Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Senior Associate General Counsel - Staff Attorney 3
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, 55199
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
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 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 attorney will handle a broad range of legal topics related to natural resource law—including mining, water, forestry, fish and wildlife, parks and trails, public lands management, and the intersections among these areas—as well as environmental review, administrative law, data practices, rulemaking, and contracting.
The individual 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;
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
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).
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 Jean Coleman, General Counsel, jean.coleman@state.mn.us or 651‑259‑5066.
Individual with a disability who needs reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process: 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.
Benefits
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
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.
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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
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 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 attorney will handle a broad range of legal topics related to natural resource law—including mining, water, forestry, fish and wildlife, parks and trails, public lands management, and the intersections among these areas—as well as environmental review, administrative law, data practices, rulemaking, and contracting.
The individual 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;
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
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).
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 Jean Coleman, General Counsel, jean.coleman@state.mn.us or 651‑259‑5066.
Individual with a disability who needs reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process: 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.
Benefits
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
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.
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