Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
Occupational CategoryAdministrative or General Management
Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $152191 to $191427 Annually
Duties Description The Chief Legal and Enforcement Counsel will act as the Division Director for the Office of General Counsel (OGC). In that role, the person will act as the executive attorney for OGC, and work in close coordination with, and directly under the General Counsel. The two Deputy Counsels in OGC will report directly to the Chief Legal and Enforcement Counsel. OGC was previously divided into two divisions: Enforcement and Legal Affairs, both of which were headed by a Deputy Counsel. These divisions were combined more than ten years ago and since that time OGC has not had a division director in place. In light of the past reorganization and experience in managing OGC with two deputies rather than a singular director his position was identified as an appropriate management structure, as well as a promotional opportunity for the Department, and the staffing of this position was approved by Department Executive staff.
Working in conjunction with the General Counsel, the Chief Legal and Enforcement Counsel, will supervise all the staff in OGC, which number approximately 110 attorneys and other support staff. The Chief Legal and Enforcement Counsel will interact extensively with the Deputy Counsels and Bureau Chiefs in OGC, on all legal matters before OGC, providing guidance and legal opinions, and also advance matters to the General Counsel at the appropriate time. The Chief Legal and Enforcement Counsel will review all legal documents to be submitted to the General Counsel, and will ensure that OGC staff comply with all relevant laws, regulations and OGC procedures. In addition, the Chief Legal and Enforcement Counsel will manage all personnel matters in OGC, including hiring and disciplinary actions. The Chief Legal and Enforcement Counsel will also manage OGC’s budget and administrative functions.
-50% Monthly: The Deputy Counsel will serve as the supervisor and manager of the Deputy Counsels.
•Assign work to the appropriate Deputy Counsels, and manage staff to ensure timely completion of assigned duties;
•Review work from OGC members to make sure the work product is of acceptable quality, correct any deficiencies, and forward approved work to the General Counsel;
•Perform supervisory functions for the Deputy Counsels, including drafting work plans and evaluations for staff, developing form documents for the Bureau, approving vacations and other leave, and other supervisory duties;
•Provide direct supervision of a number of staff in-training to be legal professionals; and
•Perform other supervisory duties as needed.
-30% Monthly: The Chief Legal and Enforcement Counsel will serve as counsel to the Deputy Commissioner and General Counsel, Executive Staff members, Division Directors, and Regional Directors.
•Provide timely advice and guidance to and responds to inquiries from Executive Staff, and the General Counsel;
•Respond to inquiries regarding the interpretation of law and legal procedures;
•Interact with staff from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with respect to the Department’s implementation of federally delegated programs, as well as other programs where EPA has oversite.
•Responsible for advising the Commissioner and Governor’s staff as to the Department’s implementation of the various DEC programs;
•Provide legal support for the development and implementation of legislation and regulations for staff; and
•Regularly meet with management staff from the various OGC Divisions, to ensure program needs are being met.
-20% Monthly: The Deputy Counsel will serve as support to the various OGC bureaus and programs.
•Offer legal opinions and make recommendations to program staff on a variety of program areas;
•Provide legal support for the development or interpretation of proposed legislation, rule-makings and policies, and demonstrate familiarity with program initiatives;
•Interact with program staff to ensure that drafting of regulatory amendments is legally sufficient;
•Assist staff with interactions between the Department and the regulated community; and
•Serve as the Department liaison to various advisory committees, associations and other stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications Min Quals: Law degree from an accredited law school; admission to, and member in good standing of, the New York State Bar; and nine years of relevant post-bar experience.
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.
Weekends and holidays may be required.
Must be available for emergency response.
Must be available to respond to after-hours emergencies.
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.
DEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.