Job description

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL (NORRISTOWN)
REGIONAL COUNSEL
OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

The Governor’s Office General Counsel (OGC) seeks a licensed attorney to serve as the Regional Counsel for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Southeast Regional Office of Chief Counsel (SEROCC). The successful applicant will lead an office of ten attorneys and two support staff in carrying out the oversight and administration of both state and federal environmental laws in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Located in Norristown, attorneys within this office provide counseling and litigation services for DEP’s environmental programs, including, Clean Water, Waterways and Wetlands, Safe Drinking Water, Environmental Cleanup, Waste Management, Air Quality, Mining, and Radiation Protection. The attorneys draft, negotiate and litigate enforcement actions arising from violations 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. Attorneys also review responses generated by the DEP 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.

The Regional Counsel will supervise three subsidiary supervisors and be responsible for the overall management of the SEROCC while also managing an individual caseload. The Regional Counsel will be responsible for ensuring the work product of the attorneys in the SEROCC is complete and meets the standards of the Office of General Counsel (OGC), the Office of Chief Counsel, and DEP. The Regional Counsel will also be responsible for the training and professional development of the attorneys as well as meeting all administrative requirements, such as the approval of leave and travel. The Regional Counsel reports directly to the Deputy Chief Counsel for Regional Offices, but also works extensively with the Executive Deputy Chief Counsel and Chief Counsel on time-sensitive and significant matters.

The successful candidate for this position will have demonstrated: (1) leadership and the ability to convey constructive input to less experienced professionals; (2) solid legal research, analysis and reasoning capabilities; (3) superior interpersonal and communication skills, especially oral and written advocacy; and (4) an ability to identify and resolve complicated and sensitive problems creatively and with professional discretion. Preferred candidates will have 12 or more years in practice, possess a substantial knowledge of environmental law, have litigation experience and supervisory 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.

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 resume, writing sample, and cover letter setting forth their interest in the position no later than May 26, 2023, directed to Derek Riker, Deputy Chief of Staff, 333 Market Street, 17thFloor, 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $92,000.00 - $135,000.00 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

COVID-19 considerations:
Schedule is part-time telework. Vaccination is encouraged.

Application Question(s):

• Do you currently reside in Pennsylvania?

License/Certification:

• PA Bar License (Required)

Work Location: In person

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