Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $115283 to $145682 Annually
Duties Description The Associate Counsel will serve as second in command to the Regional Attorney for the Region 2 Office of General Counsel (OGC), sitting in the New York City office. The Associate Counsel will assist the Regional Attorney with supervision of regional legal matters. The Associate Counsel will consult with the Regional Attorney on management issues and provide direction and guidance to all OGC staff on all regional legal matters.
The Associate Counsel will handle issues that have a major effect on the agency’s mission, program, and policies, including the more complex litigation, enforcement, and permitting matters in Region 2. It is expected that in performing these types of actions the Associate Counsel will have extensive interaction with the Regional Director and Assistant Regional Director. The candidate will be responsible for providing support to all the Region’s programs, including water, air, solid waste, pesticides, petroleum and chemical storage and spills, natural resources, and remediation. The Associate Counsel will supervise attorneys in complex enforcement litigation and negotiation. At times, the Associate Counsel will interact with the public. An experienced lawyer is needed for this type of task.
The description of the duties for this position and percentage of time for each duty follows.
-40% Monthly: The Associate Counsel will handle a docket of enforcement and permit matters.
•Prepare consent orders and pleadings;
•Conduct legal research and provide legal counsel to program staff and permitting staff;
•Represent the Department in administrative proceedings, as needed.
-20% Monthly: The Associate Counsel will assist the Regional Attorney in managing the attorneys, administrative assistant, paralegals, and legal fellows/interns in the regional legal office.
•Assist the Regional Attorney in assigning work to attorneys and managing attorneys to ensure timely completion of assigned duties;
•Review work product from attorneys to ensure it is of acceptable quality and forward approved work to the Regional Attorney;
•Perform certain supervisory functions in the absence of the Regional Attorney, including drafting work plans and evaluations for staff, approving vacations and other leave, and other supervisory duties;
•Help create a positive and supportive work culture for all OGC regional staff members;
•Perform other supervisory duties as needed.
-20% Monthly: The Associate Counsel will assist the Regional Attorney in serving as litigation counsel.
•Assist the Regional Attorney in supervising attorneys assigned to enforcement and permit related litigation matters, including providing support during any administrative proceedings;
•Use strong interpersonal skills to maintain a good working relationship with the Office of the Attorney General, and assist with the drafting and review of necessary documents related to any civil litigation;
•Ensure the Department’s perspective, policies, and goals are considered in developing litigation strategy.
-20% Monthly: The Associate Counsel will support the Regional Attorney in serving as counsel to the Regional Director, Assistant Regional Director, and the regional programs including the Division of Permits.
•Provide timely advice and guidance and respond to inquiries from the Regional Director, Assistant Regional Director, and Regional Attorney;
•Respond to inquiries regarding the interpretation of law and legal procedure;
•Meet with senior staff from the various regional programs, including the Division of Permits, to ensure needs are being met.
Minimum Qualifications NYS Bar Admission and four years of post Bar experience
Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Travel may be required.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Weekends and holidays may be required.
Must be available to respond to after-hours emergencies.
Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.
We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...
For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.
Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.