Agency Legal Counsel

Agency Legal Counsel

The Role: Agency Legal Counsel will be responsible, under policy guidance, direction, and supervision of the Chief Legal Counsel, for providing competent legal counsel in all aspects of the operations of the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, the Fish and Wildlife Commission, and the Parks and Recreation Board. The Agency Legal Counsel reports to the Chief Legal Counsel, who assigns tasks, sets priorities, and reviews the strategies and recommendations on litigation, legal advice, regulations, and legislation in consultation with the Agency Legal Counsel. The Agency Legal Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice and representation on agency policy and legislation, including strategy, that affect both the short-term and long-term operations and goals of the Department, Commission, and Board, for developing strategy and representing the Department in litigation and administrative hearings, including prosecuting, defending, negotiating, and settling cases, and for providing legal advice on day-to-day legal service needs of the Department. The Agency Legal Counsel is required to exercise and rely on his or her legal experience and judgment in representing the agency in litigation and in analyzing and advising on legal issues and is required to exercise discretion in the conduct of litigation and administrative contested cases. The Agency Legal Counsel may be assigned to serve as either the lead or supporting attorney in major litigation. Highly sensitive, important, costly, and precedent-setting decisions are discussed with the Chief Legal Counsel, Director, other members of the Director's Office, and affected administrators and regional supervisors, but the Agency Legal Counsel is ultimately responsible for analyzing the legal ramifications of situations and recommending appropriate agency action. The Agency Legal Counsel works independently but is responsible for briefing the Chief Legal Counsel and the Director's Office on the more significant strategies and progress. The duties of the position require a working knowledge of civil procedure, administrative law, natural resource and environmental law, contract law, and real estate law.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Core Competencies:

• Teamwork: This competency describes a person's ability to work with others, collectively pursuing a common goal regardless of personal preferences. It is the ability to cooperate with all team members, valuing each one's insight and skills. Demonstration of this competency is seen in the following: Works effectively with individuals and groups; pursues universal solutions. Collaborates with others to understand and meet the public's needs. Shares workload with other team members; goes the extra step to ensure successful completion of work unit goals. Constructively resolves disagreements by negotiating mutual, acceptable solutions. Accepts and provides constructive feedback in working relationships.
• Public Service: This competency delineates a person's willingness to serve the public, to acknowledge that the citizens of Montana are our customers in addition to protecting the State's resources. This encompasses a person's attitude towards the public and the way that they treat the public in their daily professional life. Demonstration of this competency is seen in the following: Demonstrates commitment to serving the public interest. Recognizes the public's concerns as meaningful and valuable. Responds positively and constructively to issues voiced by the public. Makes decisions that benefit the public even if the decision is unpopular. Puts the public's needs ahead of personal interests.
• People Skills: This competency describes a person's ability to get along with others in a productive and positive manner. It encompasses a person's ability to demonstrate awareness for others feelings and concerns, and their capability in building stable, helpful work relationships. Demonstration of this competency is seen in the following: Maintains positive working relationships with coworkers, the public, and other agencies. Gains cooperation from others when appropriate. Demonstrates trustworthiness in professional relationships. Treats people with respect, courtesy, and fairness. Maintains focus, emotional control and maturity in work-related situations.
• Continual Improvement: This competency describes a person's willingness to actively pursue opportunities for betterment in their professional knowledge and experience. It gets at their desire to see change and growth not only in themselves, but in the work processes they contribute to. Demonstration of this competency is seen in the following: Identifies current opportunities for development and acts to take advantage of them. Shows interest in professional development and capitalizes upon opportunities. Takes initiative to continuously improve professional knowledge and skills. Recognizes inefficient/ineffective processes and identifies alternative solutions. Demonstrates a willingness to learn and try things in new ways.

To Apply: Please remember to attach the required documents: Cover Letter, Resume. Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. A Resume is not a substitute for the State Application. This position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Sunday, June 14, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Special Information: Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick leave and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association). A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation. Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply. Office Location: Helena HQ Preferred. Regional HQ office location in Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, Kalispell, or Great Falls may be considered.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience): The minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties of this position are acquired through possession of a JD degree from an ABA-accredited law school and admission to the Montana State Bar, plus two (2) years of progressively more responsibility and experience as a practicing attorney, with specific civil trial/hearing experience strongly preferred. Subject matter experience in administrative law, natural resource and environmental law, and real estate law is preferred.

Salary: $50.64-51.91 Hourly

Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)

Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings: 1

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-Time

Job Type: Standard

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes, 15 % of the Time

Primary Location: Helena

Agency: Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Union: 000 - None

Posting Date: May 25, 2026, 6:33:37 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Jun 15, 2026, 5:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name: Human Resources | Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io | Contact Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io