Review Vacancy
AgencyParks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Office of
Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $115283 to $145682 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
Duties Description The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is seeking a highly collaborative individual to serve as an Associate Counsel.
Duties include but are not limited to:
• Provide legal support and advice to the Human Resources, Health and Safety and Labor Relations Bureaus of the Office.
• Draft, review, edit and advise on the development of policies involving all areas of employment including reasonable accommodation, human rights, and family leave.
• Respond to EEOC and Human Rights complaints on behalf of the Office, and liaison with the Office of Employee Relations on discrimination investigations.
• Represent the agency in administrative hearings, such as arbitration hearings related to employee discipline, interview and prepare witnesses, present evidence, draft briefs and motions.
• Serve as liaison with the claim and litigation bureaus of the Office of the Attorney General and function as the Chief Legal Hold Compliance and e-discovery officer.
• Prepare periodic reports on pending cases and maintain the agency’s litigation docket.
• Assist the Ethics Officer in reviewing inquiries regarding compliance with Public Officer’s Law.
• Other related duties as assigned.
In this role the Associate Counsel will advise staff on health and safety issues, particularly those that may result in negligence claims against the State. This may require periodic travel to state parks and other sites related to litigation matters or to provide training to staff on related topics. Due to the small size of the office and diversity of issues that arise, the Associate Counsel may handle other work as necessary.
Minimum Qualifications Candidates must have been admitted to the New York State Bar and must have had four years of experience in the practice of law subsequent to admission to the Bar.
Additional Comments OPERATING NEEDS:
The Associate Counsel will join a small, but collaborative legal office committed to serving agency staff in the mission of providing safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources. This position requires the candidate to both work independently and as part of a team; possess sound judgment and a high degree of confidentiality, strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities at one time.
Preferred candidate will have minimum of 5 years of legal experience in administrative or civil litigation, preferably with experience in employment law, labor relations or health and safety. The candidate must have experience drafting and reviewing legal documents, strong verbal and written communication skills, and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
NOTE: Admission to the New York State Bar and current registration to practice in New York State is necessary for continued employment. Disbarment or loss of registration shall result in removal from this position.
NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: Employees may be approved for a maximum of 50% telecommuting, however, they are required to apply and obtain approval through management in accordance with the agency's Telecommuting Program Guidelines.
To learn about our benefits, visit:https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address employment@parks.ny.gov
Address
Notes on ApplyingAll candidates must submit three (3) references, a resume, and cover letter which clearly demonstrates how they meet the minimum qualifications for the position. Please submit your resume and cover letter as a Word or PDF attachment. We are unable to open documents from Google Docs, Google Drive, OneDrive, Apple Pages, and/or “the cloud”.
Your application must be received by September 4, 2026, and submitted via email to employment@parks.ny.gov
Please use the email subject line: Associate Counsel - 222250
Failure to do so may result in not being considered for the position.
It is the responsibility of each applicant to accurately describe their experience and demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications. Failure to demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications and operating needs may result in your resume not being considered for this position.
Please be advised that New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation does not use E-Verify and does not offer sponsorship for employment visas statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT). Candidates sponsored for employment by an organization should be aware of their sponsorship status and the relevant expiration date(s) of that sponsorship before applying to this position.
Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to ensuring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities and workplace diversity.
New York State (NYS) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. NYS Law prohibits discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, domestic violence victim status, carrier status, gender identity or prior conviction records, or prior arrests, youthful offender adjudications or sealed records unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception.
Executive Order 31 commits New York State government to becoming a model employer for people with disabilities, increasing the participation of people with disabilities in state service and ensuring equal access to opportunities. OPRHP encourages people with disabilities to apply. If an employee or job applicant believes that they need a reasonable accommodation, they should contact the Equal Opportunity Unit at ReasonableAccommodation@parks.ny.gov or (518) 486-7754.