Assistant Attorney General - Environmental Regulatory and Litigation

About the role

The Environment Section of the Environment, Health, and Human Services Division of the Utah Attorney General’s Office is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as regulatory counsel for the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Responsibilities

• Supporting DEQ in permitting, enforcement, and rulemaking matters.
• Assisting in assessment and recovery of civil penalties through litigation or settlement.
• Filing civil actions to enforce administrative orders; representing DEQ in district court reviews.
• Collaborating on joint enforcement activities with EPA where jurisdiction overlaps.
• Representing DEQ in contested permitting matters and administrative appeals.
• Supporting DEQ in federal court cases, including circuit court litigation and amicus briefs related to Clean Air Act and Radiation Control Act.
• Responding to hazardous materials releases, supporting DEQ in emergency situations, investigations, Superfund, voluntary cleanup, petroleum storage tanks, and cost recovery.
• Aiding in administrative rulemaking and preparing for appeals under Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.
• Working with EPA and NRC to ensure federal program compliance, including issuing opinion letters.
• Supporting DEQ in nationwide EPA enforcement litigation matters.

Requirements

• At least three years of full-time law practice experience.
• Active membership in the Utah State Bar, where mandated by statute.
• Ability to travel as needed for the position.
• Must successfully complete a background investigation prior to final employment offer.
• Comfortable working in a typical office environment, including safe use of office equipment and adherence to fire regulations.
• Capable of sitting for extended periods, with occasional walking, standing, bending, carrying light items, or driving; no special physical demands are required.

Qualifications

• A Juris Doctorate degree is required.
• Ability to travel as needed for the position.
• Must successfully complete a background investigation prior to final employment offer.
• Comfortable working in a typical office environment, including safe use of office equipment and adherence to fire regulations.
• Capable of sitting for extended periods, with occasional walking, standing, bending, carrying light items, or driving; no special physical demands are required.

Skills

• Strong background in administrative and appellate litigation, regulatory experience—particularly in environmental law.
• Technical or scientific expertise.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Legal research abilities.
• A demonstrated interest or prior experience in environmental, energy, and natural resources law.

Benefits

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

Pay

Salary determined by experience level, based on initial Bar admittance year and years actively practicing law; annual salary ranges by grade level are provided.

• Grade Level Bar Year Approximate Salary
• 2023-2025 $121,500
• 2020-2022 $127,700
• 2016-2019 $134,300
• 2015-Prior $140,900 - $180,000 (Depending on Experience)

Schedule

Schedule Code – AG - Employees at the Attorney General's Office

About Utah

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