Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Agency Information:

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is an executive branch agency in charge of operating and regulating the use of state parks, state lakes, recreational grounds, wildlife areas and sanctuaries, fish hatcheries, natural areas, historic sites and other lands, waters, and facilities for the promotion of public health, safety, and for the use and pleasure of visitors. The agency is also charged with the development and conservation of wildlife and the natural resources within the state. The agency oversees 28 state parks, 500 miles of trails, approximately 368,000 acres of leased or owned public lands, management of four hatcheries, and four nature centers.

To meet our mission, projects, and goals, KDWP employs approximately 460 full-time employees and up to 350 temporary employees, throughout the state, with diverse and varying skillsets. The largest agency office is the Operational Headquarters in Pratt, Kansas. The Office of the Secretary is maintained in Topeka, Kansas. There are three Regional Offices located in Topeka, Wichita, and Hays; three District Offices in Kansas City, Chanute, and Dodge City; and a Research Office located in Emporia, Kansas. Various wildlife, public land, and parks offices are located across the state.

KDWP has an annual budget of $96 million. The agency is primarily funded through license fees, grants and federal funds that are provided through the Pitman Roberts and Dingle Johnson Acts.

About the Position

Who can apply: Anyone

Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes

Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes

Search Keywords: Attorney, Shawnee, Topeka

Compensation: $120,000 annual starting salary

• Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Employment Benefits

Immediate comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage

Sick & Vacation leave

Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave

Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)

Fitness Centers in select locations

Employee discounts with the STAR Program

Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Public Service Student Loan Repayment Program

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Position Summary: This unclassified, permanent, full-time position located in the Office of the Secretary, Topeka KS.

Job Responsibilities: Responsible for providing on-demand daily legal services for the Department in areas of legal research, legal guidance, contract drafting, review/negotiations, employment/personnel matters, government relations, crisis management, risk management, dispute mediation, regulatory and statutory matters, bankruptcy, law enforcement, land management, engineering, licensing, fish, wildlife, parks, and boating matters. This position is also responsible for overseeing case management of claims/litigation, management of a preventative law program, KOMA/KORA, regulatory management of roughly 185 K.A.R.’s that generate $80M of department revenue, and participating in constituent services regarding statutes, regulations, inquiries, complaints, and outreach through local events and meetings. This position serves on the department management team and manages two staff attorney positions and one paralegal.

Qualifications:

Education: Juris Doctorate from accredited school of law.

Licensing & Certification: The successful candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and pass a background check. Candidates must be licensed and in good standing with a state bar and must be licensed, or willing and eligible to become licensed, to practice law in the State of Kansas.

Minimum Qualifications: Five years of progressive experience in the practice of governmental or conservation law. Certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Kansas or temporary permit to practice law issued by the Supreme Court of Kansas.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience working as a licensed attorney practicing administrative, governmental or conservation law and/or experience with natural resources regulations.

Recruiter Contact Information

Name: Laverne Taylor

Email: laverne.taylor@ks.gov

Phone: 620-672-0704

Job Application Process

First Sign in or register as a New User.

Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.

Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.

Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.

Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.

Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.

Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page

Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions"

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete

The following are the required items to apply:

1) a letter of interest

2) a detailed resume; including a valid e-mail address

3) transcript material, if applicable, (copies of official transcripts or unofficial student copies are acceptable as long as degree is conferred)

4) employment application -this is generated automatically based on the information input into the system

5) an Authorization to Release Information form** (this can be found at the following website): https://www.ksoutdoors.com/news/KDWP-Info/Jobs/Employment-Application-Additional-Info

**Please note, this form must either be witnessed and signed by a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks employee or signed in front of and notarized by a notary public. We reserve the right to conduct a background check on all qualified applicants.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. A complete application packet must be submitted for each position. We no longer make copies of previous applications. Submitted application materials will be reviewed in Pratt to assure that the position minimum requirements are met, and those meeting the minimum requirements will be forwarded to the respective division for interview selection.

Applicants are notified whether or not they are selected to interview. The interview is generally a one-time, panel interview consisting of position-specific questions for all applicants (same questions for each applicant), with the selection being made after all candidate interviews are completed.

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents”

Post Offer Requirements:

Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate: A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is a condition of employment for all employees of the State of Kansas. Applicants (including non-residents) who receive a formal job offer for a State job, are required to obtain a valid Tax Clearance within ten (10) days of the job offer. A Tax Clearance can be obtained through the Kansas Department of Revenue who reviews individual accounts for compliance with Kansas Tax Law. Please be encouraged if you have a missing tax return(s) or you owe taxes to the State of Kansas, the Kansas Department of Revenue will work with you. The Kansas Department of Revenue can set you up on a payment plan to receive a Tax Clearance so you can get a job working for the State of Kansas. The Kansas Department of Revenue can be contacted at 785-296-3199. Kansas Department of Revenue - Tax Clearance Frequently Asked Questions