TPWD - Attorney I (Staff Attorney)

Texas A&M International; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Group insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in Austin is seeking a lawyer under the General Counsel to perform entry-level to routine legal work, interpret laws, render counsel, and support the agency's mission in areas such as open records requests, contract review, tort claims, and natural resources management. The position requires a J.D.

from an accredited law school and a Texas license (or eligibility by November 2026) with strong writing and research skills.

Qualifications

• Graduation from accredited law school with a J.D. or equivalent degree.
• No experience required.

Responsibilities

• Examines and prepares legal documents, interprets laws and regulations, renders legal advice and counsel.
• May participate in administrative hearings and trials.
• Open records requests; contract review and drafting; tort claims; environmental and natural resources law; real estate and compliance matters.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Regulatory interpretation

Communication skills

Education

J.D. or equivalent

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Outlook

Job description

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To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS:

4200 Smith School Road, Austin TX 78744

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the General Counsel, this position is responsible for performing entry-level to routine (journey-level) legal work.Examines and prepares legal documents, interprets laws and regulations, renders legal advice and counsel, and may participate in administrative hearings and trials.Under the guidance of more experienced attorneys, performs legal work in support of all aspects of the TPWD mission as needed, including but not limited to: open records requests; contract review, drafting and advice; tort claims against TPWD; management of fish and wildlife resources; management of state park lands; criminal law; human resources matters; agency rulemaking; analysis of legislation; ethics; open meetings law; natural resource damages; water pollution events; water rights; endangered species; real estate; boat titling; and sand and gravel disturbances.May review proposed legislation and research, draft, or assist in drafting bills and amendments for legislative consideration.Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.Performs additional duties as assigned.Complies with all Agency, Branch and Division rules, regulations and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

Graduation from accredited law school with a J.D. or equivalent degree.

Experience

None required.

Licensure

Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas; however, applicants who have taken the July 2026 Texas bar examination or otherwise receive their license to practice law in the State of Texas not later than November 30, 2026, and are in good standing with the State Bar of Texas will be considered for this position. Offers of employment to unlicensed applicants will be contingent on the applicant receiving their license to practice law in Texas no later than November 30, 2026.

Applicant Must possess or be able to obtain and hold within 30 days of employment, a class 'C' Texas driver's license.

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required licenses.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

Course work in administrative, environmental, or natural resources law.

Experience

Internship/externship, clinic, or work experience representing or advising a Texas state agency.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings related to job functions;
• Knowledge of the agency's mission;
• Skill in using MS Word, Excel and Outlook;
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication;
• Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis;
• Skill in drafting and reviewing documents;
• Skill in using judgment to identify course of action;
• Skill in political considerations;
• Skill in effective interaction with staff at all levels of the department and other State agencies and organizations;
• Ability to plan and organize work;
• Ability to interpret and apply laws;
• Ability to prepare opinions and briefs;
• Ability to advise on and participate in hearing or trial preparation, including preparation of witnesses for testimony;
• Ability to advocate for the agency's mission, including fish and wildlife conservation;
• Ability to take direction from upper management and, where appropriate, initiate new responsibilities;
• Ability to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 20 lbs.;
• Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Required to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, flexible schedules may be available;
• Required to work overtime as necessary;
• Required to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 20 lbs.;
• May be required to operate a State vehicle;
• Required to travel 5% with possible overnight stays;
• Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety procedures;
• Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

Benefits:

• Texas Parks and Wildlife offers a variety of benefits for employees such as generous paid time off, group insurance, retirement and pension, and frequent training and staff development opportunities.
• Other benefits include longevity pay, merit pay, deferred compensation, flexible benefit plans, 401K/457 retirement plans, direct deposit, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return-to-Work Program.
• For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period.