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Senior Attorney / Assistant Attorney 1 / 2 / 3 - NY HELPS

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation · New Paltz, NY · 5 days ago
HybridLegalFull-time

About the role

The Senior Attorney will be tasked with providing legal advice and support to DEC staff regarding the application of law and policy to issues related to enforcement and permitting within DEC's jurisdiction. The responsibilities of the position will serve a variety of DEC programs, including Water, Air Pollution Control, Lands & Forests, Solid Waste, Mining, Remediation, Pesticides, Petroleum Bulk Storage and Spills, Freshwater and Tidal Wetlands, and more.

Responsibilities

  • Preparing and negotiating administrative Orders on Consent
  • Drafting pleadings and other hearing documents
  • Representing DEC in mediation and enforcement hearings
  • Representing DEC staff throughout the permit application review process, including settlement conferences and hearings
  • Working closely with the Office of the New York State Attorney General in both enforcement and defensive matters
  • Providing legal support to DEC staff regarding the Freedom of Information Law, State Administrative Procedures Act, and State Environmental Quality Review Act

Qualifications

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

Position may be filled at the Senior Attorney level or one within the Legal Traineeship appointment levels. Appointment title will be dependent upon qualifications of candidate selected.

Candidates must meet one of the following eligibility pathways:

  • Reassignment – Currently in the title and an employee of DEC
  • Reinstatement Eligible – Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis
  • Transfer Eligible – One year of permanent competitive service at Salary Grade 16 or higher and either:
    • Eligible for transfer under Section 70.4: Must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications below; or
    • Eligible for transfer under Section 52.6: Must have current or prior service in a title designated as 52.6 within two salary grades/one M grade of this position; or
    • Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: Permanent competitive service as a Senior Attorney or Senior Attorney Realty
  • 55b/c candidates – Must meet the open-competitive minimum qualifications below and include with their resume or application a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55b/c program

Open competitive minimum qualifications (provided for 55b/c candidates, 70.4 transfer eligibles, and NY HELPS candidates): graduate of an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree and/or be eligible to take the New York State Bar examination. If you are not admitted to the NYS Bar within two years of appointment, your appointment will be terminated. In addition, open competitive candidates are required to have the selective criteria that is listed within the duties description.

If you are on an examination eligible list for the position title, you do not need to respond to this posting unless you are also eligible for appointment by transfer, reinstatement, or reassignment as defined above. The eligible list will be canvassed as appropriate. Always respond to an eligible list canvass.

Benefits

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

Schedule

Actual work schedule, duties and travel requirements may vary and will be discussed at the interview. 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. Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule, will be discussed at interview.

Pay

For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring

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