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Attorney

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Park

Topeka, Kansas

Job Type Permanent
Salary $80,000 - $95,000 per year
Experience 2 - 6 years

ATTORNEY – Position # K0242120

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is seeking a Staff Attorney to join our current legal team. The Chief Counsel will supervise this position as well as the current Staff Attorney and Paralegal positions. The position will be located at the Office of the Secretary in Topeka, KS.

KDWP includes a variety of administrative and technical professionals focused on conservation, management of natural resources and wildlife, and outdoor recreational opportunities.  We oversee 4 hatcheries, approximately 368,000 acres of public lands, 29 state parks across the State of Kansas, with 465 full time employees and a $96 M budget.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist Chief Counsel in assigned legal matters.
  • Research, interpret, and apply state and federal laws, court decisions, and attorney general opinions.
  • Draft new administrative regulations, review current administrative regulations, and attend all legislative hearings associated with regulatory changes.
  • Respond to open records requests in accordance with the Kansas Open Records Act.
  • Draft legislation and testify in relation to legislation under the supervision of the Chief Counsel.
  • Review damage claims submitted against the department, prepare responses, negotiate settlement agreements, and participate in all proceedings related to claims against the state.

Benefits:

  • Salary: Annual salary range of $80,000–$95,000, commensurate with education and experience.
  • Health and Insurance: Immediate group health, dental and vision coverage and life insurance coverage.
  • Retirement and Options: Retirement plan and optional deferred compensation.
  • Paid Leave: Holidays, sick leave, vacation leave, and parental leave.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Must possess a law degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
  • Four years of experience working for a federal or state agency or experience in the fields of wildlife and parks.
  • Must be licensed to practice law in Kansas and be in good standing with the Kansas Supreme Court.
  • Exceptional research, written, and oral communication skills.
  • Proficient in Westlaw, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
  • Possess an understanding of the Kansas Open Records Act and Kansas Open Meetings Act.
  • A valid driver’s license and the ability to pass a background check are required.
HOW TO APPLY

HOW TO APPLY: Go to the State Employment Center at https://admin.ks.gov/services/state-employment-center and follow the directions below:

  • Click in the middle under the Sunflower. From there either Sign into your existing account or Register for a new account.
  • Review and complete your contact information on the My Contact Information page. Please make sure to include your email address.
  • Upload documents listed in the Required Documents section of this job posting to the appropriate location.
  • Complete and Submit your application.
  • Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
    • Email - the email listed on the Careers>My Contact Information page.
    • Notifications - view the Careers>My Job Notifications page

The following are the required items to apply:

1) a letter of interest

2) a detailed resume; including a valid e-mail address

3) transcript material, if applicable, (copies of official transcripts or unofficial student copies are acceptable as long as degree is conferred)

4) employment application – this is generated from the information which is input into the system

5) an Authorization to Release Information form** (this can be found at the following website):

https://www.ksoutdoors.com/news/KDWP-Info/Jobs/Employment-Application-Additional-Info

**Please note, this form must either be witnessed and signed by a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks employee or signed in front of and notarized by a notary public.  We reserve the right to conduct a background check on all qualified applicants.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. A complete application packet must be submitted for each position. We no longer make copies of previous applications. Submitted application materials will be reviewed in Pratt to assure that the position minimum requirements are met, and those meeting the minimum requirements will be forwarded to the respective division for interview selection.

Applicants are notified whether or not they are selected to interview.   The interview is generally a one-time, panel interview consisting of position-specific questions for all applicants (same questions for each applicant), with the selection being made after all candidate interviews are completed.

Veterans’ Preference Eligible (VPE):  Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a “veteran” under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum requirements of the position. The veterans’ preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job.  Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the appointing authority.  Additional VPE information can be found at https://admin.ks.gov/services/state-employment-center/veterans.   Applicants claiming veterans’ preference for the first time must mail a copy of your DD-214 to the Office of Personnel Services, 900 SW Jackson, Room 401-N, Topeka KS 66612, or FAX to 785/291-3715.

Disability Hiring Preference: If you are claiming Disability Hiring Preference for the first time, please mail a copy of your supplemental security income or social security disability insurance determination letter, letter from a managed care organization or qualified medical professional attesting to the disability, home and community-based services waiver approval letter, or vocational rehabilitation letter from a vocational rehabilitation counselor. These documents can be sent by fax to (785) 296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed or delivered in-person to ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator, Office of Personnel Services, 900 SW Jackson Rm 401-N, Topeka, KS 66612. Visit https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs/disabilityhiring-preference for more information.

DEADLINE TO APPLY – Open until filled

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace.  All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job. 

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the recruiter.    

When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.

Category Policy And Law, Wildlife