SR ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL-LR PERSONNEL (SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR)

Illinois Department of Transportation; Springfield (IL); Hybrid; USD 122,000 - 144,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules

Health, Life, Vision, and Dental保险

Pension Plan

Paid leave

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking a Senior Assistant Chief Counsel – Labor Relations/Personnel/Compliance to provide legal policy determinations and advice on labor relations, personnel, and employment law issues for the department. The role includes coordinating negotiations with labor organizations and investigations into employee misconduct.

Under general direction, you may serve as Deputy Chief Counsel in the absence of the deputy and must handle various matters related to

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school and Illinois license to practice law.
• Four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the practice of law with knowledge of labor relations and employment law.
• Willingness to travel as needed and ability to obtain a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Serve as counsel and legal advisor for labor relations, personnel, and employment law issues.
• Provide legal advice and interpretation of FOIA, Open Meetings Act and departmental orders/policies.
• Negotiate settlements and advise in labor relations negotiations and litigation.
• Design and coordinate investigations into allegations of employee misconduct.
• Perform duties as Deputy Chief Counsel in the absence of the chief.

Skills

Labor relations

Employment law

Legal advice

FOIA

Open Meetings Act

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Illinois bar license

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: Nov 4, 2026

Location:
Springfield, IL, US, 62764

Job Requisition ID: 60085

Job Requisition ID: 60085 IPR#26-01961

Opening Date: 11/04/2026

Closing Date: 11/19/2026

Agency: Department of Transportation

Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070)Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $10,900-$12,900 monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: None

Merit Comp Code: Term Appointment/ Agency

Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday

Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 1 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs

Work Location: 2300 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, Illinois, 62764

Work County: Sangamon

Work Office: Office of Chief Counsel, Bureau of Ethics

Agency Contact: [e-mail]

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

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 Transportation is seeking to hire a Senior Assistant Chief Counsel – Labor Relations/Personnel/Compliance position in the Office of Chief Counsel. Under general direction of the Deputy Chief Counsel, this position provides technical advice and legal policy determinations on legal matters related to labor relations, personnel, compliance, and employment law issues for the department. In the absence of the Deputy Chief Counsel, this position performs the duties and responsibilities of that position.

Essential Functions

• Serves as counsel and legal advisor for aII offices in the department regarding labor relations, personnel, and employment law issues, including the Comprehensive Employment Plan (CEP).
• Provides legal advice and interpretation of the Freedom of Information Act, Open Meetings Act and various departmental orders and policies.
• In conjunction with the Labor Relations Section and Central Management Services (CMS), serves as a legal advisor for the department in negotiations with labor organizations and in litigation before arbitrators, administrative judges, and the Illinois Labor Relations Board.
• Designs and coordinates investigations into allegations of employee misconduct.
• Negotiates settlements on behalf of the department.
• Serves as Deputy Chief Counsel in the absence thereof.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• Possession of a license to practice law in Illinois.
• Prior experience equivalent to four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the practice of law with knowledge of labor relations and employment law.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers two (2) years of experience working with common law, and federal and state laws and regulations, including the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Open Meetings Act (OMA).
• Prefers two (2) years of experience reviewing labor and employment practices.
• Prefers two (2) years of experience exercising judgment and discretion in developing, implementing, and interpreting departmental policies and procedures.
• Prefers demonstrated ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Prefers strong communication skills.
• Prefers one (1) year of supervisory experience.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• 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.
• 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 (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to 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.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About The Agency

The IDOT team works diligently to provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity and protect our environment. We are problem solvers and leaders, constantly searching for innovations and improvements in support of our commitment to providing the best multimodal transportation system for Illinois. Our team fosters a culture of inclusivity. We value diversity and hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards as we work together for a common purpose. Team members frequently collaborate with colleagues and others outside the department to best meet customer needs.

The department offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. Employees also receive a robust benefit package including:

• Monday-Friday work schedule
• Flexible work schedules in several program areas (flexible time, hybrid scheduling)
• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• (12) Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
• Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually
• New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually
• Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually
• (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

We invite qualified applicants to apply to become part of our team. We are confident that you will take pride in serving Illinois and its residents and visitors.

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.

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 (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to 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.

Term Appointment

Candidates hired into a term position shall be appointed for a term of 4 years and are subject to a probationary period. The term may be renewed for successive four-year terms at the Director of the Department of Transportation’s discretion.

The Main Form Of Communication Will Be Through Email. Please Check Your “junk Mail”, “spam”, Or “other” Folder For Communication(s) Regarding Any Submitted Application(s). You May Receive Emails From The Following Addresses

• [e-mail]
• [e-mail]

Nearest Major Market

Springfield