What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Counsel position at NYS Department of Environmental Conservation?
Description
Duties Description
DEC is hiring an Associate Counsel to work in the Lake George area to enforce environmental violations and protect the natural resources of the Adirondack Park.
Under the direction of the Regional Attorney, the Associate Counsel will serve as the principal enforcement attorney for the eight counties of DEC Region 5 and may supervise staff of the Region's Office of General Counsel. The Associate Counsel will supervise all aspects of case intake; obtaining settlement authority; drafting and negotiating consent orders; and adjudicating cases before OHMS. The attorney will be the region’s primary liaison with the Office of the Attorney General on enforcement matters, Article 78 cases, and the defense of claims involving Region 5 lands. The candidate would directly handle complex enforcement cases and may represent the Division of Environmental Permits in contested permit hearings. The candidate would review enforcement pleadings prepared by the Grade 25 Assistant Regional Attorneys and would provide hearing training and hearing assistance to the attorneys.
The Associate Counsel will also provide legal advice to staff on enforcement, permitting, and real property inquiries. The candidate will assist the Regional FOIL Coordinator to provide periodic training to staff and legal review of FOIL documents. The candidate may draft and negotiate MOUs and other legal agreements in support of regional programs and handle legal research and special projects at the direction of the Regional Attorney.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must have been admitted to the New York State Bar and must have had four years of experience in the practice of law subsequent to admission to the Bar.
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.
Weekends and holidays may be required.
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:
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).
Duties Description
DEC is hiring an Associate Counsel to work in the Lake George area to enforce environmental violations and protect the natural resources of the Adirondack Park.
Under the direction of the Regional Attorney, the Associate Counsel will serve as the principal enforcement attorney for the eight counties of DEC Region 5 and may supervise staff of the Region's Office of General Counsel. The Associate Counsel will supervise all aspects of case intake; obtaining settlement authority; drafting and negotiating consent orders; and adjudicating cases before OHMS. The attorney will be the region’s primary liaison with the Office of the Attorney General on enforcement matters, Article 78 cases, and the defense of claims involving Region 5 lands. The candidate would directly handle complex enforcement cases and may represent the Division of Environmental Permits in contested permit hearings. The candidate would review enforcement pleadings prepared by the Grade 25 Assistant Regional Attorneys and would provide hearing training and hearing assistance to the attorneys.
The Associate Counsel will also provide legal advice to staff on enforcement, permitting, and real property inquiries. The candidate will assist the Regional FOIL Coordinator to provide periodic training to staff and legal review of FOIL documents. The candidate may draft and negotiate MOUs and other legal agreements in support of regional programs and handle legal research and special projects at the direction of the Regional Attorney.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must have been admitted to the New York State Bar and must have had four years of experience in the practice of law subsequent to admission to the Bar.
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.
Weekends and holidays may be required.
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...
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).
Salary : $115,283 - $145,682