Labor & Employment Counsel

Illinois Department of Natural Resources; Springfield (IL); Hybrid; USD 106,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Labor & Employment counsel for the Office of Legal Affairs in Springfield. The role focuses on representing the Department in labor and employment matters and advising on personnel issues affecting agency staff.

Required legal degree and IL license with several years of employment law experience; hybrid in-office schedule offered with occasional travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Requires graduation from an accredited law school.
• Valid IL law license required and attested.
• Three years in employment law and labor relations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise Department executives on labor and personnel matters in disputes with state and federal agencies.
• Represent the Department in discrimination claims before HRD, HR Commission or EEOC.
• Counsel on FOIA requests and compliance with statutory requirements.
• Advise on employee discipline, layoffs, and related personnel actions.
• Additional duties as assigned within scope of labor law.

Skills

Labor law

Employment law

Administrative experience

Public sector experience

Education

Law degree

Illinois license to practice law

Job description

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Date: Oct 22, 2026

Location

Springfield, IL, US, 62702

Job Details

Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015

Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $9,500 - $11,500 a month

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: None

Merit Comp Code: Confidential (Management Bill) Exclusion from RC010 Collective Bargaining Coverage

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00 pm

Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 2 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs

Headquarter Location: IDNR Headquarters, 1 Natural Resources Wy, Springfield, Illinois, 62702

Work County: Sangamon

Agency Contact: Vicky Fowler, [e-mail], 217-785-8588

Opening Date: 10/22/2026

Closing Date: 11/06/2026

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application.

Why Work for Illinois?

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.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is looking to hire a Labor & Employment legal counsel for the Office of Legal Affairs. This position will serve as the representative of the Department's interests in all litigation before administrative bodies for labor and employment law or otherwise arise from the employment relationship between the agency and its employees. We welcome interested applicants who would like to be part of this team to apply today.

Essential Functions

• At the Direction of General Counsel, the Labor & Employment Counset will, in coordination with the Illinois Department of Centra Management Services, advise the Department of Natural Resources executive and operation staff on all labor and personnel matters under the jurisdiction of the Department which arise from the employment relationship between the agency and its employees, including but not limited to the Illinois Labor Relations Board, Civil Service Commission, Illinois Department of Human Rights, United States Equal Opportunity Commission, Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, labor arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution arising from labor law.
• Represents the Department for discrimination claims filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights, the Illinois Human Rights Commission or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• Confers with and advises agency officials and other agency attorneys on confidential legal or administrative problems within the areas of enforcement, permitting and policy matters relative to Departmental statutory requirements applicable to the Department, such as compliance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and requests for employment records
• Provides advise and guidance to labor relations and personnel staff regarding employee discipline, including discharge and suspensions, suspensions pending discharge, involuntary reductions, and letters of reprimand, and provides advice and guidance regarding layoffs and geographic transfers
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires graduation from an accredited law school
• Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
• Requires three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the practice of employment law and labor relations within a public or business organization

Preferred Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of administrative law.
• Three (3) years of experience in compliance with the Illinois Freedom Act.
• Two (2) years of experience with natural resources law or environmental law.
• Two (2) years of experience as an attorney in 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 utilized in legal research.
• Two (2) years of experienced as an attorney in drafting legal memos on complex legal issues.

Employment Conditions

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history
• Requires appropriate, valid Driver's license
• Requires ability to travel in performance of duties
• Requies valid license to practice law in Illinois
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.

Division Statement

IDNR - Office of Legal Counsel Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Legal Counsel is responsible for providing advice to the Department on all legal matters. In particular, the office coordinates the Department's efforts with the Attorney General's Office when the Department seeks a legal remedy against another party. OLC reviews all complaints, pleadings and legal memoranda regarding any lawsuit brought against the Department in the Court of Claims and coordinates the Department's efforts with the Attorney General's Office in the defense of such claim. OLC prepares legal memoranda on matters of law including the interpretation of statutes, administrative rules and other regulations affecting the Department and its staff. OLC assists in drafting or reviewing legislation which affects Department policies. OLC reviews and approves all legal documents executed by the director or his designees such as contracts, Memorandum of Understanding, etc. OLC administers the Department's administrative rule program. OLC provides legal counsel and assistance to all Office Directors and the various divisions within the offices. OLC processes all Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for the Department. Finally, OLC assists States Attorneys in the prosecution of criminal matters relating to the Department.

Statement Of Economic Interest

This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring