Department of Environmental Protection - Assistant Counsel (Pittsburgh) at Governor's Office of General Counsel

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL

ASSISTANT COUNSEL

OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

(MEADVILLE)

The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel seeks a licensed attorney to work as an Assistant Counsel in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Office of Chief Counsel’s Northwest Regional Office in Meadville. The position will be classified as either an Attorney, 1, 2, or 3 depending on the level of relevant experience possessed by the successful applicant. It offers an excellent opportunity for both younger and experienced attorneys, as the position can be tailored to fit the successful candidate’s background and skills. This position is eligible for part-time telework with an in-office requirement of three business days per week at the discretion of the General Counsel.

DEP’s Northwest Region is responsible for the Commonwealth’s environmental oversight and administration of both state and federal environmental laws in northwestern Pennsylvania. Attorneys within this office provide counseling and litigation services for DEP’s environmental programs, including, Clean Water, Waterway and Wetlands, Safe Drinking Water, Environmental Cleanup, Waste Management, Air Quality, and Oil & Gas. The attorneys draft, negotiate and litigate enforcement actions arising from violation of Pennsylvania’s environmental statutes, review and defend permitting actions, and counsel the Regional clients on legal issues pertaining to program implementation. Trial and appellate litigation generally occurs before the PA Environmental Hearing Board and state or federal courts. Counsel also review responses generated by the programs for Pennsylvania Right to Know Law requests. The work requires close coordination with DEP’s management and technical staff, including geologists, engineers, chemists and biologists, and applicants must be comfortable with learning aspects of these scientific disciplines as necessary to provide sound counseling service and to conduct effective direct and cross examination of both lay and expert witnesses during litigation.

The successful candidate for this position will have demonstrated: (1) solid legal research, analysis and reasoning capabilities; (2) superior inter-personal and communication skills, especially oral and written advocacy; (3) an ability to identify and resolve complicated and sensitive problems creatively and with professional discretion; (4) an ability and willingness to handle a wide variety of complex legal matters both independently and as part of a team; and (5) an ability to interact and function effectively within both the greater legal community and a governmental organization. Preferred candidates will have knowledge of environmental law, as well as litigation experience. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to foster trust and respect and to create friendly and collaborative internal working relationships with Commonwealth clients are a must. This position requires the exercise of confidentiality and independent judgment.

The Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides efficient, responsive legal services to the Commonwealth, the Governor, his cabinet members and more than 30 executive branch and independent agencies that conduct the business of the Commonwealth. This includes rendering legal advice and representation concerning matters and issues arising in connection with the operation of executive agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction, as well as select independent agencies. To learn more about OGC’s mission and get an inside look at what it is like to be part of the OGC team, visit our website, at www.ogc.pa.gov/careers.

In addition to aforementioned legal experience, the candidate must have a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA- accredited law school and be a member in good standing with the Pennsylvania Bar. Interested applicants should send a cover letter setting forth interest in this position, resume, and writing sample no later than May 15, 2023, directed to Derek Riker, Deputy Chief of Staff, 333 Market Street, 17th Floor, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101. OGC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $61,868.00 - $133,771.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Application Question(s):

• Are you currently a Pennsylvania resident?

License/Certification:

• Pennsylvania Bar license (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Meadville, PA 16335