Natural Resources Attorneys

About the role

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 the 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 Natural Resources Section advises clients and litigates regarding:

• Administration of the State’s 100-million-acre land base, including its public domain, forests, state parks, state refuges, and public trust doctrine lands;
• 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.

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 resource development projects and program initiatives, legislation and regulation drafting, and daily operational advice.

The section currently seeks two experienced litigation attorneys to support section clients, including the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land, mining, water, state parks, and forestry programs; the Department of Fish and Game and the Board of Fisheries and Board of Game, and the Mental Health Trust Land Office. Selected attorneys will also be assigned a variety of advice matters in the section’s portfolio, which includes land and resource management programs as well as federal matters pertaining to Alaska’s resource management interests. Client program assignments will be determined based on attorney experience, skills, and interest.

Applicants should identify the nature and extent of their litigation experience and familiarize themselves with the programs administered by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Divisions of Mining Land & Water, Forestry and Fire Protection, Parks and Outdoor Recreation, the Mental Health Trust Land Office, and the Department of Fish and Game and the Boards of Fisheries and Game, and indicate program areas of interest in their applications.

• Alaska Department of Natural Resources
• Alaska Mental Health Trust and Trust Land Office
• Alaska Department of Fish and Game
• Regulatory Process, Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Responsibilities

• State and federal court litigation, which will be a significant part of this position;
• Providing agency advice;
• Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

Applicants for prior recruitments who remain interested in working in the Natural Resources Section should reapply to this posting.

Benefits

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.