984 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Employee/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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 is seeking a Staff Attorney 3 to join its Office of General Counsel, which includes the General Counsel and two other attorneys. This position plays a critical role in addressing some of the most complex areas of law in the State.

As part of the General Counsel team, this attorney will handle a broad range of legal topics related to natural resource law, which may include mining, water, forestry, fish and wildlife, parks and trails, public lands management, and the intersections among these areas. Work may also encompass environmental review and administrative law, such as data practices, rulemaking, and contracting.

The individual in this position will conduct legal and policy research, perform analysis on diverse and complex matters, provide legal advice, and produce written materials for a variety of audiences and purposes. As the agency’s lead attorney in assigned practice areas and primary legal advisor for assigned divisions, this position regularly provides direct guidance to agency leadership and handles legal issues that are complex, novel, and interdisciplinary.

Collaboration is essential—this attorney will work closely with scientific and technical staff and coordinate litigation in assigned areas with the Office of the Attorney General.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal analysis and advice on the application of Minnesota statutes, rules, and common law to fact situations, policy proposals, and hypothetical questions to ensure consistent and lawful decision-making across the DNR.
• Advise the Department and Senior Leadership on additional legal matters outside assigned areas of responsibility, as requested by the General Counsel.
• Collaborate as part of a small, dedicated team of attorneys.
• Direct, mentor, and advise less experienced attorneys, as requested by the General Counsel.
  
  

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, or eligibility to obtain Minnesota licensure prior to the start date if licensed in another state; and
• Four years of advanced professional experience that demonstrate the areas below:
• Excellent legal research, analysis, and writing skills.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills related to legal advice and assistance.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and explain laws, rules, and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with individuals in a variety of positions to identify issues and resolve problems.
• Experience in legal research, writing, and constructing a legal argument.
• Experience interpreting federal or state laws and regulations.
• Experience providing legal advice to senior leadership.
• Working knowledge of administrative law and natural resource or environmental laws or tribal laws.
• Experience in drafting legal documents.
• Experience litigating in federal, state, or administrative forums or managing litigation.
• Ability to effectively communicate with multicultural communities.
• Ability to research and incorporate perspectives from different cultural and community stakeholder groups in the development of policy.
• Awareness of various cultural norms, sufficient to adapt tactics and expectations to balance legal and program requirements with cultural norms.
• Ability to treat employees inclusively in the areas of accommodation, accessibility, scheduling, expectations, individualized resource needs, training, and development.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Law review, moot court, or judicial clerkship.
• Familiarity with permitting and/or enforcement.
• Experience working with technical or natural resource experts.
• Experience with state governance requirements.
• Experience developing and conducting technical training on legal matters.
• Experience working with the Minnesota Attorney General's Office and/or Minnesota state government agencies.
  
  

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
  
  

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jean Coleman, General Counsel, at jean.coleman@state.mn.us or 651-259-5066.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Chelsie Fisher at chelsie.fisher@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
  
  

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
  
  

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
  
  

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
  
  

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.