Pueblo of Pojoaque
Job Vacancy Announcement
General Counsel – Governmental Affairs

Job Title: General Counsel – Governmental Affairs
Closing Date:  Open Until Filled
Department/Program: Legal Department

The General Counsel – Governmental Affairs is a full-time EXEMPT position and will receive full benefits to include employee paid Medical, Dental, Vision & Employer Match on 401(k). Additional benefits include annual and sick leave plus paid holidays.

INTRODUCTION:
The Legal Department is the principle legal counsel of the Pueblo of Pojoaque and provides professional legal counsel and representation to the Pueblo as specified by the Tribal Council.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Serving at the pleasure of the Governor and Tribal Council, all General Counsels perform a full range of legal services requiring substantial knowledge and understanding of the Pueblo, its departments and businesses, and a general understanding of Indian law and tribal-federal-state relationships.  The following examples of duties are intended to be illustrative only and should not be viewed as all-inclusive or restrictive.

The General Counsel for Governmental Affairs provides a full range of legal services on behalf of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Legal Department.  Under the direct supervision of the Chief General Counsel, the General Counsel – Governmental Affairs focuses legal representation and work for the Pueblo on the following priority areas and issues:

• Environmental, water and land use laws, including land acquisitions, placing lands into trust, rights-of-way and easements for utility purposes.
• Aamodt water rights adjudication, acequia water rights, and federal and state relations respecting the Pueblo water rights and uses.
• Infrastructure development (including and advising the Pueblo on proposed contracts with third parties, right-of-way and lease agreements, utility agreements, and other related land use, housing and commercial development matters).

REQUIRED EDUCATION, LICENSURE & EXPERIENCE:
Education: Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school;

Licensure: State bar licensed, in good standing, preferably in New Mexico or willing to be admitted to the New Mexico State Bar within one (1) year, at the candidate’s expense. If admitted, be a member in good standing of a tribal, state or federal court and be capable of being admitted to the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Court; and

Experience:  Demonstrated knowledge and familiarity with basic principles of federal Indian law, including such topics as tribal sovereignty, civil and criminal jurisdiction, land use, taxation, and cooperative agreements between Indian tribes and state and local governments.  Demonstrated ability to provide general legal services on a broad array of legal topics

All offers of employment will be contingent upon successful completion of all reference checks, education verification (including credentials, licenses and degrees), and background investigation and other pre-employment screening requirements.

Questions regarding this announcement can be directed to Stacey Ofstenhage at (505) 455-4594.

A COMPLETE & signed application MUST be submitted for EACH vacant position that you are applying for, any questions please contact (928)734-3212.

You can also find our Job Vacancy Listing on-line at the following address:
http://www.hopi-nsn.gov/tribal-services/human-resources/job-listings/

Download description here – Chief Judge
Download application here – HT EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION

Applications can be submitted:
a: To the Office of Human Resources
b: Mail to:  The Hopi Tribe, Human Resources, PO Box 123, Kykotsmovi Arizona 86039
c: Fax to (928) 734-6611 (Please call to verify that HR has received your fax)
d: Or e-mail to HumanResources@hopi.nsn.us

Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm on the closing date.

Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 8am to 5pm
(HR is open during the Tribe’s normal lunch hour to accept applications from 12pm to 1pm)

Hopi Tribe, Human Resources/Payroll
PO Box 123
Kykotsmovi, AZ  86039
Phone 928.734.3212
Fax: 928.734.6611

A COMPLETE & signed application MUST be submitted for EACH vacant position that you are applying for, any questions please contact (928)734-3212.

You can also find our Job Vacancy Listing on-line at the following address:
http://www.hopi-nsn.gov/tribal-services/human-resources/job-listings/

Download description here – Chief Prosecutor
Download application here – HT EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION

Applications can be submitted:
a: To the Office of Human Resources
b: Mail to:  The Hopi Tribe, Human Resources, PO Box 123, Kykotsmovi Arizona 86039
c: Fax to (928) 734-6611 (Please call to verify that HR has received your fax)
d: Or e-mail to HumanResources@hopi.nsn.us

Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm on the closing date.

Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 8am to 5pm
(HR is open during the Tribe’s normal lunch hour to accept applications from 12pm to 1pm)

Hopi Tribe, Human Resources/Payroll
PO Box 123
Kykotsmovi, AZ  86039
Phone 928.734.3212
Fax: 928.734.6611

Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD)

Natural Resources Section
Attorney
601 D Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004
United States
ENRD-15-060-EXC

About the Office: The Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) of the U.S. Department of Justice is seeking experienced litigators for its Natural Resources Section in Washington, DC. ENRD seeks to attract, retain, and promote individuals of exceptional ability and talent from all walks of life. The work environment and atmosphere are open, diverse, collegial and inclusive. ENRD places a high value on and fosters a work environment where people of all backgrounds, physical abilities, sexual orientations, and experiences may reach their full potential.

The Natural Resources Section litigates cases arising from more than 80 different natural and cultural resource statutes, environmental statutes, and numerous treaties, international agreements, interstate compacts and congressional referrals. The diverse and dynamic subject matter of the Section’s docket includes cases involving the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Forest Management Act, the National Park Service Organic Act, the Coastal Zone Management Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, and the National Trails System Act. The Section’s cases, many of them of first impression and significant media interest, involve the stewardship of our national parks, forests, rangelands, wildlife refuges, and offshore resources; the Nation’s trust relationship with Native Americans and Tribes; and vital federal programs ranging from nuclear materials management to military preparedness to energy policy and resource extraction. The Section also handles a wide variety of cutting-edge Fifth Amendment takings litigation involving real property, as well as original actions in the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve boundary and water allocation disputes. The Section’s cases are tried throughout the United States and its possessions and territories in both state and federal courts. The Section represents virtually every major federal agency.

For more information about the work of the Natural Resources Section, visit the Justice Department’s web site at: http://www.usdoj.gov/enrd .

Job Description: 

Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: The attorney(s) selected will handle cases involving novel and complex issues associated with the interpretation of statutes, treaties, regulations, and executive orders relating to federal programs and the stewardship of the Nation’s natural resource, as determined by the Section’s needs. The cases handled by the Section require attorneys to achieve intellectual command of complicated facts, scientific principles, and legal issues, often rapidly. Successful candidates will demonstrate an aptitude and desire for primary responsibilities in sophisticated litigation, proficiency in working with a wide range of experts, and the ability to harness leading edge technology and litigation support in the preparation of cases. Creative thinking and considerable talent in problem-solving — whether in a litigation or settlement context — are indispensable.

Qualifications: 

The Section’s docket is demanding and requires top caliber work products. Successful applicants will have a demonstrated record of complex case management, initiative and creativity, strong courtroom skills, outstanding legal writing, and a commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree awarded no later than August 2010, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), have at least five years post J.D. experience, and be a U.S. citizen. Applicants should have a strong interest in federal litigation and/or trial work and an exceptional academic background. Judicial clerkship experience and familiarity with defensive civil litigation is highly desirable and knowledge of natural resource management, trusts, or Indian law is a plus. Applicants must demonstrate superior research, analytical, and writing abilities.

Salary: Current salary and years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The possible salary range is: GS-14 ($107,325 – $139,523) and GS-15 ($126,245 – $158,700).
Travel: Periodic travel is required.
Application Process: Submission Process and Deadline Date: Applications must be received by Monday, August 31, 2015.

Applicants must submit a current resume, cover letter, writing sample, and OF-306 to:
Lisa Lynne Russell
Chief, Natural Resources Section
U.S. Department of Justice:
Subject line: ENRD-15-060-EXC

Email applications to: ATTYAPPLY-NRS.ENRD@USDOJ.GOV

Email links icon

If email submission is not possible, please forward your application materials to the following address:

U.S. Department of Justice
Environment and Natural Resources Division
Natural Resources Section
P.O. Box 561, Ben Franklin Station
Washington, DC 20044-0561
Attn: Lisa Lynne Russell, Chief

No telephone calls, please.

How You Will Be Evaluated: You will be evaluated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the experience you report relative to this position. Paid or unpaid experience will be considered.

Please note: The Selecting Official may select additional candidates if more positions become available within 80 days after the announcement closes.

Application Deadline: Monday, August 31, 2015

Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses are not authorized.

Number of Positions: One position. The Selecting Official may select additional candidates if more positions become available within 80 days after the announcement closes.

Staff Attorney-Law Clerk
Ho-Chunk Nation (Black River Falls, WI)

NMLA staff attorney position available at Native American Program in Santa Ana

Chris Vigil will leave the Native American Program at New Mexico Legal Aid next month to accept a position working on water rights adjudications with the New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts. It’s a great opportunity for Chris, but a loss for NMLA. We very much appreciate the great work Chris has done for our clients, and we wish him much success in his new position.

Chris’s decision means that NMLA is now seeking a staff attorney to join the Native American Program in Santa Ana. The NAP staff attorney will handle cases and matters involving federal Indian law and Indian tribal law issues, including representation of low income individuals in tribal and Pueblo courts.  In addition, the staff attorney may be required to handle poverty law issues involving consumer and family law issues in forums other than tribal court and to conduct outreach in tribal and Pueblo communities.  The attorney will also be active in relevant bar and community activities.

The Native American Program does creative, challenging and complex work in a context of rich cultures and diverse client communities. We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are passionate and strongly committed to helping NMLA better serve our Native American communities, including development of effective team strategies to handle complex advocacy and extended representation cases.

Requirements:  Experience with Native American legal issues and communities, especially New Mexico tribal and Pueblo communities, will be highly preferred. At least two years’ experience in handling criminal defense cases, especially those arising in tribal or Pueblo courts, will be highly preferred. Must be willing to travel. Candidates must possess excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks, and ability to manage a significant caseload and build collaborative relationships within the staff and the community.  Proficiency in relevant Native American languages is a plus.

Send a current resume and a letter of interest explaining what you would like to accomplish if you are selected for this position to:  jobs@nmlegalaid.org

Salary:  DOE, NMLA is an EEO Employer.

Deadline:  August 14, 2015.