Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $112528 to $138203 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
Duties Description The Associate Attorney will provide legal assistance to Region 2 program staff on enforcement and legal matters involving remediation programs, including the Brownfield Cleanup Program, State Superfund Program, petroleum and chemical bulk storage, and spills. Depending on regional staffing needs, the Associate Attorney also will be responsible for solid waste, including RCRA, and pesticides enforcement and legal matters. The Associate Attorney will supervise 2–3 enforcement attorneys assigned to these program areas and will maintain an independent enforcement docket involving these program areas. The Associate Attorney will perform other duties as assigned by their supervisor.
The description of the duties for this position follows.
The Associate Attorney will be responsible for their own docket focused on matters involving the program areas described above. Duties will include:
•Representing the Department in negotiations regarding permit and enforcement cases involving the above-referenced program areas.
•Conducting legal research, including reading and analyzing all pertinent laws, regulations, cases, declaratory rulings, and other relevant authorities.
•Meeting with Regional staff to review cases and explore negotiation strategies.
•Meeting with outside parties and representing the Department in negotiations.
•Representing the Department in administrative proceedings, as needed.
The Associate Attorney will be responsible for providing timely legal advice and guidance on program-related matters to Regional staff, as required. Duties will include:
•Having a foundation of knowledge of applicable laws, rules and regulations, declaratory rulings, Department policy, and Division policy.
•Gathering background information to determine pertinent facts.
•Meeting with the Regional Attorney, Deputy Regional Attorney, and Regional program staff to review tentative conclusions.
•In consultation with the Regional Attorney and Deputy Regional Attorney, developing enforcement cases and giving legal advice regarding enforcement of the Environmental Conservation Law and relevant regulations.
•Providing feedback on program-related guidance memoranda, policy statements, consent orders, and other documents.
•Reviewing program-related files that are subject to Freedom of Information Law requests.
The Associate Attorney will provide direct supervision to 2–3 enforcement attorneys assigned to these program areas. Duties will include:
•Assigning work, reviewing work product, and managing workloads to ensure timely completion of assigned duties.
•Providing supervisees with the support necessary to complete assigned work.
•Timely flagging program-related issues to the Regional Attorney and Deputy Regional Attorney and keeping them up to date on the team’s docket.
The Associate Attorney will be responsible for preparing and reviewing legal documents, including consent orders, Brownfield Cleanup Program agreements, litigation papers, and other legal documents pertinent to matters involving the program areas described above. Duties will include:
•Reviewing and evaluating documents submitted by members of the regulated community and their consultants and attorneys.
•Preparing draft documents, including consent orders, briefs, pleadings, motions, affidavits, and other legal documents.
•Meeting with appropriate Regional staff to gather specific information, as required, and preparing final documents.
Minimum Qualifications Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC
or
Reinstatement Eligible - Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis.
or
Transfer Eligible - One year of permanent competitive service at Salary Grade 26 or higher and either:
Eligible for transfer under Section 52.6: Must have current or prior service in a title designated as 52.6 within two salary grades\one M grade of this position and possess the appropriate license. To determine if your title is designated as 52.6 go to the Department of Civil Service website and search for your title under GOT-IT.
Additional Comments Travel may be required.
Overtime may be required.
Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule, 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.