Legal Counsel, PLPCO
FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $55.00 - $80.00 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site
Recruiter – Tim Conyers | tconyers@utah.gov | 0
Application Deadline – 7/6/2026
Key Responsibilities
Are you interested in the legal issues surrounding public lands in Utah? The Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office within the Utah Department of Natural Resources is looking for an attorney interested in coordinating, promoting, and implementing Utah’s public land priorities.
All applicants must be members in good standing of the Utah Bar and qualified for admission to the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah.
This is a Term-Limited career service-exempt job and is at-will (currently funded for approximately 3 years).
Key responsibilities and day to day responsibilities of this position:
- This role centers on strategic public land and natural resources policy development and fostering robust inter-agency collaboration at both state and federal levels. The successful candidate will manage critical relationships with elected officials, non-profit organizations, and diverse stakeholders to align natural resource initiatives. Key duties include providing expert consultation on public lands law (such as R.S. 2477, FLPMA, NFMA, and NEPA) to inform policy decisions and ensuring effective communication across multi-disciplinary teams. Proficiency in legal research and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments are essential to support the state's long-term land management goals.
The Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office seeks to empower all to enjoy and flourish from Utah’s public lands, providing Utahns with unique and lasting opportunities for access, economic prosperity, and stewardship. Join our team and be part of the solution. The position can be located almost anywhere within the State of Utah, with preference given to candidates in rural Utah.
Qualifications
Minimum or "day-one" qualifications:
- Active membership in good standing with the Utah State Bar (or ability to obtain expeditiously if bar certified elsewhere).
- Advanced skills in legal research, with the ability to synthesize case law, statutes, and complex regulations into actionable policy advice.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze and identify underlying principles and facts to draw sound legal and policy conclusions.
- Exceptional professional communication skills, including the ability to relay complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
- Expertise in interpreting legal decisions and identifying emerging trends to guide organizational strategy.
- Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively while maintaining high standards of tact and professionalism in stakeholder engagement.
Preferred or trainable/on-the-job qualifications:
- This position may be located anywhere in the state of Utah with a preference for candidates in rural Utah.
- The incumbent must be willing and able to travel for public meetings, project site visits, and other work functions.
Work environment, working conditions, physical requirements:
- Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
- Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc.
- Extensive travel may be required on dirt roads in 4x4 vehicles or OHV's.
About the Role
Location –
1594 West North Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116
United States
Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Drug Test Required –
Schedule Code – AC - Employees in Offices of Elected Officials
Why You Should Join Our Team