Public Service Administrator, OPT 8L State of Illinois – Dept of Agriculture

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Agriculture seeks a professional who is licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois to serve as the Department’s representative at administrative hearings and to assist with Department rulemaking and other legal matters.

The Department’s administrative rulemaking covers a variety of program areas. Anticipated and ongoing rulemakings include anhydrous ammonia, hemp, cannabis, and animal health matters. The Administrative Hearings and Rulemaking Attorney covers all aspects of the administrative hearing for the Department, from review of the assessed fine/penalty, to presenting evidence at an administrative hearing, and all steps in between, including contact with respondents and status hearings. We invite all interested candidates to apply.

Job Responsibilities

• Under general direction of the General Counsel, serves as the Department’s primary representation at administrative hearings.
• Collaborates with the Deputy General Counsel to handle all phases of contested administrative hearing cases..
• Conducts rulemaking hearings and acts as hearing officer at the rulemaking hearings.
• Drafts administrative rules to implement statutes administered by the Department. Researches, develops and writes proposals affecting changes in statutes and administrative rules.
• Assists the General Counsel and Deputy General in reviewing and drafting miscellaneous contracts; provides counsel to Labor Relations Administrator regarding issues of discipline, administrative hearings and other labor relations issues.
• Plans, directs and conducts extensive and complex legal or administrative studies as assigned.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires completion of the core curriculum for graduation from an accredited law school.
• Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois.
• Requires three years professional experience in the practice of law.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers thorough knowledge of civil law, judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and of the rules of evidence, hearings, and trial procedures.
• Prefers thorough knowledge of common law, Federal and State laws and regulations pertaining to the agency program.
• Prefers thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, practices and references utilized in legal research.
• Prefers experience as an attorney conducting legal research, presenting cases before a judge, and drafting legal opinions.
• Prefers experience as an attorney in drafting proposed legislation, rules, and/or policies.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to pass a background check.
• Requires possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to travel.