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Water Attorney Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

State of Indiana

Attorney Senior

Indianapolis, IN

$85K/yr

... Water, Reclamation, Fish & Wildlife, State Parks, and Law Enforcement. The Divisions are divided ... In addition, the staff attorney may assist the Assistant General Counsels for the Landholding ...

State of Indiana

Associate Attorney

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$67K/yr

... Water, Reclamation, Fish & Wildlife, State Parks, and Law Enforcement. The Divisions are divided ... In addition, the staff attorney may assist the Assistant General Counsels for the Landholding ...

State of Indiana

Surveyor

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$59K/yr

... attorneys and administrative) to address and prioritize the surveying and data needs of their ... Advise and direct during flood emergencies the setting of high-water marks and/or other work to ...

State of Indiana

Surveyor

Marion, IN

$59K/yr

... attorneys and administrative) to address and prioritize the surveying and data needs of their ... Advise and direct during flood emergencies the setting of high-water marks and/or other work to ...

All JobsWater Attorney JobsWater Attorney Jobs in Indiana

Water Attorney information

See Indiana salary details

$43.8K

$102.9K

$164.1K

How much do water attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for water attorney in Indiana is $102,921.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,100.00 and $123,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are water attorneys and what do they do?

Water attorneys are lawyers who specialize in water law, which involves the legal rights and regulations surrounding the use, distribution, and protection of water resources. They represent individuals, businesses, government agencies, and water districts in matters such as water rights disputes, permitting, water quality issues, and compliance with state and federal water regulations. Water attorneys often provide guidance on securing and transferring water rights, navigating complex environmental laws, and resolving conflicts over water usage. Their work is critical in regions where water is scarce or heavily regulated, ensuring that clients comply with laws while advocating for their interests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Attorney, you need a solid background in environmental or water law, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, and admission to the state bar. Familiarity with legal research tools, water rights databases, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Strong negotiation, analytical thinking, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in representing clients and navigating complex legal frameworks. These skills are crucial for advocating effectively, ensuring compliance with water laws, and resolving disputes in a highly specialized legal field.

What is the difference between Water Attorney vs Water Rights Specialist?

AspectWater AttorneyWater Rights Specialist
CredentialsLaw degree, bar license, specialized water law certificationsEnvironmental or water resource degree, certifications in water management
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, government agencies, courtsEnvironmental agencies, consulting firms, government offices
Industry UsageLegal representation, policy advising, litigationWater resource management, compliance, data analysis

Water Attorneys focus on legal aspects of water law, representing clients in disputes and advising on regulations. Water Rights Specialists concentrate on managing and analyzing water resources, ensuring compliance with laws. Both roles often collaborate but serve different functions within the water industry.

What are some common challenges a Water Attorney faces when working with clients on water rights disputes?

A Water Attorney often navigates complex and sometimes ambiguous water laws, especially when dealing with overlapping state, federal, and local regulations. Clients may face disputes over water allocations, usage rights, or environmental compliance, requiring the attorney to conduct thorough historical research and coordinate with engineers or environmental consultants. Additionally, Water Attorneys must often balance the interests of multiple stakeholders—such as farmers, municipalities, and conservation groups—while advocating for their client. Effective negotiation and the ability to translate technical data into legal arguments are key to managing these challenges.
What are popular job titles related to Water Attorney jobs in Indiana? For Water Attorney jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Attorney jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Water Attorney jobs in Indiana are:
Water Attorney jobs near you
Attorney Senior

Attorney Senior

State of Indiana

Indianapolis, IN

$85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 hours ago

State Of Indiana rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 183 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 50 rated states

Job description

 Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education.

Role Overview: 

DNR Legal provides legal support to all Divisions within the Department of Natural Resources, including but not limited to Water, Reclamation, Fish & Wildlife, State Parks, and Law Enforcement. The Divisions are divided into the Regulatory Bureau, Landholding Bureau, and Law Enforcement. DNR Legal consists of General Counsel, three Assistant General Counsels, and senior attorneys. We are currently seeking a staff attorney supervised by the Assistant General Counsel for the Regulatory Bureau in representing the agency in litigation and enforcement matters. In addition, the staff attorney may assist the Assistant General Counsels for the Landholding Bureau and Rulemaking as needed. 

Salary Statement: 

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $85,020 but may be commensurate with experience. Candidates who have been admitted to the Bar for less than 5 years will be hired as an Attorney Associate which traditionally starts at a salary of $67,314 but may be commensurate with experience. 

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

  • Litigates administrative matters and hearings while maintaining appropriate decorum, present evidence, and/or make reasoned arguments supported by evidence;
  • Utilize litigation skills and experience relating to agency operations;
  • Organizes and manages caseload in the preparation of hearings and/or litigation;
  • Independently draft and review pleadings, motions, and discovery;
  • Review and edit appeals or briefs, or perform legal writing assignments;
  • Utilizes legal resources, dockets, legal files, and official records relating to legal procedures;
  • Creates, prepares, and distributes documents related to hearings, including orders and decisions;
  • May train, manage, delegate to, and/or provide support for any legal support staff;
  • Advises and provides legal support to agency staff on various program and legal areas;
  • May oversee, draft, review, or provide legal advice relating to contracts;
  • Researches, interprets, and provides legal advice in relation to laws, rules, policies, and legal opinions pertaining to agency operations;
  • May draft and review legislation and administrative rules.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time. 

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:
  • The ideal candidate for this position has 1-5 years experience in litigation.
  • Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills.
  • Exceptional organizational, time management, and multi-tasking skills.Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong verbal communication skills.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office products and Adobe.
  • Experience with Thomson Reuters and Westlaw Edge.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Ability to travel and occasionally work outside normal business hours.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.

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