Associate Counsel

Duties Description DEC is hiring an Associate Counsel to work in the Region 4 Schenectady Headquarters to enforce environmental violations and protect the natural resources of the nine-county Capital District Region.

Under the direction of the Regional Attorney, the Associate Counsel will serve as backup to the Regional Attorney in addressing significant enforcement and policy issues in the Capital District area. This is a supervisor level position and will provide leadership and guidance to Senior Attorneys, Regional Enforcement Coordinator, and support staff. The Associate Counsel is involved in policy development, provides legal counsel and representation on permitting and enforcement at a high level of expertise.

Enforcement is the central focus of regional legal practice and the incumbent will be responsible for taking lead on significant enforcement matters and is expected to work with a high degree of autonomy. The Associate Counsel is responsible for representing DEC in administrative enforcement and permit hearings before the Office of Hearing and Mediation services (OMHS), drafting and negotiating administrative consent orders encompassing a variety of program and Department issues, including: Air, Pesticides, Wetlands, Solid Waste, Water, Mining, Real Property and Permits. The Associate Counsel will assist Assistant Regional Attorneys with hearings and provide FOIL training to regional staff.

The Associate Counsel will work directly with the Office of the Attorney General in defense of claims in Region 4. The Associate Counsel is also responsible for handling complex permitting matters and real property inquiries, preparing referrals to the Attorney General, responding to FOIL requests, and providing legal advice to staff on any issue that affects their program, as well as other duties, special projects, and research assigned by the Regional Attorney.

Minimum Qualifications Admittance to the NYS Bar and 4 years of post bar experience

Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.

Transportation needs of this position require use of a state vehicle and adhering to the Department’s Vehicle Policy. You must have and maintain a valid driver’s license for this position.

Travel may be required.

Overtime may be required.

Overnight 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.

Must be able to travel to meetings and hearings as well as transport related files.

Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule, 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.

If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please email: [email protected].

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.