Paralegal - Natural Resources

Paralegal - Natural Resources

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $21.16 - $48.87 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site

Recruiter – Desi Crane | aghr@agutah.gov | 3852715803
Application Deadline – 7/12/2026

Key Responsibilities

The Utah Attorney General’s Office, Natural Resources Division is seeking a dedicated paralegal to provide essential legal support to Assistant Attorneys General in matters relating to water rights and the State Engineer’s Office. The paralegal works closely with attorneys, clients, and other legal staff and is involved in the preparation, management, and resolution of cases, with a major focus on General Stream Adjudications.

 Key Responsibilities

• Case Preparation: Establishes, organizes, and/or maintains files, both internal and public facing. Reviews case files and maintains document control, tracking and tracing of court and/or administrative filings, and other documents. 
• Case Preparation: Drafts various routine legal documents, including petitions, answers, motions and supporting memoranda, notices, and discovery documents such as interrogatories, requests for admission, and requests for production of documents, etc. Conducts factual research and compiles information obtained from investigations.
• Legal and Factual Research: Searches public and private records. Investigates and prepares cases, including gathering evidence, working on pleadings, and preparing for trial.  Assists attorneys in locating, obtaining, tracking, and disseminating information and evidence. Knowledge of legal terminology, court processes and systems, and legal processes and procedures is a must. Makes decisions to solve problems by using logic and research to identify key facts, explore alternative pathways to resolution, and propose solutions.
• Team Collaboration and Professional Conduct: Can work independently but also work effectively as part of a team. Deals with people in a manner which shows sensitivity, tact, and professionalism, whether they be fellow Attorney General employees, the client, or members of the public. Comply with ABA Legal Assistant code of ethics.

Additional Duties:

• Draft correspondence and other legal documents.

• Analyze and summarize data; interpret results and/or make recommendations.

• Research public and private records in compliance with state and federal laws.

• Assist with discovery needs and participate in strategy sessions for case preparation.

• Maintain case files, maintain document and calendar control, and meet strict deadlines. 

• Proofread outgoing pleadings for content, grammar, and errors. 

Work Environment

Paralegals in the Natural Resources Division are expected to work independently under attorney supervision. They may handle high-impact cases and supervise other support staff. The position requires adherence to ABA guidelines.

 About the Natural Resources Division

The Natural Resources Division provides legal and litigation support to the Utah Department of Natural Resources and its divisions, including Forestry, Fire & State Lands; Oil, Gas & Mining; Parks & Recreation; Water Resources; Water Rights; Wildlife Resources; and the Utah Geological Survey. The division also represents and supports the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office and the Constitutional Defense Council in matters involving the protection, use, stewardship, and conservation of Utah’s public lands, roads, and natural resources. This position primarily serves the Division of Water Rights.

From safeguarding Utah’s interstate water allocations to advancing the state’s agricultural and resource interests, the division addresses a broad range of complex legal challenges. Through focused counsel and skilled advocacy, the Natural Resources Division ensures that the agencies entrusted with Utah’s lands and waters can responsibly manage, develop, and preserve the state’s natural heritage for future generations.

Qualifications

• An associate's degree in paralegal studies or a related bachelor's degree and relevant paralegal experience; or
• National certification (NALA, NFPA, or NALS) and relevant paralegal experience.
• Skilled in independent decision-making, complex legal tasks, and effective case management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat; experience with e-discovery tools such as Everlaw is preferred.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with proven ability to meet deadlines.

About the Role

Location –
1594 W North Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116
United States
Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – AG - Employees at the Attorney General's Office

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization. 
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals. 
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency

If you are looking to make a meaningful impact while working in a dynamic, fast-paced legal environment, the Attorney General’s Office offers a unique opportunity. As counselors, protectors, and stewards, the Office plays a vital role in defending both the U.S. and Utah constitutions, protecting residents, and preserving the resources that make Utah special. You’ll contribute to upholding justice, advising state agencies, and safeguarding the rights and interests of Utah’s citizens. With responsibilities ranging from prosecuting corporate misconduct to enforcing public lands policy and supporting children’s justice initiatives, your work here will be both diverse and rewarding. Join a team dedicated to serving the public and advancing the cause of justice in Utah.

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (385) 271-5803.