Attorney

Sdsoybean; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 79,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Retirement benefits

Job summary

South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Pierre, SD, is seeking an Attorney I or II to provide legal expertise supporting agriculture, environment, and natural resources through regulatory services and enforcement actions.

The role involves advising divisions, ensuring regulatory compliance, and representing the department in hearings and court proceedings. Public service orientation and strong analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• JD required and licensed to practice law in South Dakota.
• 1–10 years of legal experience in agriculture/environment regulations.
• Experience handling administrative hearings and regulator compliance is a plus.
• Knowledge of South Dakota and federal regulations pertaining to agriculture, environment and natural resources.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to the department secretary and divisions on legal matters.
• Oversee compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Assist staff with enforcement actions and settlement agreements.
• Represent the department in administrative hearings, trial and appellate courts.
• Manage case strategy from inception through resolution, including discovery and pleadings.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Administrative hearings

Legal research

Contract drafting/review

Open records laws

Open meetings laws

Public service mindset

Independent work

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Job description

Pierre, SD | Agriculture and Natural Resources | Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly

79,197 - 106,410 US per year

Description

Agency: Agriculture & Natural Resources

Location: Pierre, SD

Salary: $79,197.84 - $106,410.74 annually, depending on experience and qualifications

Pay Grade: L1 - L2

Closing Date: 11/05/2026

The department is seeking a dedicated Attorney I or II to provide legal expertise in supporting the department’s mission to protect and preserve agriculture, environment, and natural resources through effective regulatory services, natural resource conservation, and financial and technical assistance. This role involves advising multiple divisions, ensuring regulatory compliance, and representing the department in legal proceedings.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney looking to apply their expertise in a public service setting, directly impacting our state's environment and agricultural landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide legal counsel to the department secretary and divisions on legal matters.
• Oversee compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Assist staff with development and execution of enforcement actions and settlement agreements.
• Represent the department in administrative hearings and in trial and appellate courts.
• Manage case strategy from inception through resolution, including conducting discovery, drafting appropriate legal pleadings, evidentiary hearings, trials, and oral arguments.
• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda, policies, and legal opinions.
• Assist in the drafting, review, or evaluation of contracts
• Draft legislation and administrative rules and assist in the review of legislation and lobbying.
• Manage open records requests and ensure adherence to public records laws.
• Advise staff and boards on compliance with open meetings laws.
• Collaborate with other state agencies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree.
• Licensed to practice law in South Dakota.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• 1-10 years of legal experience; knowledge of South Dakota and federal agriculture and environmental regulations and a strong desire to advocate for our state's agriculture heritage and natural resource protection.
• Previous experience handling administrative hearings and regulator compliance matters is a plus.

Knowledge of:

• South Dakota agriculture and natural resources;
• state and federal regulations pertaining to agriculture, the environment, and natural resource protection;
• state and federal legislative and rulemaking processes;
• state and federal administrative practices and procedures;
• legal research techniques and technology tools;
• the rules of evidence, civil procedure, and constitutional law.

Ability to:

• communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written communications;
• assess legal risk and provide clear and practical guidance;
• work independently while following instructions and accepting guidance;
• self organize and self manage case loads and client needs;
• work effectively with program staff, private attorneys, boards, hearing officers, and court officials;
• uphold the highest levels of professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

NCRC:If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office.A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9.The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here .This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.