What are the responsibilities and job description for the Counsel I position at Dept of Environmental Protect?
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the state agency responsible for ensuring clean air and water, the safe management of toxics and hazards, the recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, the timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources. MassDEP’s mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth’s natural resources – air, water, and land – to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission, MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth; provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar, some experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes and possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class 3 Motor Vehicle Operator’s License
Duty Statement
This is an entry level, hybrid professional position in the Office of General Counsel (OGC) reporting to the Chief Bureau Counsel for the Bureau of Air and Waste (BAW). The incumbent would provide legal advice and services to BAW with a focus on climate and air quality laws as well as other duties as assigned. Major duties of the position include:
(1) interpretation of legislation, rules, regulations, judicial decisions and opinions, including but not limited to state and federal air and climate law, state and federal solid waste, hazardous waste and toxics law, and environmental justice laws and policies, including drafting of legal analysis memoranda, education of staff on applicable laws, rules, and policies, and providing legal advice to agency staff when resolving problems and to ensure agency compliance with laws;
(2) drafting and analysis of legislation, regulations and policies to assist BAW in implementation or improvement of agency operations, based on legal research and agency needs;
(3) providing legal advice on administrative law matters, including public notice and comment procedures for agency rule-makings, permit proceedings and other processes;
(4) providing legal advice to support BAW permitting decisions and consistent treatment of prospective permittees under state and federal law, including but not limited to the federal Clean Air Act and the state Clean Air Act, when applicable;
(5) drafting and reviewing contracts to ensure compliance with public procurement and other applicable laws;
(6) when drafting legal documents (e.g. memos, decisions, contracts, deeds, pleadings, regulations, opinions, comments) ensure clear communication of information and ensuring that such documents are complete, accurate, available for future review and in compliance with law;
(7) advocating at administrative hearings or in negotiations/dispute resolution on behalf of the agency to ensure the consistent application of laws and to represent the interests of the agency; develop legal strategy and effectively, efficiently manage the flow of cases and issue recommendations for final decision or resolution of cases, and for some cases, to issue or agree to final resolution without further review;
(8) communicating with representatives of other agencies, and collaborating with cross-functional or cross-agency teams and stakeholders to share information, resolve issues and develop or implement new programs;
(9) providing information to the public by answering inquiries regarding agency functions, services, rules, and procedures to accurately represent the agency; and
(10) prioritizing and managing assigned workloads and caseloads as well as the workloads and caseloads of direct reports, if applicable.
Incumbents are required to have the following at the time of hire:
1. Knowledge of theory, principles and practices of law.
2. Knowledge of the methods and ability to conduct legal research and technical report writing.
3. Ability to read and interpret legal documents and apply the law, rules and regulations governing agency operations.
4. Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment.
5. Knowledge of procedures followed in courtroom and administrative proceedings.
6. Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of people.
7. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to clearly and concisely express thoughts and develop ideas in a logical manner.
8. Ability to use a computer to conduct research, manage databases, and produce written documents.
Basic understanding of computer operations and ability to use common software programs including Microsoft Office is expected, but additional training can be provided.
Preferred Work Experience:
In addition to the Minimum Entrance Requirements, an ideal candidate would have environmental or administrative law practice experience, but this is not required.
A cover letter and resume expressing your interest in this position and a legal writing sample must be submitted as part of the application process. These documents must be specifically attached to the requisition for which you are applying.
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
Executive Order #595: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they do not meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and some experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes.
Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Official Title: Counsel I
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-100 Cambridge Street
Job: Legal Services
Agency: Department of Environmental Protection
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day
Job Posting: Jul 14, 2023, 1:32:54 PM
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: 68,016.52 - 98,517.12 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Melixza Esenyie - 6176261282
Bargaining Unit: 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.
Confidential: No
Hybrid Work Eligible: Yes
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