Legal Counsel

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status). To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history.  Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history.  To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Date:  May 7, 2025
Location: 

Springfield, IL, US, 62702

Job Requisition ID:  47104

Job Requisition ID: 47104
Closing Date: 05/21/2025
​Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015 
Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary - $8,000-$10,000 Monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 2
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Gubernatorial (Management Bill) Exclusion from RC010 Collective Bargaining Coverage


****A RESUME IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING****


Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV), a copy of your transcripts or diploma for all degrees earned, and a copy of any applicable professional licensures to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. Please note that the Department of Natural Resources must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) before any offer can be extended. You WILL NOT be considered for the position if you attach a CMS100, CMS100b or any other document in lieu of a Resume or CV.

 

 

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is looking to hire two lawyers to be part of the legal team. These positions will provide legal assistance on all inquiries including labor law, procurement, personnel, budget, natural resource issues, contracts, grants and other legal matters.  They will assist with drafting and reviewing administrative rules and legislation. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources deals with a multitude of issues related to the resources in Illinois including, water resources, state parks, historic sites, invasive species, forestry, law enforcement, mines and minerals, oil and gas, etc. We welcome all interested candidates to apply.

Essential Functions

  • Conducts legal research related to administrative rules, legislation, grants, human resources labor relations, procurement, personnel and budget matters
  • Drafts and Reviews agreements for legal sufficiency
  • Represents the Department in referrals to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, including Court of Claims cases
  • Advises Department staff on legal issues related to the Department’s missions and duties
  • Represents the Department in administrative hearings in the administration of the Department’s programs implementing its powers and duties
  • Assist with the review and processing of requests for documents under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

  • Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college.
  • Requires graduation from a recognized law school.
  • Requires a license to practice law in the state of Illinois

Preferred Qualifications

  • Two (2) years of thorough knowledge of administrative law and contract law.
  • Two (2) years of thorough knowledge of common law, Federal and State laws and regulations pertaining to agency program.
  • Two (2) years thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, practices, and references utilized in legal research.
  • Two (2) years experience as an attorney conducting legal research and drafting legal memos on complex legal issues.
  • Two (2) years of experience as an attorney in drafting proposed legislation, rules, and/or policies.
  • Two (2) years of working experience in legal matters related to natural resources, environmental law, land management, real estate, oil and gas, mining, water resources, conservation, criminal or administrative law.
  • Two (2) years of professional experience in the practice of law

Conditions of Employment

All applicants must be able to meet the following Conditions of Employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position. The State of Illinois complies with federal and state disability laws and will make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities:

  • Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history
  • Requires appropriate, valid Driver's License
  • Requires ability to travel in performance of duties.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: Monday-Friday; 8:30am-5:00pm w/ 1/2 hour lunch
Work Location: IDNR,  One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1813
Agency Contact: Vicky Fowler
Email: Vicky.Fowler@Illinois.gov
Phone #: 217-785-5387
Posting Group: Leadership & Management

 

Revolving Door:
Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine.

 

 

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

  • donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
  • systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com


Nearest Major Market: Springfield