"Alerted.org

NY HELP No

Agency Environmental Conservation, Department of

Title Associate Counsel

Occupational Category Legal

Salary Grade NS

Bargaining Unit M/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)

Salary Range From $123793 to $156224 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Contingent Permanent

Jurisdictional Class Exempt Class

Travel Percentage 10%

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 8:30 AM

To 5 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? Yes

County Queens

Street Address 1 Hunter's Point Plaza

City Long Island City

State NY

Zip Code 11101

Duties Description Performance Program, Tasks, Objectives and Performance Standards:The Regional Attorney oversees and administers the regional legal staff as the General Counsel’s representative by providing legal services to the Regional Director and regional staff in accordance with Regional and Departmental priorities and in support of DEC’s mission. The Regional Attorney provides advice and guidance on legal matters by responding to questions regarding the interpretation of law, legal procedure, enforcement priorities and the legality of proposed actions. The Regional Attorney works with Regional Permitting staff on legal issues that may result in a hearing and may participate in all aspects of such administrative hearings. The Regional Attorney participates in the selection of enforcement mechanisms, drafting and reviewing of enforcement documents and represents the Department in administrative enforcement hearings, in both the permitting and enforcement contexts. The Regional Attorney directly supervises and manages the Regional/Legal Secretary, Assistant Regional Attorneys, and other attorneys, interns and staff as assigned. 1. Lead the DEC Region 2 OGC Compliance Team: a. Maximize Regional Compliance by Enforcing Applicable Laws, Rules, and Regulations. Determine violations of environmental laws, rules, and regulations and analyze evidence necessary to determine appropriate enforcement mechanisms. Prosecute violations as appropriate. Negotiate and prepare various legal documents and settlements, and prepare and initiate appropriate enforcement actions. Appear on behalf of and represent the Department in all necessary forums, including administrative enforcement proceedings. Foster a proactive multi-disciplinary team approach to developing and implementing measurable solutions to priority violations or potential violations. Help each program identify a limited set of enforcement priorities and secure resolution of these priority cases such that environmental protection goals are realized.b. Supervise Legal and Enforcement Staff and Appropriately Manage Resources. Guide, direct, counsel and manage and supervise all legal staff including training, planning, assigning and determining the distribution of work, review and evaluate staff work, establish and maintain priorities and develop meaningful individual performance plans for OGC staff directly or indirectly supervised by the Regional Attorney . Developing and approving legal strategies for sensitive cases and matters. Keep the Regional Director fully informed and involved in decision making with regard to supervision and management of these staff and advise the regional RD of emerging personnel issues. Set and ensure compliance with deadlines. Manage the effective use of fiscal and administrative resources. Provide supervision of the regional/legal secretary. Ensure that the legal/enforcement team is perceived by others in DEC and outside interests as professional, efficient, courteous and friendly, and most importantly, fair and consistent in the pursuit of environmental compliance.c.Manage and Organize the Legal Docket. Maintain a regularly scheduled review of the work being performed by legal staff and review, manage and re-evaluate as necessary to meet Regional and Departmental priorities including addressing violations and compliance issues. Ensure that reports are completed on the status of the docket at least quarterly. Provide agendas for participants for docketing at least one week in advance of said meetings. d.Represent Department Staff in Administrative Proceedings. Prepare for administrative proceedings, discuss strategy and confer with Department staff regarding legal options in cases. Ensure that the Department is represented by legal staff in proceedings and prepare necessary legal memoranda and other relevant legal documents. e.Represent Department in State/Federal Litigation. Represent Department in coordination with the Attorney General’s office in federal and state court cases and legal matters.f.Maximize use of Technology. Establish, use, and maintain technology to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of all legal staff to conserve and responsibly use Departmental resources.2. Provide Legal Support for Regional Staff, including the Regional Director. a.Provide Counsel to DEC Staff and Programs, both proactive and as requested. Provide legal advice and opinions to Department staff, and outside parties in connection with activities and services provided by the Department. Suggest how parties can support environmental protection and restoration and proactively comply with the Environmental Conservation Law. Provide counsel and advice to management staff about complex legal matters and the interpretation and implementation of State and federal legislation and court decisions. When necessary, comment on legislation and other Departmental priorities and initiatives and assume other duties as assigned. As necessary serve as Agency liaison and representative with OER’s Antidiscrimination Unit in the event of complaints made against regional staff. b.Maintain Confidentiality. Maintain the strictest standards of confidentiality regarding all oral and written communication and records in the Region and in the Department, and regarding the management of staff, and meet professional standards and expectations.c.Implement and Advance Commissioner’s, Regional and DEC’s Mission and Priorities. Maximize the use of all available legal mechanisms to reinforce the Commissioner’s priorities for full, thorough and fair enforcement of environmental laws, to meet Regional priorities, and to achieve the Department’s mission to conserve and protect New York’s environment.d.Effectively Communicate. Effectively communicate orally and in writing with Department staff and all outside parties, increase awareness in the Region of the appropriate use of enforcement in fulfilling the Department’s mission, and effectively communicate the mission and priorities of the Department. Ensure that monthly legal reports are provided to the Regional Director and General Counsel. Participate in monthly calls with Central Office OGC. Ensure that DEC responds in a timely and effective manner to communications as directed, CCUs (Commissioner Correspondence Unit) and Regional Director requests. Written correspondence answered or acknowledged within six days for staff; phone calls answered within 48 hours. Represent the Department at meetings, conferences and workshops as requested or appropriate. Prepare reports on significant or sensitive enforcement actions and/or policy questions impacting activities in the Region. e.Ensure Teamwork within Region 2 OGC and between OGC and other Programs. As a member of the regional executive team ensure that all OGC, compliance programs, staff, and teams function as an integrated component of the Region. Promote team-orientated problem solving amongst staff that results in their effective participation in meetings and decision making. Participate in regional team based prioritization and decision making. Bring appropriate OGC and team decisions that have more than minor potential impacts with regard to other programs to the larger regional executive team. Keep other staff and programs informed with regard to program news, plans, issues, challenges, priorities and successes. Ensure program coordination and communication with Albany based division staff and other regions. Consult with Central Office staff on matters in the Region as necessary and appropriate.3. Celebrate Successes and Meet Professional Expectations:a.Highlight and Celebrate Successes Monthly. In monthly reports, monthly and weekly regional staff meetings, and in regular communications with Albany OGC, highlight compliance successes that reflect positively on your program and the Department. Where possible and approved, offer settings for site visits to demonstrate program success.b.Meet Professional Expectations and Maintain the Quality of the Workplace. As a member of the Regional Executive Team, through action and example, be a positive role model to staff in your program, other DEC staff, the public, and private and governmental agencies. Actively manage workload and available time to complete assignments and fulfill responsibilities as an effective member of the DEC team. Arrive at work prepared and be professional, courteous, respectful, responsible and as necessary patient when interacting with staff, the public and other stakeholders. Foster a positive attitude to promote and encourage a good morale among staff, both within the office and while representing the Department outside the office. Ensure you and your staff adhere to Public Officer, Ethic and Conflict of Interest laws and guidance. Where possible minimize or avoid the need for overtime, and delegate effectively or recruit assistance from other staff or programs to ensure effective program operation when you are not available. Support office space and vehicle reassignments or changes as necessary and ensure proper use of Department vehicles assigned to units supervised. Stay current with LATs and ensure all entries are accurate for both yourself and anyone you supervise. Ensure that you and staff you supervise are familiar with opportunities and resources available through EAP. Find and propose professional development and skills training for yourself and your staff as resources permit. Strive to generate unsolicited compliments for program and personal responsiveness, attitude, excellence and productivity. Foster a positive attitude to promote and encourage a good morale among staff, both within the office and while representing the Department outside the office.4.Perform Other duties as assigned. Perform duties and accept other responsibilities, as assigned or directed by the Regional Director or General Counsel.

Minimum Qualifications NYS Bar Membership and four years of post-bar relevant experience including 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.

Name Marline Agnew

Telephone (518) 402-9273

Fax (518) 402-9038

Email Address [email protected]

Address

Street 625 Broadway

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12233

Notes on Applying Please email/mail your resume to the above. Be sure to include Vacancy #25-187465 on your resume or it may not be accepted.