Assistant Attorney General - Natural Resources

State of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 84,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of the Utah Attorney General, Natural Resources Division, has an opening for an Assistant Attorney General to advise on management of sovereign lands and related state and federal issues.

The role requires a Juris Doctorate, Utah Bar admission, strong advocacy skills, and the ability to work in a team. Location is Salt Lake City with potential travel and background checks. This is a full-time role with in-office requirements and a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• A Juris Doctorate is required.
• Active membership in the Utah State Bar.
• A conditional offer of employment will be made pending satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
• Must be able to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Prepares cases by conducting legal research and gathering evidence.
• Provides consultation, makes recommendations, gives appropriate advice, and/or facilitates decisions.
• Determines needs in discovery, and/or completes discovery; participates in decision making and strategy sessions in preparing cases for court and determining evidence to be used.
• Writes or drafts correspondence, reports, legal briefs and/or other written materials.
• Receives, researches and responds to incoming questions or complaints; provides information, explains policy and procedures, and/or facilitates a resolution.
• Represents the State or the employing agency in lawsuits, grievances, complaints, and other matters.
• Prepares litigation documents and legal work product, developing clear and concise analyses and recommendations grounded in case facts, applicable law, and state and federal regulatory standards.
• Conducts conferences with defendants and/or attorneys, negotiates settlements, and appears in court.
• Conducts, or represents agency at, formal or informal hearings.
• May be required to travel to various court locations and stay overnight.

Skills

Legal research

Advocacy

Written communication

Oral communication

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctorate

Active Utah State Bar

Job description

Assistant Attorney General - Natural Resources

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Benefits Eligibility–This position is eligible for a full benefits package.
Salary – $61.08 - $89.24 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-SiteRecruiter – Desi Crane | [e-mail] | 801-597-4659
Application Deadline – 11/19/2026

Key Responsibilities

The Office of the Attorney General, Natural Resources Division, has an immediate opening for an attorney to represent the Department of Natural Resources. The position involves advising the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands on a wide variety of state and federal legal issues related to management of sovereign lands, the administration and enforcement of conservation easements, and any other issues affecting the sovereign lands and forestry programs.

This position requires membership in the Utah State Bar and qualification for admission to the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah. The applicant should have excellent written and oral advocacy skills, the ability to communicate ideas and information clearly and concisely, and the ability to work with others as part of a team. Preference for applicants with at least three years of legal experience related to natural resources and a working knowledge/understanding of state and federal laws pertaining to land management and forestry, including CERCLA, NFMA, the Utah Administrative Procedures Act, and other relevant statutes. Ideal candidates will have experience with sovereign/submerged lands, the public trust doctrine, contract/permit review and drafting, minerals royalties/leasing, and conservation easements. The position is located in Salt Lake City.

The Office of the Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer. Security background checks are completed as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

●Prepares cases by conducting legal research and gathering evidence.

●Provides consultation, makes recommendations, gives appropriate advice, and/or facilitates decisions.

●Determines needs in discovery, and/or completes discovery; participates in decision making and strategy sessions in preparing cases for court and determining evidence to be used.

●Writes or drafts correspondence, reports, legal briefs and/or other written materials.

●Receives, researches and responds to incoming questions or complaints; provides information, explains policy and procedures, and/or facilitates a resolution.

●Represents the State or the employing agency in lawsuits, grievances, complaints, and other matters.

●Prepares litigation documents and legal work product, developing clear and concise analyses and recommendations grounded in case facts, applicable law, and state and federal regulatory standards.

●Conducts conferences with defendants and/or attorneys, negotiates settlements, and appears in court.

●Conducts, or represents agency at, formal or informal hearings.

●May be required to travel to various court locations and stay overnight.

Qualifications

●A Juris Doctorate is required.

●Active membership in the Utah State Bar.

●A conditional offer of employment will be made pending satisfactory completion of a background investigation.

●Must be able to travel as required.

About the Role

Location –
1594 West North Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116
United States
Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – AG - Employees at the Attorney General's Office

Why You Should Join Our TeamIn Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Office of the Utah Attorney GeneralIf you are looking to make a meaningful impact while working in a dynamic, fast-paced legal environment, the Attorney General’s Office offers a unique opportunity. As counselors, protectors, and stewards, the Office plays a vital role in defending both the U.S. and Utah constitutions, protecting residents, and preserving the resources that make Utah special. You’ll contribute to upholding justice, advising state agencies, and safeguarding the rights and interests of Utah’s citizens. With responsibilities ranging from prosecuting corporate misconduct to enforcing public lands policy and supporting children’s justice initiatives, your work here will be both diverse and rewarding. Join a team dedicated to serving the public and advancing the cause of justice in Utah.

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact [phone].