Transportation Counsel

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Department of Transportation Counsel

Starting Salary: $106953.60 - $120265.60 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 Departments mission is to support economic opportunity and quality of life for Maine people and businesses by effectively managing Maines 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 Departments programs and projects. Developing an understanding of the Departments 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 Departments 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 Departments rules; assistance with the Departments process for compliance with Maines 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 Departments 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

At least 2 years of legal experience preferred

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by clicking theApply for this Opening/Apply Nowbutton along with uploading a cover letter current resume and any applicable copies of post-secondary transcripts licensing registration and certifications.

*If you require a paper application or for general questions please contact MaineDOT Human Resources at or via email at

Why join our team

No matter where you work across Maine state government you find employees who embody our state mottoDirigo or I leadas they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforces health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package including:

• Work-Life Fit Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using13 paid holidays and3 weeks of vacation leaveannually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Wellness We care about you and your familys wellbeing offering12 days of sick leaveannually to help you stay healthy.
• Health Insurance Coverage The State of Maine pays85%-95%of employee-only premiums ($11196.96 - $12514.32 annual value) depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium costsfor you and your family including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($358.08 annual value).
• Retirement Plan The State contributes the equivalent of up to18.91%of the employees pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

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

Theres a job and then theres 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 youre looking for a great next step and want to feel good about what you do wed love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If youre currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

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If you are unable to complete the online application please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.