Departmental Specialist 13 (Legal Specialist)
Food and Agriculture is one of the largest industries in Michigan. Grow with us and make a difference!
About this Position:
This position functions as the legal specialist for the department and is responsible for providing specialized guidance and knowledge on complex administrative law issues, including rulemaking, information sharing agreements and protection of data, interagency or public agreements and memoranda of understanding, and freedom of information requests. This position requires independent judgment and discretion, as well as advanced knowledge of applicable areas of law, and therefore requires a Juris Doctor degree. This position is responsible for managing these kinds of legal needs that impact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development leadership and staff, especially those subject matters listed above.
The position serves as the Deputy Regulatory Affairs Officer by drafting new rules and proposing updates to existing rules, completing regulatory impact statements, arranging public hearings, and tracking the entire rulemaking process department wide. The position oversees tracking and release of litigation holds and tracking of subpoenas and supports the Department’s internal enforcement group by setting meetings and by serving as an informal hearings officer. Other key duties include conducting referenda for the legislatively established commodity groups and serving as a backup when the Director of the Office is unavailable. The position also serves as the Deputy FOIA Coordinator responsible for working with staff throughout the Department by preparing responses, developing estimates, and conducting training.
The Attorney General and designated Assistant Attorneys General provide attorney/client privileged legal advice to state agencies and officers and represent them in court. This position will collaborate with the Department of Attorney General and does not provide those services on behalf of the agency.
Position Description (Download PDF reader)
About MDARD:
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is comprised of four bureaus that use a customer-driven, solution-oriented approach to cultivate and expand new economic opportunities for the food and agricultural sector; safeguard the public's food supply; inspect and enforce sound animal health practices; control and eradicate plant pests and diseases threatening the $125.8 billion food and agriculture system; preserve the environment by which the farming community makes their living and feeds consumers; and protect consumers by enforcing laws relating to weights and measures.
MDARD offers a positive work-life balance with optional hybrid work options and flexible work schedules. Department leaders support a great team culture and are committed to professional development.
MDARD is committed to a department-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion program that builds upon our values and invests in our employees. We provide an inclusive culture through involvement and empowerment, where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized.
Required Education and Experience
Education
Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major.
Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited school of law is required.
Experience
Four years of professional experience, including two years equivalent to the experienced (P11) level or one year equivalent to the advanced (12) level.
Additional Requirements and Information
Please attach a cover letter, resume, and official college transcripts to your application. Information provided in your application, resume, cover letter, transcripts, and any other documentation provided will be used to verify responses to the supplemental questions. Unsupported responses may not be considered further.
You must attach an electronic and/or scanned copy of your official college/university transcripts. For our purposes, "Official Transcripts" must contain the college/university name and address, the degree conferred and date granted, coursework completed (especially if no degree granted), and the Registrar's signature and/or seal.
Your application for any position does not guarantee that you will be contacted by the Department/Agency for further consideration. Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results.
View the entire job specification at:
https://www.michigan.gov/mdcs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdcs/JOBSPECS/D/DepartmentalSpecialist.pdf (Download PDF reader)
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator (Download PDF reader) for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
Employer
State of Michigan
Department
Agriculture and Rural Development
Address
525 West Allegan Street
mda-hr-resumes@michigan.gov
Lansing, Michigan, 48909
Phone
517-284-5014
Website