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Associate Counsel

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Associate Counsel

Salary

$83,512.00 - $128,044.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-01498

Agency

009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Opening Date

12/09/2025

Closing Date

1/8/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

[email protected]

+ Description

+ Benefits

Job Description

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.

Are you an energetic, high-capacity, fast-learning legal professional who is passionate about agriculture and enjoys working in a dynamic environment?The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS)is seeking anAttorney 2to serve as associate counsel, specializing in agricultural law, regulatory compliance, public records requests, and public health matters such as animal disease outbreaks. In this key role, you will support IDALS’ General Counsel in providing legal services to our department, serving IDALS’ 14 unique bureaus in fulfilling our mission of providing leadership in all aspects of Iowa agriculture; ensuring food safety, consumer protection, and animal health; and promoting conservation efforts to preserve our land and enhance water quality for the next generation. With approximately 360 dedicated employees, and in partnership state and federal agencies, the public, and numerous organizations across Iowa, IDALS supports a wide range of programs that influence the daily lives of Iowans statewide. Join our team to be a part of meaningful work that impacts Iowa’s farm families, communities, and natural resources.Learn more about IDALS here (https://iowaagriculture.gov/video) .

Key Responsibilities:

+ Research and Advise.Advise IDALS teams on a variety of legal matters including special projects, emergency responses, and policy matters related to agriculture. Conduct comprehensive legal research when necessary.

+ Public Records Requests and Subpoenas: Manage complex public records requests under state open records laws. Process requests from media, agricultural organizations and stakeholders, law firms, and interest groups. Advise Department leadership and staff on handling sensitive information in compliance with legal standards, ensuring confidentiality and proper release of records. Manage responses to subpoenas for documents and testimony.

+ Contract Drafting and Legal Advice: Review, draft, and advise on contracts related to the following: procurement of goods, services, and equipment; technology, including licensing and service agreements; cooperative efforts with private businesses, contractors, and government agencies; the Choose Iowa initiative, promoting Iowa grown, Iowa raised, and Iowa made food and ag products; and collaboration with Iowa State University on research and other programs. Ensure legal compliance on all contracts.

+ Animal Disease Management: Provide legal support for infectious, contagious or foreign disease response , including drafting and reviewing quarantine orders and advising on enforcement procedures.

+ Legislative and Policy Development: Advise on legislative and rulemaking activities at the state and federal levels, , including development, drafting and interpretation

+ Regulatory Assistance: Provide legal support to regulatory investigations, inspections, enforcement and administrative actions.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

+ Graduation from an accredited school of law.

+ License to practice law in the State of Iowa

+ Experience equal to two years of full-time work in the practice of law, not including experience as a law clerk.

Preferred Qualifications:

We’re looking for candidates who bring a combination of strong legal skills and a passion for agriculture:

+ Knowledge of administrative law and government, including abilities to understand and interpret applicable statutes and administrative rules.

+ Command of the English language with strong written and oral communication skills.

+ Deductive and inductive reasoning abilities to solve problems, produce answers, and reach conclusions.

+ Strong skills in active listening and learning, critical thinking, reading comprehension, negotiation, persuasion, judgment, and decision-making.

+ Attention to detail, organization, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively in a busy environment.

+ Commitment to customer service with a collaborative spirit and willingness to assist colleagues across the Department and help people across the state.

+ Basic knowledge of office equipment and standard software applications (e.g., MS Office Suite).

Why Join IDALS?As an employee of IDALS, you’ll be part of a team that values public service, offering competitive pay and a robust benefits package, including:

+ Comprehensive family medical insurance options starting as low as $210 per month, with single coverage available from $64 per month.

+ Free single dental insurance and affordable family coverage at $48 per month.

+ Complimentary life insurance ($20,000 basic coverage) with voluntary supplemental options and no-cost long-term disability insurance.

+ A secure retirement with IPERS (Iowa Public Employee Retirement System) and a deferred compensation plan with a state match of up to $75 per month.

+ Generous paid leave benefits, including nine holidays, plus sick, vacation, military, and jury duty leave.

+ Flexible Working Environment- Work from Home Opportunities

In addition to the great benefits package, working as an attorney at IDALSoffers:

+ The opportunity to research and work on interesting and innovative issues in agriculture and

+ No hourly billing!

For more details on the benefits available as a State of Iowa employee,click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/p/benefits) .

Ready to Make a Difference?If you’re looking for a rewarding opportunity to support a department committed to enhancing Iowa’s agriculture and quality of life, we encourage you to apply!

Applicants are encouraged to attach a resume to their NeoGov application. You may attach a cover letter and resume to your application in the Attachments Section. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated and friendly professional to our team at IDALS.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federalRight to Worklaws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov

This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship .

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Selectives

Law Degree Possession of a law degree from an accredited institution.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

+ Graduation from an accredited school of law, and experience equal to two years of full-time work in the practice of law; not including experience as a law clerk.

+ Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work with the employing agency in the practice of law; not including experience as a law clerk.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. (https://das.iowa.gov/media/2793/download?inline)

Additional Qualification Requirements

Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to be admitted to the Iowa State Bar if required at the time of appointment.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Address

1305 E Walnut St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website

http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/

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