Job Title: Assistant Attorney General - Environmental Protection

Job ID: 17300

Location: Madison           

Agency: Justice

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

The DOJ is looking for a highly motivated and talented individual to join our Division of Legal Services as an Assistant Attorney General in the Public Protection Unit (PPU). This position will work in the Environmental Protection Section of the PPU. 

It is the mission of the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) to protect the public and ensure that justice is done. To continue to meet this mission, the principles of equity, inclusion, and employee well-being have become a foundation for all work performed at DOJ, on behalf of Wisconsinites. 

The DOJ is committed to developing and supporting a workforce and culture that is rich in diversity and innovation. It is the department’s goal to ensure that all DOJ employees are empowered to be authentic, claim belonging, and thrive.  This is your opportunity to make and be the difference. 

In addition to working with a dynamic group of people, we offer amazing benefits, such as excellent health insurance, ample paid leave, flexible work schedules, and an employee assistance program that offers a variety of programs and resources to help promote wellness. Furthermore, employment within the state of Wisconsin provides job stability, work/life balance, and numerous intrinsic rewards from doing meaningful work.

This position is headquartered at the Risser Justice Center located at 17 West Main Street in Madison. 

The deadline to apply for this job announcement is March 30, 2025, at 11:59pm.  For any questions, please contact Angie Rizner, Human Resources Specialist at rizneram@doj.state.wi.us or (608) 347-9393.

Position Summary

Under general supervision of an Assistant Attorney General Supervisor, this position provides a variety of legal services, through counsel and representation, to the Legislature, Governor, state agencies, and District Attorneys. The Public Protection Unit is comprised of an Environmental Protection section and a Consumer Protection and Antitrust section. 

The Environmental Protection Section enforces state environmental laws by prosecuting violations referred to the Attorney General by environmental regulatory agencies or requested by district attorneys. Most environmental violations are referred by the Department of Natural Resources. This practice section enforces the laws relating to air pollution, solid and hazardous waste, water pollution, wastewater, water regulation and zoning, water supply, hazardous substance spills, underground storage tanks, Superfund, public nuisance, natural resource protection, radioactive waste, land use, and public trust in navigable waters. 

This section also defends the state and state agencies in environmental or natural resource related lawsuits, and litigation on environmental matters related to Indian law. The unit also represents the state’s interests in federal environmental cases upon authorization from the governor.

Salary Information

The Assistant Attorney General position is in pay schedule 09 and pay range 75. The starting pay will be between $36.72-$56.37/hour (approx. $76,377 to $117,249 annually). Pay for current or former state employees will follow the provisions found in the State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan. A 12-month probationary period may be required.

Job Details

This position may be eligible to work remotely up to 40% as part of a hybrid schedule, following an initial training period. Travel to the headquarters is not eligible for travel reimbursement. 

An internet connection with speed capable of performing all remote work duties is required. 

Occasional in-state travel will be required.  Must be eligible to drive when required for travel.

The Department of Justice does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9. 

A background check, including fingerprints, will be completed on applicants prior to selection.

Special Qualification: Candidate must be a member in good standing with the Wisconsin State Bar upon appointment. 

Qualifications

Please address the following in your resume and/or letter of qualifications.

Minimally qualified applicants must have professional experience in the following:

• Preparing and drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs.
• Participating in discovery.
• Planning litigation strategy and advising clients.
• Handling motion hearings or other court proceedings, including preparing witness testimony for evidentiary hearings.
• Negotiating with opposing counsel.

In addition to the minimum qualifications, a well-qualified applicant will have professional experience in the following: 

• Litigation experience involving environmental or conservation law issues.
• Experience with Federal or state administrative review process and procedures.
• Serving as lead counsel.
• Undergraduate or graduate degree(s) in an environmental, conservation, or related science or engineering field.

How To Apply

Apply online! To apply, visit wisc.jobs, search for the Job ID or Job Title, click on “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Once logged in, click “Apply for Job” and follow the steps outlined in the application process. You will be required to submit a letter of qualifications and resume. 

Each time you apply for a job; you should update and tailor your resume and letter of qualifications. You should clearly describe your education, training, and experience related to the items listed in the “Qualifications” section of the job announcement. These qualifications should be addressed in your resume and expanded upon in your letter of qualifications. This will allow a fuller assessment regarding your qualifications and those required for the job applying for. 

Your resume should include the following:

• Your educational background including any course work that relates to the position in which you are applying.
• Your employment history, including experiences and/or duties and a summary of accomplishments and skills learned or used.
• Any training or experience, including volunteer work or internships, you have related specifically to the “Qualifications” section of the assessment.
• Spell out any acronyms and/or abbreviations the first time used.

Your letter of qualifications should include:

• Additional information regarding your past work experience, including volunteer work and internships, or coursework you have taken.
• Highlights of your most relevant skills and experiences as they related to the specific job you are applying for.
• Specific examples that clearly demonstrates your level of expertise.

What not to include in your resume or letter of qualifications:

Your application materials should not include any information that is not job-related, such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, creed, disability, or genetic information. Further, do not include any self-identifying information such as photos, social security numbers, political affiliation, citizen status or conviction records. 

Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the process. References will be requested from top candidates once interviews have taken place. 

NOTE: Current/former State employees interested in a permissive transfer, demotion or reinstatement consideration must also apply.

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. 

We appreciate the time and effort it takes to apply for positions. If any questions arise, please contact Angie Rizner, Human Resources Specialist, at rizneram@doj.state.wi.us or (608) 347-9393.

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply for this job announcement is Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM.