Assistant Attorney General – Parks & Wildlife – Water Counsel/General Counsel/Litigation

WHAT YOU WILL DO

There are two parts to this position.

I. General Counsel and Litigation:  General counsel duties for this position involve advising CPW on a remarkably diverse array of topics. These include wildlife law, regulation of hunting and fishing, management of game and nongame species, protection of wildlife habitat, management of state parks and state wildlife areas, license suspension hearings, real property disputes, the state Administrative Procedures Act, and compliance with federal wildlife grant provisions and federal statutes, among others. Advising the agency will require legal research, drafting memoranda, working directly with agency staff and leadership, and responding on short notice to inquiries from the management team. The attorney will also engage in litigation on behalf of the Division or Commission as needed, in state or federal courts and state water court.

II. Water:  CPW is uniquely situated as both a steward and a user of water. This position, therefore, requires nuanced and innovative problem-solving skills to help advance CPW’s mission within Colorado’s system of water law. Specific duties for this position involve advising CPW on water-related issues including acquiring, protecting, and managing water rights for reservoirs, ponds, wells, and surface diversions at state parks and wildlife areas; protecting riparian and aquatic habitat; and ensuring adequate water for CPW’s fish hatcheries. This position also facilitates water transactions, such as the purchase, lease, exchange, and sale of water rights, alone or in conjunction with real estate transactions. Duties may also include advising CPW when conflicts arise between existing water law and state policy goals as well as providing advice and participating in client-led teams to support river restoration projects, drought protection and planning, fish and wildlife mitigation plans for reservoir and infrastructure projects, instream flow development and protection, and  environmental pool projects and protection. CPW’s water attorneys litigate in all seven water divisions as both opposer and applicant for a variety of cases, including new appropriations, diligence applications, exchanges, plans for augmentation, and changes of water rights.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

CPW’s mission is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. Our goal is to add someone to our team who is eager to learn, excited about representing CPW, enthusiastic about professional growth, and committed to CPW’s mission.

Applicants for the Parks, Wildlife and Trust Lands position must have the following qualifications:

• Be admitted to the Colorado bar or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar and be in good standing at the time of application. Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application and application for Practice Pending Admission before the first day of employment. For more information about admission to the Colorado bar please review information on the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel.
• Experience in civil practice.
• Have excellent analytical and communication skills, good judgment, and good interpersonal skills.
• Be a strong writer with keen attention to detail
• Be willing to travel throughout the state.

Some of our strongest candidates will also have the following skills and attributes, although these are not required to apply:

• Two to three years’ experience practicing in Colorado water courts
• Two to three years’ experience in civil or criminal litigation
• General contracting and transactional experience, and experience with real property law
• An interest in dealing with challenging and complex issues

Personal interest in hunting, fishing, and other forms of outdoor recreation is a bonus, but not required.

Conditions of employment:

• Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.

The Office of the Attorney General offers challenging, interesting, and meaningful work. We are an equal opportunity employer and believe that a diverse work force adds quality and perspective to the services we provide to the public. Candidates with diverse qualities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

View the full job announcement for more information, including compensation and benefits, and to apply online.