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Public Defender Jobs in Nevada (NOW HIRING)

BIOLOGIST 3

Carson City, NV · On-site

$64K - $95K/yr

Investigate and assess damage caused by wildlife upon private property and public lands; recommend appropriate courses of action to mitigate or resolve the problem. Draft species management plans ...

Program Assistant

Reno, NV · On-site

$54K - $76K/yr

Serve as primary contact and liaison for assigned functions and programs with other City staff, the general public, and outside agencies and organizations; screen office calls, visitors, and mail ...

Attorney at Law

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$145K - $210K/yr

Excellent communicator, negotiator, public speaker, and problem solver. * Self-motivated, and goal oriented with a track record of meeting billable hours goals. * Inclined to take initiative and work ...

ShorePoint is a fast-growing, industry-recognized and award-winning cybersecurity services firm focused on high-profile, high-threat public- and private-sector customers who demand experience and ...

Join a legal team dedicated to defending the nation's immigration laws and safeguarding the United ... If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal ...

Attorney at Law

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$69.71 - $100.96/hr

Excellent communicator, negotiator, public speaker, and problem solver. * Self-motivated, and goal oriented with a track record of meeting billable hours goals. * Inclined to take initiative and work ...

Showing results 41-60

Public Defender information

See Nevada salary details

$28.5K

$109.5K

$187.9K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in Nevada is $109,502.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,800.00 and $136,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public defender?

A Public Defender is a lawyer appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney in criminal cases. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that all defendants receive fair legal representation, regardless of their financial status. Public Defenders work to protect the rights of their clients, provide legal advice, and represent them in court. They handle a variety of cases, from minor offenses to serious felonies, and are crucial in upholding the justice system's commitment to due process.

How to become a public defender?

Public defenders must be licensed to practice law by their state bar. To work as a public defender, complete your bachelor’s degree, take the LSAT exam, and attend law school to earn a J.D. degree. Focus your studies on criminal defense law, and hone your research skills. During your law school summers take internships in public defender offices. You can also intern in a prosecutor’s office or a public interest firm to gain experience for a career as a public defender. After you complete law school you must pass your state’s bar exam. Most states also require legal professionals to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE). Once you are licensed to practice law in your state, you can apply to public defender offices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public defender?

To thrive as a Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a deep understanding of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Proficiency in legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management systems, and trial preparation tools is essential. Outstanding communication, empathy, resilience, and negotiation skills are vital for connecting with clients and advocating effectively. These skills ensure that clients receive a robust defense, uphold justice, and navigate the legal system equitably.

What are some common challenges faced by public defenders in their daily work?

Public defenders often manage large caseloads and tight deadlines, which can make it challenging to dedicate ample time to each client. They frequently work with clients who may have limited trust in the legal system or face complex social and personal issues. Collaboration with investigators, social workers, and other attorneys is essential for gathering evidence and building strong defenses. Despite these challenges, public defenders play a crucial role in ensuring fair representation and upholding justice for those who cannot afford private counsel.

What is the difference between Public Defender vs Criminal Defense Attorney?

AspectPublic DefenderCriminal Defense Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license, often government employmentLaw degree, bar license, private practice or firm affiliation
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courtrooms, public service settingsPrivate law firms, solo practices, or corporate offices
EmployerGovernment agencies or public defender officesPrivate clients or law firms
Common UsageRepresent indigent defendants in criminal casesRepresent clients in criminal cases, including those who can afford private counsel

Public defenders and criminal defense attorneys both handle criminal cases, but public defenders work for government agencies representing indigent clients, while criminal defense attorneys are private practitioners representing paying clients. The roles overlap in legal credentials and courtroom work but differ mainly in employment setting and client base.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Defender jobs in Nevada?

The most popular types of Public Defender jobs in Nevada are:

What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in Nevada?

For Public Defender jobs in Nevada, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Public Defender jobs in Nevada look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Defender jobs in Nevada are:

What cities in Nevada are hiring for Public Defender jobs?

Cities in Nevada with the most Public Defender job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in NV?

For Public Defender jobs in NV, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in Nevada as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,502 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

$64K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


State Of Nevada rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 50 rated states


Job description

***THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE*** Job Summary Nevada Department of Wildlife is recruiting for a Biologist within the Biodiversity Division. This position works on a variety of taxa including mammals, birds, bats, and reptiles with surveys, monitoring efforts, and management activities that shift from year to year.

The position is part of a dynamic team working collaboratively across the state on wildlife conservation and management implementing the goals and actions described within the State Wildlife Action Plan, both within the Biodiversity Division and the Department as a whole. The primary duties of this position involve the coordination and implementation of non-game wildlife management in the western region. This position is responsible for species and habitat management activities, wildlife resource review activities with the NDOW Technical Review Program, compiling, analyzing, and summarizing data, as well as.

The incumbent will prepare data into various reports, coordinate with partners and other NDOW divisions to implement conservation actions, education and outreach, and adherence to wildlife management. Incumbent will also assist with coordination of endangered species management and recovery actions. Effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential as this position regularly works across jurisdictional boundaries interacting with outside agencies, private industry, and the general public.

Regular travel is required. Applicant should be comfortable with physically demanding outdoor work, camping in remote places, hiking long distances, and exposure to inclement weather. Biologists conduct fisheries, wildlife, botanical and/or habitat management projects and research studies including data collection, analysis and interpretation; develop and implement project proposals and work plans; prepare recommendations; and participate in public relations activities.

Essential Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in biology, wildlife management or closely related field and three years of professional wildlife management experience such as conducting research studies including data collection, analysis and interpretation; development and implementation of project proposals for fisheries, wildlife and/or habitat management projects; OR two years of experience as a Biologist II in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above. Job Duties Supervise and participate in wildlife, botanical and habitat studies to protect and preserve the State's wildlife and natural resources; conduct wildlife surveys and inventories to determine a population's composition, productivity, reproductive status and condition in order to develop recommendations regarding hunting seasons, stocking practices and bag limits or determine conservation status. Organize and implement fish, wildlife, botanical and habitat surveys; identify survey areas and schedule required personnel, equipment and supplies; collect data using a variety of techniques and equipment such as field observation, helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, electroshocking, population marking, tagging, angler/hunter questionnaires, bag checks and creel surveys.

Analyze data by applying mathematical and statistical formulas to calculate population status; prepare species distribution and density maps; evaluate trend data and document the status and management needs of fish, wildlife, botanical and habitat resources; prepare species and habitat management recommendations and technical reports. Provide survey data and analysis as input to land management planning processes; review and evaluate established and proposed land, water and resource use documents; prepare correspondence and technical reports concerning the issues and consequences of proposed actions; appear before regulatory, governing and advisory boards and commissions to explain and defend the agency's position and answer questions. Manipulate fish and wildlife populations and habitats by introducing species into suitable habitats consistent with biological and social constraints; bait and trap, tranquilize, radio collar or band wildlife and transport to selected locations; modify habitats in order to meet resource needs and associated uses; monitor released animals to assess project results.

Investigate and assess damage caused by wildlife upon private property and public lands; recommend appropriate courses of action to mitigate or resolve the problem. Draft species management plans; develop season and harvest recommendations and implement related regulations; analyze and evaluate data, reports and proposals; make program recommendations in accordance with consumptive, non-consumptive and recreational needs of the public and the preservation of wildlife resources and habitats. Coordinate State and regional level activities with other federal and State agencies, special interest groups and the public; represent the department and provide information to the public and governmental entities; make presentations; appear before governmental and regulatory bodies; prepare press releases and interact with the media; may serve on committees for the Board of Wildlife Commissioners.

Perform related duties as assigned. Under general supervision, incumbents perform the duties outlined above. This is the journey level in the series.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level. Working knowledge of: principles of ecology required to analyze the effect of environmental changes and land use practices on specific fish, wildlife and plant species; survey techniques and equipment; statistical concepts and principles used to analyze data and develop a management strategy; methodology and equipment required to capture, restrain and transport wild animals; pharmacology and use of a variety of drugs administered to capture and treat animals; animal anatomy and physiology; operation of hand and power tools used in construction of wildlife enhancement projects.

Ability to: write clear and concise technical reports and recommendations; present information to various audiences concerning ecological relationships, division policies and recommendations, and wildlife control; maintain and operate various types of equipment such as nets, clover traps, tranquilizer equipment, gill net, and others; operate and maintain specialized equipment such as 4-wheel drive vehicles, boats, snowmobiles, optical instruments, animal marking and tagging equipment; conduct surveys from the ground, water or air; operate a computer including word processing, spreadsheet, database management and other software; organize and prioritize work assignments. Recruiter Contact Information: Kristin Bowling - klbowling@ndow.org The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages

Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.


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About State of Nevada

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Nevada isn't a company in the traditional sense, but rather a governing body that manages and directs the operations of the state of Nevada. Its headquarters are located in Carson City, NV, United States. The organisation is engaged in various sectors like education, transportation, business and industry, health and human services, conservation and natural resources, and many more. It is responsible for implementing and maintaining the law and order of the state, in addition to providing essential services to its residents.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carson City, NV, US

Year founded

1864