Transportation Counsel - PSC III

Job title: Transportation Counsel - PSC III

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Maine Department of Transportation

Salary: $88,504.00 - $125,673.60 (per year) depending on experience and qualifications (Salary Schedule)

Office/Bureau: Office of Legal Services

Location: Augusta, ME

Opening Date: November 6, 2026

Closing Date: November 13, 2026

Job Description:

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 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 Qualifications - This is not an entry level position. Only candidates meeting the following minimum qualifications will be considered for the position:

• JD degree from an accredited law school
• Fully admitted to the Maine Bar with evidence of current registration with the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar and in good standing at the time of application for this position
• A minimum of 10 years of recent legal practice in a governmental agency, law firm, or corporation, with experience in real estate, contracts, and administrative law
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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