Attorney 2 or 3

at  State of Georgia

The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is committed to protecting and promoting Georgia’s agriculture through superior service and leadership.

• The mission of the GDA is to protect consumers, promote agriculture, both locally and globally, and assist customers using education, technology, and a professional workforce.
• The vision of the GDA is to continue to be a globally recognized leader in agricultural excellence through a commitment to safety, quality, growth, and innovation.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

• Analyze and interpret state and federal statutes, regulations, and case law applicable to agency administration and regulatory operations.
• Provide formal and informal legal advice verbally and in writing, including time-sensitive legal guidance on routine, novel, and complex legal matters.
• Conduct legal research and use said research to prepare memoranda and opinions relating to all agency administrative and regulatory program activities.
• Advise agency staff regarding regulatory enforcement actions; review evidence; coordinate with third parties on cross-jurisdictional issues; draft administrative orders, consent orders, warning letters, notices, and other correspondence; negotiate settlement agreements; provide for other informal dispute resolutions; and argue administrative hearings.
• Draft administrative regulations to be promulgated under GDA statutory authorities, prepare public notices regarding proposed regulations, review public comments on proposed regulations, conduct public hearings regarding proposed regulations, and ensure agency compliance with Georgia’s Administrative Procedure Act.
• Provide guidance regarding agency contracts and custodial properties; negotiate, draft, and review contracts for agency activities and services; negotiate and draft leases for Georgia State Farmer’s Markets; draft notices regarding property issues; and coordinate with the State Properties Commission on issues about state property.
• Provide guidance and recommendations on employment and personnel matters and conduct training for agency employees relating to report drafting, evidence collection, public records, nondiscrimination programs, and other topics relating to agency operations.
• Provide guidance and assistance relating to agency compliance with the Georgia Open Records Act as well as federal nondiscrimination program requirements.
• Serve as an agency liaison with the Georgia Attorney General’s Office.