Department of Environmental Protection - Assistant Counsel (Pittsburgh)

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL

ASSISTANT COUNSEL

OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL (PITTSBURGH)

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) seeks a licensed attorney to serve as Assistant Counsel in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Office of Chief Counsel’s Southwest Regional Office. This position is based in Pittsburgh and is eligible for a hybrid remote in-office schedule of three days per week on site at the discretion of the General Counsel. It will be classified as either an Attorney 1, 2, or 3 depending on the level of relevant experience possessed by the successful applicant.

DEP’s Southwest Region is responsible for the Commonwealth’s environmental oversight and administration of both state and federal environmental laws in southwestern Pennsylvania. Attorneys within this office provide counseling and litigation services for DEP’s environmental programs, including Clean Water, Air Quality, Waterways and Wetlands, Safe Drinking Water, Oil & Gas, Mining, Environmental Cleanup, Waste Management, and Radiation Protection. DEP Southwest Region counsel draft, negotiate and litigate enforcement actions arising from violations of the Commonwealth’s environmental statutes, review and defend permitting actions, and counsel Southwest Regional clients on legal issues that arise as a part of program implementation. Trial and appellate litigation generally occurs before the PA Environmental Hearing Board and state or federal courts. Attorneys also participate in reviews of responses generated by the programs for Pennsylvania Right to Know Law requests.

The work requires close coordination with DEP’s management and technical staff, including geologists, engineers, chemists and biologists, and applicants must be comfortable with learning aspects of these scientific disciplines as necessary to provide sound counseling service and to conduct effective direct and cross examination of both lay and expert witnesses during litigation. This position requires the exercise of confidentiality and independent judgment; the ability to foster trust and respect and to create friendly and collaborative internal working relationships with Commonwealth clients is essential.

The successful candidate for this position will have demonstrated: (1) solid legal research, analysis and reasoning capabilities; (2) superior inter-personal and communication skills, especially oral and written advocacy; (3) an ability to identify and resolve complicated and sensitive problems creatively and with professional discretion; (4) an ability and willingness to handle a wide variety of complex legal matters both independently and as part of a team; and (5) an ability to interact and function effectively within both the greater legal community and a governmental organization. Preferred candidates will have at least two (2) years of legal experience, and some knowledge of environmental law, as well as litigation experience.

The Governor’s Office of General Counsel provides efficient, responsive legal services to the Commonwealth, the Governor, members of his cabinet and more than 30 executive branch and independent agencies, including DEP, that conduct the business of the Commonwealth. This consists of rendering legal advice and representation concerning matters and issues arising in connection with the operation of executive agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction, as well as select independent agencies. To learn more about OGC’s mission and get an inside look at what it is like to be part of the OGC team, visit our website, at www.ogc.pa.gov/careers.

In addition to aforementioned legal experience, the candidate must have a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA- accredited law school and be a member in good standing with the Pennsylvania Bar (or scheduled to take the July 2024 PA bar exam). Interested applicants should send a cover letter setting forth interest in this position, resume, and writing sample no later than June 7, 2024, directed to Derek Riker, Deputy Chief of Staff, 333 Market Street, 17th Floor, 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: $61,868.00 - $133,771.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Application Question(s):

• Are you currently a Pennsylvania resident?

License/Certification:

• Pennsylvania Bar license (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Salary : $61,868 - $133,771