EXECUTIVE I - LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING ADMINISTRATOR

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

8d•$5,928 - $8,493•Onsite

About The Position

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois. The Illinois Department of Agriculture administers an annual budget of approximately $200 million and employs more than 400 people statewide, with several hundred more seasonal employees hired during the summer to support the Illinois State Fair and Du Quoin State Fair. Separate bureaus administer programs and services directed at conserving the State's land and water resources; protecting the health and welfare of livestock and companion animals; overseeing state and county fairs; regulating seed, feed, and fertilizer products; ensuring the financial stability of grain dealers and warehouses; promoting Illinois food and agricultural products; and operating the State's horse racing programs. AGR values employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents.

Requirements

Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, preferably with coursework in business or public administration.
Requires one year of responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization, or completion of an agency approved professional management training program.
Requires coursework in legal or pre-legal field.
Requires two (2) years of experience as a paralegal, paralegal assistant or a similar legal field.
Requires completion of a name-based background screening and self-disclosure of criminal history.
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Prefers coursework in the legal or pre-legal field.
Prefers two (2) years of experience as a paralegal, paralegal assistant or a similar legal field.
Prefers thorough knowledge of common laws and Federal and State laws and regulations pertaining to agriculture.
Prefers one (1) year experience with judicial, quasi-judicial, and administrative procedures and rules.
Prefers one (1) year experience drafting complex and technical legal documents.
Prefers two (2) years experience conducting legal research and using Lexis+ or similar software for legal research.
Prefers two (2) years experience analyzing and organizing facts, evidence, and precedents and drafting written material for presentation to legal staff in a clear and logical format.
Prefers one (1) year experience processing subpoenas and FOIA requests.
Prefers Intermediate proficiency with using MS Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat and Webex or similar programs.

Responsibilities

Organizes, plans, executes and evaluates the necessary components of a regulatory violation and administrative hearings.
Manages the Illinois Department of Agriculture's rulemaking program.
Under the direction of the Assistant General Counsel, receives, reviews, and routes contracts for the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Conducts legal research and provides written findings.
Responsible for managing and implementing policy for IDOA compliance with subpoena requests.
Coordinates the process of Court of Claims lapsed appropriation cases between IDOA and the Office of the Attorney General.
Serves as the back up to the IDOA Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.