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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
At least 2 years of legal experience preferred
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Application Instructions:
Interested applicants need to apply online by clicking the "Apply for this Opening/Apply Now" button 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 207-624-3050 or via email at jobs.DOT@maine.gov
Why join our team?
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Wellness – We care about you and your family’s wellbeing, offering 12 days of sick leave annually to help you stay healthy.
- Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for 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 to 18.91% of the employee's 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.
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.
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 you’re 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.
