Labor & Employment Counsel

Labor & Employment Counsel

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 Counsel will, in coordination with the Illinois Department of Central 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.
• 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 regarding layoffs and geographic transfers.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires graduation from an accredited law school.
• Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois.
• Requires three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the practice of employment law and labor relations within a public or business organization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Thorough knowledge of administrative law.
• Three (3) years of experience in compliance with the Illinois Freedom Act.
• Two (2) years of experience with natural resources law or environmental law.
• Two (2) years of experience as an attorney in drafting proposed legislation, rules, and/or policies.
• Thorough knowledge of Federal and State laws and regulations pertaining to agency programs.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, practices and references utilized in legal research.
• Two (2) years of experienced as an attorney in drafting legal memos on complex legal issues.

Employment Conditions:

• 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.
• Requires valid license to practice law in Illinois.

Division Statement:

IDNR – Office of Legal Counsel is responsible for providing advice to the Department on all legal matters. In particular, the office coordinates the Department's efforts with the Attorney General's Office when the Department seeks a legal remedy against another party. OLC reviews all complaints, pleadings and legal memoranda regarding any lawsuit brought against the Department in the Court of Claims and coordinates the Department's efforts with the Attorney General's Office in the defense of such claim. OLC prepares legal memoranda on matters of law including the interpretation of statutes, administrative rules and other regulations affecting the Department and its staff. OLC assists in drafting or reviewing legislation which affects Department policies. OLC reviews and approves all legal documents executed by the director or his designees such as contracts, Memorandum of Understanding, etc. OLC administers the Department's administrative rule program. OLC provides legal counsel and assistance to all Office Directors and the various divisions within the offices. OLC processes all Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for the Department. Finally, OLC assists States Attorneys in the prosecution of criminal matters relating to the Department.

DNR Agency Statement:

Charged with preserving, protecting and promoting Illinois' natural and cultural resources, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) employees oversee water, wildlife, wetlands and oil wells, parks, historic sites – and everything in between. Employment opportunities vary greatly, often providing employees the chance to work indoors and out in a dynamic yet relaxed environment. Working for the State of Illinois, IDNR employees receive excellent benefits, including, vision health and dental insurance; a retirement plan and deferred compensation options; state holidays and other time off; as well as pre-tax benefit programs.