Natural Resources Attorney (2 Positions Available)
Section: Natural Resources
Location: Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau
Job Number: 25-NR-01
Closing Date: 2/16/25
Job description
Natural Resources section attorneys work closely with client program managers in a variety of capacities, including litigation in administrative, state, and federal forums, complex litigation, administrative appeals, major infrastructure development projects and program initiatives, legislation and regulation drafting, and daily operational advice. The section’s work involves advising clients and litigation regarding: administration of the State’s 100-million-acre land base, including its forested land, state parks, state refuges, and public domain; major infrastructure development projects (roads, mines, rail corridors, dams, etc.); management of the State’s fish and game resources; and projects involving other state land administrators such as the Trust Land Office, the Alaska Railroad Corporation, and the University of Alaska as well as private landowners.
Alaska’s history, culture, and economy are inextricably bound to the State’s natural resources. Working in the Natural Resources section offers a unique opportunity to participate in development of Alaska natural resource management law, support dynamic resource management programs, and witness real-world application of the legal advice provided. Section attorneys typically specialize in particular program areas, but the section functions as a team and attorneys often perform work outside their primary area of responsibility. Opportunities to work on special projects or in newly identified program areas also occur.
The section currently seeks two experienced attorneys to advise and litigate on behalf of section clients. The attorneys hired for these positions will be assigned a variety of matters in the section’s portfolio, including litigation and advice in support of DNR land, mining, water, forestry, parks, and other programs. Client program assignments will be determined based on attorney experience, skills, and interest. Applicants should familiarize themselves with the programs administered by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Mining Land & Water, Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Division of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the Department of Fish and Game, and indicate program areas of interest in their applications.
Agency advice as well as litigation in state and federal courts will be significant parts of each position. Occasional travel may be required.
Attorneys in the Civil Division work on matters of statewide importance, all while living and enjoying all Alaska has to offer. If you enjoy complex and impactful legal work along with dramatic scenery, outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, kayaking, and abundant wildlife, then the Alaska Department of Law, Civil Division is the place for you. Flexible schedules, including hybrid telework arrangements, may be available.
Qualifications
Applicants must have graduated from an accredited law school and have a strong knowledge of general legal principles applicable to state government. Five or more years of experience in natural resources issues and transactions, including state and federal litigation, land law, water law, fish and game management, and administrative law is strongly preferred. Qualified applicants must have strong communication, oral advocacy, writing, and time management skills; must demonstrate excellent professional judgment; and must exhibit an interest in working on complex matters. The ability to handle a high volume of work that includes federal and state court litigation, cooperatively prioritize work with several clients, and develop and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues and clients is essential. Successful applicants will have strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work well with colleagues and support staff. Successful applicants will be highly motivated and able to work individually and as a member of a team with minimum supervision.
Contact
Individuals who would like additional information about the position may contact Stacie Kraly at (907) 465-3600 or by e-mail at stacie.kraly@alaska.gov.
Benefits & Compensation
State Benefits Package
- Health benefits (including dental and vision), life insurance and voluntary supplemental benefits
- Generous leave accrual, starting at 21 days a year
- 12 paid holidays
- A variety of retirement plans
- Potential eligibility for student loan forgiveness through the Public Loan Forgiveness Program.
- 37.5-hour workweek
- Eligibility for part-time teleworking, alternate workweek, or a flex schedule after an initial training period.
Estimated Compensation
The table below gives an estimate of compensation based on a combination of judicial clerking and licensed legal experience. The compensation listed in the table represents the base pay. Several locations around Alaska have geographical pay differences. Upon a job offer, you would receive a firm salary quote based on location of position and qualifying experience. Attorneys are eligible to promote from Attorney 1 through 4 with service and acceptable job performance.
| Attorney level | Experience level | Pay range and step | Base pay* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attorney 1 | Unlicensed attorney | 18 D or E | $87,282-$90,012 |
| Attorney 2 | Less than two years of licensed experience | 20 C or D | $96,349.50-$99,840 |
| Attorney 3 | More than 2 but less than 4 years of licensed experience | 22 B or C | $106,684.50-$109,960.50 |
| Attorney 4 | More than 4 years | 24 B through F | $121,836-$139,542 |
*Summary of Geographical Pay Rate Differences.
| Location | Base pay + geographical difference |
|---|---|
| Anchorage, Kenai, Palmer, Ketchikan | Base pay / no geo dif |
| Fairbanks | Base pay + 3% |
| Juneau, Sitka | Base pay + 5% |
| Kodiak | Base pay + 11% |
| Nome, Dillingham | Base pay + 37% |
| Bethel, Utqiagvik | Base pay + 50% |
| Kotzebue | Base pay + 60% |
Application Instructions
Candidates must submit:
- A resume that includes a complete history of education and professional work experience.
- At least three professional employment references.
- A professional writing sample.
- A cover letter which includes the job number.
Email applications to civil.recruit@alaska.gov (with the subject line “application for current attorney recruitment”) or mail or hand-deliver to:
Office of the Attorney General
1031 W 4th Avenue, Suite 200
Anchorage, AK 99501
As part of the application process a social media check may occur. All interested and qualified applicants will be considered, but not every applicant will be interviewed.
The Department of Law is an equal opportunity employer and complies with Title I of the American with Disabilities Act. Applicants who need accommodation to apply may call Kelly West at the department’s Anchorage office (907) 269-5101 or Relay Alaska at 1-800-770-8973.
