Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleDeputy Counsel (2 Positions)
Occupational CategoryAdministrative or General Management
Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $141581 to $178874 Annually
Duties Description The Deputy Counsel will manage 3 of the 6 OGC bureaus (Climate/Air/Energy, Minerals and Materials Management, Remediation, General Enforcement, Water/Natural Resources, and Corporate) in the Office of General Counsel (OGC), consisting of approximately 30-40 attorneys and other staff. The assignment of specific bureaus will be made after both vacant Deputy Counsel positions are filled, based on each successful candidates experience and interest. There will also be extensive interaction with the Regional Attorneys. The Deputy Counsel will report directly to the Director of OGC.
The Deputy Counsel will primarily manage staff and be involved in high profile matters with the Commissioner and other members of Executive staff. The Counsel will be involved in making high-level decisions for OGC, including setting legal policy and hiring of new staff. The Deputy Counsel will also be responsible for personally maintaining a limited case docket of several high-level cases. The Deputy Counsel may be asked to perform other duties, including special projects to assist Executive Staff, OGC or Regional Directors. The Deputy Counsel will be required to attend various standing meeting, such as weekly calls with the Attorney General Office, weekly various with the Deputy Director, and other Executive based meeting.
-50% Monthly: The Deputy Counsel will serve as the supervisor and manager of the approximately 30-40 lawyers, paralegals, and other staff in the 3 bureaus supervised.
•Assign work to Bureau Chiefs and staff, and manage staff to ensure timely completion of assigned duties;
•Review work from Bureau Chiefs and members to make sure the work product is of acceptable quality, correct any deficiencies, and forward approved work to the General Counsel;
•Perform basic supervisory functions for the Bureau, including drafting evaluations for Bureau Chiefs, developing form documents for the Bureau, approving vacations and other leave, respond to legal questions, and other supervisory duties;
•Determine staffing needs for each Bureau, and seek new hires and promotions based on OGS’s needs; and
•Perform other supervisory duties as needed.
-25% Monthly: The Deputy Counsel will work on matters, their case docket, and special projects.
•Manage select high profile matters assigned by the General Counsel or other members of Executive Staff;
•Take on special projects as assigned by the General Counsel;
•Manage as lead counsel several high profile cases; and
•Ensure that Department policies are implemented and followed by staff.
-25% Monthly: The Deputy Counsel will serve as counsel to the Commissioner, General Counsel, and other members of Executive staff.
•Offer legal opinions and make recommendations to the Commissioner, General Counsel, and other members of Executive staff.;
•Provide legal support and recommendations to Executive for the development or interpretation of proposed legislation and rule-makings, and demonstrate familiarity with program initiatives;
•Interact with Executive Staff, Division Directions and Regional Directors to ensure that drafting of regulatory amendments is legally sufficient;
•Assist staff with interactions between the Department and the regulated community;
•Serve as the Department liaison to various advisory committees, associations and other stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications NYS Bar Membership and seven years of post-bar relevant experience including management & supervision.
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.
Overnight travel 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...
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.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.