Staff Attorney
Apply NowCompany: State of Kansas
Location: Shawnee, KS 66216
Description:
Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is an executive branch agency in charge of operating and regulating the use of state parks, state lakes, recreational grounds, wildlife areas and sanctuaries, fish hatcheries, natural areas, historic sites and other lands, waters, and facilities for the promotion of public health, safety, and for the use and pleasure of visitors. The agency is also charged with the development and conservation of wildlife and the natural resources within the state. The agency oversees 28 state parks, 500 miles of trails, approximately 368,000 acres of leased or owned public lands, management of four hatcheries, and four nature centers.
To meet our mission, projects, and goals, KDWP employs approximately 463 full time employees and up to 350 temporary employees, throughout the state, with diverse and varying skillsets. The largest agency office is the Operational Headquarters in Pratt, Kansas. The Office of the Secretary is maintained in Topeka, Kansas. There are three Regional Offices located in Topeka, Wichita, and Hays; three District Offices in Kansas City, Chanute, and Dodge City; and a Research Office located in Emporia, Kansas. Various wildlife, public land, and parks offices are located across the state.
KDWP has an annual budget of $96 million. The agency is primarily funded through license fees, grants and federal funds that are provided through the Pitman Roberts and Dingle Johnson Acts.
About the Position
* Salary is commensurate with education and experience.
Employment Benefits
Position Summary & Responsibilities
Position Summary: This unclassified, permanent, full-time position located in the Office of the Secretary, Topeka KS is supervised by Christopher Kennedy, Secretary of Wildlife and Parks.
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, 28 state parks across the State of Kansas, with 463 full time employees and a $96 M budget.
Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following: The incumbent is responsible for providing on-demand daily legal services for the Department in areas of legal research, legal guidance, contract drafting, review/negotiations, employment/personnel matters, government relations, crisis management, risk management, dispute mediation, regulatory and statutory matters, bankruptcy, law enforcement, land management, engineering, licensing, fish, wildlife, parks, and boating matters. This position is also responsible for overseeing case management of claims/litigation, management of a preventative law program, KOMA/KORA, regulatory management of roughly 185 K.A.R.'s that generate $80 M of department revenue, and participating in constituent services regarding statutes, regulations, inquiries, complaints, and outreach through local events and meetings. This position serves on the department management team and manages one staff attorney position and two paralegal positions.
Qualifications
Required Documents for this Application to be Complete
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 automatically based on the information 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.
Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov : How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents
How to Claim Veterans Preference
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 competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.
Learn more about claiming Veteran's Preference
Equal Employment Opportunity
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 agency recruiter.
- Job Posting closes: July 19, 2024
- Required documents uploaded by: July 22, 2024
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is an executive branch agency in charge of operating and regulating the use of state parks, state lakes, recreational grounds, wildlife areas and sanctuaries, fish hatcheries, natural areas, historic sites and other lands, waters, and facilities for the promotion of public health, safety, and for the use and pleasure of visitors. The agency is also charged with the development and conservation of wildlife and the natural resources within the state. The agency oversees 28 state parks, 500 miles of trails, approximately 368,000 acres of leased or owned public lands, management of four hatcheries, and four nature centers.
To meet our mission, projects, and goals, KDWP employs approximately 463 full time employees and up to 350 temporary employees, throughout the state, with diverse and varying skillsets. The largest agency office is the Operational Headquarters in Pratt, Kansas. The Office of the Secretary is maintained in Topeka, Kansas. There are three Regional Offices located in Topeka, Wichita, and Hays; three District Offices in Kansas City, Chanute, and Dodge City; and a Research Office located in Emporia, Kansas. Various wildlife, public land, and parks offices are located across the state.
KDWP has an annual budget of $96 million. The agency is primarily funded through license fees, grants and federal funds that are provided through the Pitman Roberts and Dingle Johnson Acts.
About the Position
- Who can apply: Anyone who meets the minimum requirements
- Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
- Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time
- Regular/Temporary: Regular
- Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
- Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes
- Search Keywords: Attorney, Shawnee, Topeka
* Salary is commensurate with education and experience.
Employment Benefits
- Immediate comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
- Sick & Vacation leave
- Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
- Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
- Fitness Centers in select locations
- Employee discounts with the STAR Program
- Retirement and deferred compensation programs
Position Summary & Responsibilities
Position Summary: This unclassified, permanent, full-time position located in the Office of the Secretary, Topeka KS is supervised by Christopher Kennedy, Secretary of Wildlife and Parks.
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, 28 state parks across the State of Kansas, with 463 full time employees and a $96 M budget.
Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following: The incumbent is responsible for providing on-demand daily legal services for the Department in areas of legal research, legal guidance, contract drafting, review/negotiations, employment/personnel matters, government relations, crisis management, risk management, dispute mediation, regulatory and statutory matters, bankruptcy, law enforcement, land management, engineering, licensing, fish, wildlife, parks, and boating matters. This position is also responsible for overseeing case management of claims/litigation, management of a preventative law program, KOMA/KORA, regulatory management of roughly 185 K.A.R.'s that generate $80 M of department revenue, and participating in constituent services regarding statutes, regulations, inquiries, complaints, and outreach through local events and meetings. This position serves on the department management team and manages one staff attorney position and two paralegal positions.
Qualifications
- Education: Graduated with degree from accredited school of law.
- Licensing & Certification: The successful candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and pass a background check.
- Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must be licensed and in good standing with a state bar and must be licensed, or willing and eligible to become licensed, to practice law in the State of Kansas. Five years of progressive experience in the practice of governmental or conservation law.
- Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates with experience in administrative law and/or natural resources regulations.
- Name: Laverne Taylor
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Required Documents for this Application to be Complete
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 automatically based on the information 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.
Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov : How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents
How to Claim Veterans Preference
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 competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.
Learn more about claiming Veteran's Preference
Equal Employment Opportunity
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 agency recruiter.