Labor & Employment Counsel

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

3d•$9,500 - $11,500•Hybrid

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is hiring a Labor & Employment Counsel for its Office of Legal Counsel. At the direction of the General Counsel and in coordination with the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, the Counsel advises the Department’s executive and operational staff on labor and personnel matters arising from the employment relationship between the agency and its employees. The position represents the Department in employment-related litigation and administrative proceedings, including matters before labor relations, civil service, human rights, equal employment opportunity, and law enforcement training bodies, as well as labor arbitration and other dispute-resolution forums. The Counsel also advises agency officials and attorneys on confidential legal and administrative matters, including enforcement, permitting, policy, statutory compliance, and Freedom of Information Act requests involving employment records. The role provides guidance on employee discipline, layoffs, and geographic transfers, and performs other related duties as assigned. The position is based at IDNR Headquarters in Springfield, Illinois. The posted schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with an anticipated hybrid schedule of two to five days per week in the office depending on operational needs. The role requires a valid Illinois law license, a valid driver’s license, travel as needed, and completion of a background check and criminal-history self-disclosure.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited law school.
A valid license to practice law in Illinois.
Three years of progressively responsible administrative experience practicing employment law and labor relations within a public or business organization.
Completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
A valid driver’s license.
Ability to travel in the performance of duties.

Nice To Haves

Thorough knowledge of administrative law.
Three years of experience with compliance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
Two years of experience in natural resources law or environmental law.
Two years of experience as an attorney drafting proposed legislation, rules, and/or policies.
Thorough knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to agency programs.
Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, practices, and references used in legal research.
Two years of experience as an attorney drafting legal memoranda on complex legal issues.

Responsibilities

Advise the Department’s executive and operational staff on labor and personnel matters arising from the employment relationship, in coordination with the Illinois Department of Central Management Services and at the direction of the General Counsel.
Represent the Department in employment-related litigation and proceedings before administrative bodies, including labor relations, civil service, human rights, equal employment opportunity, and law enforcement training bodies, as well as in labor arbitration and other dispute-resolution processes.
Represent the Department in discrimination claims filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights, the Illinois Human Rights Commission, or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Confer with and advise agency officials and other agency attorneys on confidential legal or administrative matters involving enforcement, permitting, policy, statutory requirements, FOIA compliance, and requests for employment records.
Advise and guide labor relations and personnel staff on employee discipline, including discharges, suspensions, suspensions pending discharge, involuntary reductions, and reprimand letters.
Advise and guide staff regarding layoffs and geographic transfers.
Perform other duties as assigned or required that are reasonably within the scope of the position.