Sr Counsel – Environmental Health and Safety Regulatory Law

About the role

Valero is the best-in-class producer of essential fuels and products that are foundational to modern life. We invite you to join our ~10,000 employees to drive exceptional results for our company, the energy industry and our community. As a Sr Counsel you will provide legal counsel on environmental, health and safety (EHS), regulatory, and environmental litigation matters, supporting a team of in-house lawyers to advise business and operations leaders on risk, compliance, and strategic decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal counsel on environmental, health, and safety laws and related regulatory frameworks relevant to Valero’s operations.
• Help manage complex environmental litigation, regulatory enforcement actions, and administrative proceedings, including strategy development, risk assessment, and resolution to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Serve as legal advisor on environmental compliance, permitting, and enforcement matters.
• Support departmental administrative responsibilities such as preparation of routine reporting to leadership, budgeting, and other tasks.
• Advise on environmental aspects of business transactions, including due diligence, permitting risk, and environmental liability in acquisitions, divestitures, and project development.
• Monitor and interprets evolving environmental and safety regulations, advising leadership on business impacts and regulatory strategy.
• Assist with drafting SEC disclosures and similar corporate reporting as necessary.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher level degree required.
• Law degree required from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to the practice of law in the relevant state or be otherwise eligible to practice law in such state.
• 8 years of legal practice experience required.
• Experience in at least one aspect of EHS regulation (e.g. air, water, waste, process safety) required.
• Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero San Antonio location.
• Experience in safety regulation and administrative law preferred.
• Must be eligible to obtain a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) and wear it at all times while working at the refinery.
• Successful completion of a background check and hair-analysis drug screen required as part of pre‑employment process.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Program
• 100% match on 401(K) up to 7%, with immediate vesting
• Company-sponsored Pension Plan
• Comprehensive Healthcare and Wellness Programs
• Onsite Daycare Center
• Onsite Employee and Family Wellness Centers (Physician & Pediatrician)
• Onsite Pharmacy
• State-of-the-art 24-hour Fitness Center free for employees and spouses with access to Tennis and Basketball Facilities
• Onsite cafeteria open for breakfast and lunch
• Sprawling campus with walking paths and access to biking trails