Job Description
Posting Details This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once. The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is responsible for overseeing multi-modal transportation systems, including transit, rail, aviation, and highways. The NMDOT operates through its State Transportation Commission (STC), cabinet secretary, General Office administration, and through six (6) district offices with multiple maintenance patrols and construction project offices located throughout the state. The Office of General Counsel (OGC), which serves as in-house counsel for the NMDOT, consists of one (1) general counsel, twelve (12) attorney positions, five (5) paralegal positions, and one (1) Business Operations Manager. The OGC has four (4) practice groups; Operations and Finance (construction, contracts and procurement, grant administration), Right-of-Way (real property, eminent domain, billboards Utilities, Special Projects (modal operations, records, special Projects) and Administration, Employment and Torts (employment law and practice, labor law and practice, administrative operations and policy, tort claims and litigation). As a valued new employee to NMDOT, you may be eligible to receive three (3) days of administrate leave upon your start date. This is applicable to external hires not within the State of New Mexico Government. Why does the job exist? This Attorney position is assigned to the Administration, Employment and Torts (administrative operations, employment and labor, torts) practice group. This practice group includes three (3) Attorney positions which are directly responsible for advising and representing the NMDOT in matters pertaining to employment law, labor law, tort law, and various facets of administrative operations, laws, and policy. The Attorney positions in this unit serve in both primary and secondary roles involved with litigation, complaints, and claims directed against the NMDOT, including in those areas for which the unit is responsible. The Attorney positions also work directly with client representatives in various facets of administrative operations, including, but limited to, business support, executive projects, human resources, inspector general, Information Technology (IT), infrastructure, communications, public records, training and staff development. Each Attorney position in the unit carries a high volume case load and handles a multitude of time-sensitive tasks. How does it get done? The Attorney position performs legal research and writing, advises administration on matters of law and policy, and provides representation including in areas of civil rights, employment and labor law, torts, public records, administrative operations, human resources, and as otherwise assigned. This position will both assist and act as lead counsel in litigation, determine legal position and strategy, conduct investigations, assess exposure and litigation risk, draft and file legal documents, manage caseloads, interview and prepare witnesses, participate in mediations, keep client administration informed, and regularly coordinate with client representatives, outside counsels, Risk Management Division, and other agencies as the situation warrants. The Attorney is expected to operate competently with minimal supervision, and meet expectations regarding timely and thorough communications, productivity and prioritizing tasks, job knowledge, and providing quality and thorough work product. Additionally, this position is expected to competently utilize the OGC's case management system, word processing, tracking, filing, communications, research, and Internet systems. Who are the customers? The New Mexico Department of Transportation and its executive staff and employees. Ideal Candidate The New Mexico Department of Transportation and its executive staff and employees. Minimum Qualification Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law. Must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or qualified to apply for limited practice license. Employment Requirements Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive a Defensive Driving Course certificate as a condition of continued employment. All Attorney classifications must be and remain licensed as an attorney, in good standing, by the Supreme Court of New Mexico, or licensed as an attorney and in good standing by the highest court of another state and eligible pursuant to the limited license provisions (See Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA). Working Conditions Work is primarily performed in an office setting with exposure to visual/video display terminals and extensive use of a personal computer, phone and ot