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Department of Transportation Counsel
Starting Salary: $106,953.60 - $120,265.60 depending on experience and qualifications
To view the full salary range of this position, click here.
Office/Bureau: Legal Services
Location: Augusta, ME
Opening Date: May 11, 2026
Closing Date: May 22, 2026
The Department of Transportation, a cabinet-level department of Maine State government with primary responsibility for statewide transportation by all modes of travel, is seeking an individual for an in-house counsel position. The Department's mission is to support economic opportunity and quality of life for Maine people and businesses by effectively managing Maine's transportation system for safety and reliability given available resources and investing those resources to support economic opportunity for the people of Maine.
The position of Department of Transportation counsel ("Transportation Counsel") presents the opportunity to work on a broad spectrum of legal issues, with a focus on real estate and contracts matters involved in the various modes of transportation and transportation infrastructure for which the Department is responsible. Work may be performed both independently and as part of a cross-functional team of management and staff, who provide a forum for consultation and discussion of ideas and for developing knowledge of the Department's programs and projects. Developing an understanding of the Department's business is a key element of the role of in-house counsel that helps counsel to identify legal pitfalls and the level of potential risk involved in a proposed course of action and to be aware of the business ramifications when providing legal advice. The Department values a reasoned, practical approach in providing legal advice and the ability to effectively balance legal issues and business considerations and to find creative solutions to novel legal issues.
Key responsibilities on Department real estate and contracts matters are expected to include drafting and negotiating agreements for diverse transportation projects dealing with bridges, railroads, airports, ferries, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities, with a particular focus on property law aspects and that may involve the planning, acquisition, lease, sale, or management of these multimodal transportation facilities; and advising on and resolving real estate title issues and highway right-of-way matters including encroachments. Transportation Counsel may also advise management and staff on issues arising in connection with construction and maintenance projects for various transportation infrastructure, which may include bidding questions, local approvals, and interpretation of construction and maintenance contract specifications.
Other responsibilities may include navigating complex federal and Maine statutory and regulatory requirements applying to the Department's programs and projects to ensure understanding and compliance; legal research and analysis and the preparation of memos with findings and recommendations; advice, drafting, and participation in Maine Administrative Procedure Act rulemakings for the Department's rules; assistance with the Department's process for compliance with Maine's public records law, the Freedom of Access Act; and other work as may be assigned by the Chief Counsel, to whom the position reports.
This position is ideally suited for an individual who is eager to learn the Department's business and prefers giving legal advice in the context of business issues, using a reasoned, practical approach and takes into account how legal provisions translate to business impact; has the ability to work independently and as part of a team; has strong research and writing skills and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; and has the ability to balance multiple tasks in a briskly-paced environment.
Minimum Requirements
JD degree from an accredited law school
Admission to practice law in Maine with current registration with the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar and in good standing, or will be licensed as of start of employment and in good standing
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