Position Information

NY HELPNo

AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of

TitleAssociate Counsel

Occupational CategoryLegal

Salary Grade663

Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)

Salary RangeFrom $115283 to $145682 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Contingent Permanent

Jurisdictional Class Non-competitive Class

Travel Percentage 0%

Schedule

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 8:30 AM

To 5 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? Yes

Location

County Albany

Street Address 625 Broadway

City Albany

StateNY

Zip Code12233

Job Specifics

Duties Description The Associate Counsel serves as DEC’s criminal attorney, providing counsel to the Divisions of Law Enforcement (DLE) and Forest Protection (DFP). The staffing of this position was approved by Department Executive staff. The attorney will be replacing an attorney who was promoted. The attorney will work primarily on criminal matters raised by DLE and DFP, and also provide counsel to the two programs on other matters.

The Associate Counsel must have 5 years of criminal prosecution experience. The Associate Counsel will also work closely with the Department of Justice, the State Attorney General’s Office, and local District Attorneys, on referrals for criminal litigation; and with the programs on drafting and reviewing enforcement guidance, policy and initiatives; reviewing regulations and legislative proposals regarding criminal matters; and analyzing and responding to inquiries from Executive and program staff. The attorney may also work on enforcement matters that proceed administratively. This Associate Counsel will be expected to maintain the strictest standards of confidentiality regarding all verbal and written communication and records in the Department, as well as must have strong interpersonal skills to ensure there is a good working relationship internally and with other partners and stakeholders.

The Associate Counsel may be asked to perform other duties, including special projects in other program areas, and to assist the programs with workload management.

40% Preparation of Legal Documents: Prepares or reviews complaints, search warrants, arrest papers, subpoenas, settlement documents, and other documents.

-Acquires and maintains knowledge of legal requirements of such documents;
-Reviews, evaluates, and updates existing documents;
-Prepares documents including pleadings, motions, briefs, affidavits and
other legal documents;
-Meet with appropriate officers and staff to gather specific information as required
and prepares final documents.

40% Legal Advice and Training: Provides legal advice and training on enforcement-related matters to program staff as required.

- Acquires and maintains knowledge and understanding of applicable laws, rules
and regulations, Declaratory Rulings, Department policy and DEC policy;
-Trains officers and program staff in applicable criminal law and procedures, as
well as internal policies and procedures;
-Gathers background information to determine pertinent facts;
-Meets with officers and staff to review tentative conclusions;
-Prepares final advice and identifies problem areas;
-In consultation with bureau chief, develops criminal and other enforcement cases,
gives legal advice in enforcing the environmental conservation law and relevant
regulations;
-Reviews and provides comments on program-related guidance memoranda,
policy statements, consent orders, etc.;
-Review of program-related files which are the subject of Freedom of Information
Law (FOIL) requests.

10% Hearings and Litigation: Represents the Department in criminal and administrative litigation, adjudicatory hearings, and enforcement-related litigation involving violations of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL).

-Researches law and facts for each case and prepares documents for
proceedings;
-Prepares for direct and cross-examination of witnesses;
-Represents the Department at proceedings;
-Maintains liaison status on referrals thru resolution;
-Prosecutes criminal matters together with District Attorney Offices and as needed,
receives delegations to prosecute criminal matters and handles all
aspects of the prosecution;
-Prepares status reports for Bureau Chief and appropriate staff and prepares final
report of outcome.

10% Negotiations: Represents the Department in negotiations with regard to consent orders and other enforcement related negotiations for the various programs the divisions enforce, along with cases involving other permit and enforcement-related matters.

-Conducts legal and factual research to become familiar with cases and their value
as precedent;
-Meets with staff, officers, and where needed, and program attorney to review
cases and explore negotiation strategies;
-Develops negotiation strategy in consultation with officers and staff;
-Meets with outside parties and represents the Department in negotiations and
prosecutions.

Minimum Qualifications NYS Bar Admittance and four years of post-bar experience.

Preferred Quals: Five years of post-bar criminal law experience.

Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Must be available for emergency response.
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.

How to Apply

Name Marline Agnew

Telephone (518) 402-9273

Fax (518) 402-9038

Email Address PostingResponses@dec.ny.gov

Address

Street 625 Broadway

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12233

 

Notes on ApplyingPlease email/mail your resume to the above. Be sure to include Vacancy #26-209421 on your resume or it may not be accepted.