Labor & Employment Counsel

State of Illinois • Springfield, MO

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is hiring a Labor & Employment Counsel for its Office of Legal Counsel. Under the direction of the General Counsel and in coordination with the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, this position advises Department executives and operational staff on labor and personnel matters arising from the employment relationship between the Department and its employees. The counsel represents the Department in administrative litigation and employment-related disputes, including matters before labor and civil service bodies and human rights agencies. The role also advises on employee discipline, layoffs, transfers, statutory compliance, and related legal and administrative issues.

The Office of Legal Counsel provides legal advice across the Department, coordinates with the Attorney General’s Office on litigation, prepares legal memoranda, assists with legislation, reviews legal documents, administers the administrative rule program, processes FOIA requests, and assists State’s Attorneys with certain criminal prosecutions. This position is based at IDNR Headquarters in Springfield, Illinois, with an anticipated hybrid schedule of two to five days per week in the office depending on operational needs. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• 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.
• Appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel in performance of duties.
• File required annual and supplemental Statements of Economic Interest and comply with applicable revolving-door restrictions.

Nice To Haves

• Thorough knowledge of administrative law.
• Three years of experience with compliance under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
• Two years of experience with natural resources law or environmental law.
• Two years of experience as an attorney drafting proposed legislation, rules, 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 Department executives and operational staff on labor and personnel matters under the Department’s jurisdiction, in coordination with the Illinois Department of Central Management Services.
• Represent the Department in employment-related litigation and proceedings before administrative bodies, including the Illinois Labor Relations Board, Civil Service Commission, Illinois Department of Human Rights, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and other dispute-resolution forums.
• Represent the Department in discrimination claims filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights, Illinois Human Rights Commission, or U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
• Consult with and advise agency officials and other agency attorneys on confidential legal or administrative matters involving enforcement, permitting, policy, and applicable statutory requirements.
• Advise on compliance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act and requests for employment records.
• Advise labor relations and personnel staff on employee discipline, including discharge, suspensions, suspensions pending discharge, involuntary reductions, and reprimand letters.
• Advise on layoffs and geographic transfers.
• Perform other duties assigned or required that are reasonably within the scope of the position.

Benefits

• Vision, health, and dental insurance.
• Retirement plan and deferred compensation options.
• State holidays and other time off.
• Pre-tax benefit programs.
• Flexible jobs and schedules are described as available across State of Illinois careers.
• Career advancement opportunities and retirement packages are described as available across State of Illinois careers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree