The North Dakota Office of Attorney General is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Attorney General, specifically as Natural Resources and Native American Affairs General Counsel. The role is located in Bismarck and reports to Matthew Sagsveen, Director of the Natural Resources and Native American Affairs Division.
The division provides legal services to several state agencies that manage or regulate natural resources. These include the Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Water Resources, Industrial Commission (covering entities such as the State Mill and Elevator, Department of Mineral Resources, Pipeline Authority), Parks and Recreation Department, Game and Fish Department, commodity boards, among others.
According to the announcement, “The Attorney General is dedicated to deliver the highest quality professional and ethical legal services to state officials, agencies, and people of the state of North Dakota.”
Responsibilities for this position involve offering daily general counsel advice to assigned agencies or boards. Duties may also include representing client agencies in civil or administrative proceedings or serving as a hearing officer. Other tasks are managing clients’ legal operations; facilitating relationships with clients and stakeholders; providing guidance and issuing legal opinions; responding to correspondence; conducting research on laws and regulations; monitoring legislation; assisting with litigation defense; representing agencies when necessary; and managing outside counsel.
The ideal candidate should have strong communication skills, attention to detail, organizational abilities, sound judgment, reliability, and a capacity for handling a consistent workload. Opportunities for training in areas such as general counsel practices, litigation skills including depositions and appellate advocacy are available.
Benefits offered include fully paid health insurance for employees and their families, optional dental and vision coverage at employee expense, participation in state retirement plans (NDPERS defined benefit), an optional 457 deferred compensation plan, medical spending account contributions, annual leave benefits, sick leave benefits and other employment benefits. Employees may also qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
Applicants must be licensed or expect imminent admission to practice law in North Dakota. Preferred qualifications include at least one year’s experience in civil litigation or comparable work—judicial clerkships can substitute for this requirement. Candidates should demonstrate high ethical standards without disciplinary history.
Applications must be submitted online by February 13, 2026 at www.nd.gov/careers. Required documents are a resume; cover letter explaining relevant experience; three professional references; college transcripts (unofficial copies accepted initially). All candidates will undergo background checks.
Applicants are prohibited from using artificial intelligence tools during any part of their application process: “You are prohibited from using any artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool… Any information you provide during the application and interview process is subject to verification.”
All hiring decisions require approval by the Attorney General before becoming final.
For questions about accommodations during the application process contact Ashley at aeisenbeis@nd.gov or call (701) 328-1256.
More information about the Office of Attorney General can be found at the official website.
The State of North Dakota commits to equal opportunity employment regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation/gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability status. Smoking is prohibited in all state employment locations according to N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.
