Labor & Employment Counsel

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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 View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io 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), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. 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 .

Job Requisition ID: 59488
Opening Date: 10/22/2026
Closing Date: 11/06/2026
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: $9,500 - $11,500 a month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Confidential (Management Bill) Exclusion from RC010 Collective Bargaining Coverage
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00 pm
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 2 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs
Headquarter Location: IDNR Headquarters, 1 Natural Resources Wy, Springfield, Illinois, 62702
Work County: Sangamon
Agency Contact: Vicky Fowler, View email address on click.appcast.io, View phone number on click.appcast.io

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 a Labor & Employment legal counsel for the Office of Legal Affairs. This position will serve as the representative of the Department's interests in all litigation before administrative bodies for labor and employment law or otherwise arise from the employment relationship between the agency and its employees.

Essential Functions

• At the Direction of General Counsel, the Labor & Employment Counset will, in coordination with the Illinois Department of Centra Management Services, advise the Department of Natural Resources executive and operation staff on all labor and personnel matters under the jurisdiction of the Department which arise from the employment relationship between the agency and its employees, including but not limited to the Illinois Labor Relations Board, Civil Service Commission, Illinois Department of Human Rights, United States Equal Opportunity Commission, Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, labor arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution arising from labor law.
• Represents the Department for discrimination claims filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights, the Illinois Human Rights Commission or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• Confers with and advises agency officials and other agency attorneys on confidential legal or administrative problems within the areas of enforcement, permitting and policy matters relative to Departmental statutory requirements applicable to the Department, such as compliance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and requests for employment records
• Provides advise and guidance to labor relations and personnel staff regarding employee discipline, including discharge and suspensions, suspensions pending discharge, involuntary reductions, and letters of reprimand, and provides advice and guidance