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 Grade 28 Associate Attorney will be assigned to the Office of General Counsel in Central Office.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
The Associate Attorney (SG-28) will be a position in the Office of General Counsel (OGC). The Associate Attorney will act as a Section Chief within a given OGC Bureau and will report to the Bureau Chief. The Associate Attorney will work with program staff in developing policy and determining how applicable laws, regulations and policies are implemented. The Associate Attorney will supervise senior attorneys within the Section and staff members, as well serve as a resource available to other programs and around the State. The Associate Attorney will also be responsible for handling a docket of cases.
The description of the duties for this position is as follows:
1.Supervisory Responsibilities:
•With the OGC Bureau Chief, works with program staff to develop policy and determine how applicable laws, regulations, and policies are implemented.
•Provides the direct day-to-day supervision of senior attorneys and staff members. Responsibilities include training and overseeing supervisee’s work to enable them to carry out their work efficiently and effectively.
•Serves as a resource available to other DEC attorneys throughout the State.
•With the Bureau Chief, reviews and approves legal documents produced by staff members and attorneys around the State.
•Informs and coordinates with the Bureau Chief, other OGC management, and Executive regarding significant matters and issues.
•Acts as the Project Attorney for a docket of cases.
2.Legal Advice:
•Provides legal advice to DEC program staff, Executive staff, and OGC management.
•Regularly meets with OGC Bureau Chief and other OGC management to discuss legal issues.
•Regularly meets with program staff to review facts and desired case objectives.
•Identifies potential issues or problem areas and provides recommendations.
•Provides counsel to staff in understanding regulatory requirements, identifying potential issues, and recognizing the potential precedential impact of decisions,
•Reviews and provides comment on program-related guidance, memoranda, policy statements, and other documents.
•Responds to inquiries regarding interpretation of applicable laws and procedures.
•Reviews program-related documents in response to Freedom of Information Law requests or discovery or other information requests.
3.Preparation of Legal Documents:
•Prepares and reviews legal documents, including litigation or adjudication papers, legal memoranda, and other recommendations to ensure compliance with applicable laws and avoid potential legal problems.
•Assist in the development of statutory and regulatory documents.
•Assist in the preparation of comments regarding proposed federal regulations, as well as State and federal legislation, to support the Department's interests.
4.Negotiations:
•Represent the Department in various venues, such as settlement or enforcement.
•Conducts legal and factual research to become familiar with cases and their value as precedent.
•Meets with relevant program staff to review facts and explore potential areas of settlement and negotiation strategies.
•Develops strategy for cases in consultation with relevant program staff and OGC management.
•Consults with principals and Executives regarding the direction of a case, the ability to settle regarding certain issues, and the potential impact and consistency of decisions on Departmental policies.
•Meets with outside parties to represent the Department's interests in negotiations.
5.Hearings and Litigation:
•Represents the Department in administrative/ adjudicatory proceedings and serves as liaison attorney with the Office of Attorney General in cases that reach litigation.
•Prepares documents, including briefs and other materials, for each proceeding.
•Assists the Office of Attorney General in any resulting litigation, including through the preparation of documents, compiling of records, and explanation of programmatic impacts.
•Coordinates Department staff members assigned to a particular case, including providing input from multiple Departmental program areas, explaining staff’s role in the process, and serving as primary point of contact to represent agency.
•Represents the Department at hearings, including through direct and cross-examination of witnesses.
•Prepares Department staff to serve as witnesses, including in the development of pre-filed testimony as well as direct, and cross-examination.
•Ensures compliance with numerous environmental laws implemented by the Department in the context of administrative hearings and litigation.
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 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.