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Associate General Counsel

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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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: 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.

Job Summary

 

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.

Qualifications

 

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 

Application Details

 

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 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.