The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is committed to protecting and promoting Georgia's agriculture through superior service and leadership. 

·       The mission of the GDA is to protect consumers, promote agriculture, both locally and globally, and assist customers using education, technology, and a professional workforce.

·       The vision of the GDA is to continue to be a globally recognized leader in agricultural excellence through a commitment to safety, quality, growth, and innovation. 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: 

·       Analyze and interpret state and federal statutes, regulations, and case law applicable to agency administration and regulatory operations.

·       Provide formal and informal legal advice verbally and in writing, including time-sensitive legal guidance on routine, novel, and complex legal matters.

·       Conduct legal research and use said research to prepare memoranda and opinions relating to all agency administrative and regulatory program activities.

·       Advise agency staff regarding regulatory enforcement actions; review evidence; coordinate with third parties on cross-jurisdictional issues; draft administrative orders, consent orders, warning letters, notices, and other correspondence; negotiate settlement agreements; provide for other informal dispute resolutions; and argue administrative hearings. 

·       Draft administrative regulations to be promulgated under GDA statutory authorities, prepare public notices regarding proposed regulations, review public comments on proposed regulations, conduct public hearings regarding proposed regulations, and ensure agency compliance with Georgia’s Administrative Procedure Act. 

·       Provide guidance regarding agency contracts and custodial properties; negotiate, draft, and review contracts for agency activities and services; negotiate and draft leases for Georgia State Farmer’s Markets; draft notices regarding property issues; and coordinate with the State Properties Commission on issues about state property.

·       Provide guidance and recommendations on employment and personnel matters and conduct training for agency employees relating to report drafting, evidence collection, public records, nondiscrimination programs, and other topics relating to agency operations.

·       Provide guidance and assistance relating to agency compliance with the Georgia Open Records Act as well as federal nondiscrimination program requirements.

·       Serve as an agency liaison with the Georgia Attorney General’s Office.

Other duties as assigned.

Please be advised that the selected candidate may be hired at any level, depending on the candidate’s documented education and experience.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Attorney 2 – $66,000.00

Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university AND license to practice law in the State of Georgia OR eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination followed by Georgia Bar exam passage and licensure to practice law in the State of Georgia within one (1) year of hiring OR reciprocity AND one (1) year of relevant legal experience OR one (1) year of experience required at the lower-level Attorney 1.

Attorney 3 – $72,600.00

Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university AND license to practice law in the State of Georgia OR eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination followed by Georgia Bar exam passage and licensure to practice law in the State of Georgia within one (1) year of hiring OR reciprocity AND two (2) years of relevant legal experience OR two (2) years of experience required at the lower-level Attorney 2.

Physical Demands

·       Intermittent standing, walking, bending, squatting, and/or kneeling

·       Ability to lift to 10 lbs.

NOTE:  If you are applying for this position based on academic credit, please submit a copy of your academic transcript with your application. This will help determine if you meet the qualifications for this position based on your education. Failure to submit a transcript may result in not being eligible for this specific position if qualifying based on education.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:   Preference will be given to applicants, who, in addition to meeting the Minimum Qualifications, possess knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

• • Previous experience working with a local, state, or federal government entity.
  • Previous experience with agriculture law, cannabis law, environmental law, regulatory enforcement, litigation, or commercial leasing.

 NOTE: The Georgia Department of Agriculture conducts background checks on all final candidates. The hiring of applicants is contingent upon satisfactory employment verification results, background, criminal records investigations, and motor vehicle reports.

HOW TO APPLY:  Resumes may be submitted by adding to your profile in Team Georgia Careers:

·       Via Team Georgia Careers http://team.georgia.gov/careers/

The GDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to this office's large volume of submissions, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided. Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the interview process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive a notification.

If you need accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 656-3615.

** The position will be closed once a suitable candidate is identified *