PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGEJob ID: 37603
Agency: Department of Health
Location:Pierre, Rapid City or Sioux Falls, SDSalary: $105,111.65-$123,660.76 Annual Salary, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: L3
Closing Date: 10/20/2026
Position SummaryThis position offers a unique opportunity to represent the South Dakota Department of Health and serve as lead litigation counsel across the agency. Litigation work includes providing legal support for the Medical Cannabis Program and contributing legal and regulatory expertise to a continually developing area of law. Additional litigation responsibilities include prosecuting regulatory violations under the jurisdiction of the department involving nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, restaurants, lodging establishments, and campgrounds.
Key Responsibilities- provide legal opinions and advice to program and department staff;
- serve as lead counsel in civil litigation matters involving the department;
- represent the department before the Office of Hearing Examiners and in trial and appellate courts;
- draft legislation and administrative rules;
- draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and appellate filings;
- participate in lobbying activities as needed;
- conduct discovery, take and defend depositions, and manage case strategy from inception through resolution;
- handle evidentiary hearings, trials, and oral arguments;
- draft program policies and procedures;
- assist with Request for Proposals processes;
- ensure compliance with federal and state statutes and administrative rules;
- participate in administrative and court hearings related to regulatory actions involving patient registration and medical cannabis establishments;
- assist in drafting contracts and joint powers agreements;
- collaborate with other state agencies;
- provide guidance on administrative rules, rule promulgation, and legislative matters;
- other duties as assigned.
Licenses and Certifications: - Juris doctorate from an accredited law school.
- Licensed to practice law in South Dakota or ability to promptly obtain licensure.
- Membership in the South Dakota Bar or eligibility to sit for the exam.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have: - Eight or more years of litigation experience.
Knowledge of:
- criminal and civil practices and procedures;
- evidence and constitutional law, including current state and national trends;
- state administrative practices and procedures;
- legal research techniques and technology tools;
- basic computer operations and applications;
- state and federal statutes related to healthcare and medical cannabis programs.
Abilities:
- communicate clearly and concisely;
- prepare clear and concise documentation, reports, and correspondence;
- analyze facts, evidence, and precedents to form logical interpretations;
- work effectively with program staff, private attorneys, and court officials;
- work independently while following instructions and accepting guidance;
- interact tactfully and professionally with others;
- manage a large caseload efficiently;
- uphold high levels of professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.
Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume.This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online:
https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=4YBYou must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
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