Assistant CHIEF Counsel (public Service Administrator Option 8L)

Assistant Chief Counsel (Public Service Administrator Option 8L)

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking to hire an Assistant Chief Counsel position in the Office of Chief Counsel. Under administrative direction of the Deputy Chief Counsel, this position provides technical advice and legal policy determinations on legal matters relating to transportation including Ethics, Personnel, Labor Relations, FOIA, Administrative Rules and subpoena compliance. In the absence of the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel, the incumbent may be assigned the duties of the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel or Deputy Chief Counsel. The incumbent provides consultation for complex legal problems including legislation, litigation, contractual and statutory matters, administrative and regulatory functions, employment and labor relations, and other matters affecting the management of the department. This position advises department employees regarding principal policymaking.

Essential Functions

• Prepares information and documents for legal work for the department including but not limited to state and federal legislation, administrative rules, solicitations and contracts, inter-agency agreements and dispute resolution, and land acquisition environmental issues.
• Assists with the Office of the Attorney General and outside counsel and represents the department in litigation.
• Analyzes statutes and drafts rules, regulations, and interpretations pertaining to department programs, policies, and procedures.
• Serves as liaison to department offices and externally with federal and state agencies, stakeholder organizations, legislative and other constitutional offices, among others.
• Confers with and advises department employees on confidential legal or administrative issues related to transportation and projects programs of the department.
• In the absence of the Deputy Chief Counsel, this position may be assigned the duties of the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel or Deputy Chief Counsel.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college.
• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• Prior experience equivalent to three years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the general practice of law.
• License to practice law in the state of Illinois.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of agency programs and service objectives, activities, and operational systems.
• Ability to research laws, rules, and regulations and apply internal or external circumstances.
• Ability to develop and manage a supportive agency program.
• Ability to analyze administrative problems and adopt an effective course of action.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in developing, implementing, and interpreting departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires successful completion of a background investigation.
• Requires a valid driver's license.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest.

About the Agency

The IDOT team works diligently to provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity and protect our environment. We are problem solvers and leaders, constantly searching for innovations and improvements in support of our commitment to providing the best multimodal transportation system for Illinois. Our team fosters a culture of inclusivity. We value diversity and hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards as we work together for a common purpose. Team members frequently collaborate with colleagues and others outside the department to best meet customer needs. The department offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. Employees also receive a robust benefit package including:

• Monday-Friday work schedule
• Flexible work schedules in several program areas (flexible time, hybrid scheduling)
• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• (12) Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
• Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually
• New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually
• Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually
• (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

We invite qualified applicants to apply to become part of our team. We are confident that you will take pride in serving Illinois and its residents and visitors.