Department of Environmental Protection - Assistant Counsel (Meadville)

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL (MEADVILLE)

ASSISTANT COUNSEL

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel seeks a licensed attorney to work as an Assistant Counsel in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Office of Chief Counsel’s Northwest Regional Office in Meadville. The position will be classified as either an Attorney 1 or 2 depending on the level of relevant experience possessed by the successful applicant. This position is eligible for part-time telework with an in- office requirement of three business days per week.

What You’ll Do:

DEP’s Northwest Region is responsible for overseeing and enforcing state and federal environmental laws across northwestern Pennsylvania. This office plays a key role in protecting the Commonwealth’s air, water, and land through the administration of a wide range of environmental programs.

Attorneys in this office provide both counseling and litigation support across programs such as Clean Water, Waterways and Wetlands, Safe Drinking Water, Environmental Cleanup, Waste Management, Air Quality, and Oil & Gas. The work includes drafting, negotiating, and litigating enforcement actions related to violations of environmental laws, as well as reviewing and defending permitting decisions.

Attorneys regularly represent the Department in proceedings before the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board and in state and federal courts at both the trial and appellate levels. In addition, they advise regional program staff on legal issues related to program implementation and review responses to requests under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law.

This position requires close collaboration with DEP leadership and technical staff, including engineers, geologists, chemists, and biologists. Successful candidates should be comfortable engaging with scientific and technical subject matter to provide effective legal counsel and to support litigation efforts, including the examination of both fact and expert witnesses.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to environmental protection while developing a broad and dynamic legal practice.

What We’re Looking For:

The successful candidate will bring strong legal fundamentals and sound professional judgment to a dynamic and collaborative environment. While a knowledge of environmental law and litigation experience are preferred, the following are must have:

· Strong legal research, analytical, and reasoning skills

· Excellent written and oral advocacy abilities

· Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve complex and sensitive issues with creativity and sound professional judgment

· Ability to manage a diverse and demanding caseload, both independently and collaboratively

· Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust, communicate effectively, and foster positive working relationships with colleagues and clients

· Ability to operate effectively within both a governmental organization and the broader legal community

· High level of professionalism, discretion, and ability to handle confidential matters

Why Join OGC?

Attorneys at OGC perform meaningful public service while developing sophisticated legal expertise in a supportive and collaborative environment. We offer:

· Competitive benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, retirement plans, and generous paid leave

· A strong commitment to work-life balance

· Opportunities for ongoing professional development and advancement

Learn more about OGC and Careers with OGC at: https://www.ogc.pa.gov

Qualifications

Applicants must:

· Hold a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school (or graduate by May 2026); and

· Be admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in good standing, or plan to sit for the Pennsylvania or Universal Bar Exam by July 2026.

Apply Today!

Send your letter of interest, resume, and writing sample (no longer than 10 pages) by May 1, 2026, to ogchiring@pa.gov, directed to Derek Riker, Deputy Chief of Staff, 30 N. Third Street, Suite 200, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101.

OGC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $67,736.00 - $117,497.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• PA Attorney License (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Meadville, PA 16335

Salary : $67,736 - $117,497