Department of Environmental Protection - Assistant Counsel (Pittsburgh)

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL

ASSISTANT COUNSEL (PITTSBURGH)

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel seeks a licensed attorney to work as an Assistant Counsel in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Office of Chief Counsel’s Southwest Regional Office in Pittsburgh. The position will be classified as either an Attorney, 1, 2, or 3 Non-Supervisory depending on the level of relevant experience possessed by the successful applicant. This position is eligible for part-time telework with an in-office requirement of three business days per week at the discretion of the General Counsel.

What You’ll Do:

DEP’s Southwest Region serves as the front line of the Commonwealth’s environmental protection efforts in southwestern Pennsylvania, overseeing and administering a broad portfolio of state and federal environmental laws. Attorneys in this office play a central role in advancing DEP’s mission by providing sophisticated counseling and litigation support across a wide range of environmental programs, including Clean Water, Waterway and Wetlands, Safe Drinking Water, Environmental Cleanup, Waste Management, Air Quality, and Oil and Gas

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 programs for Pennsylvania Right to Know Law requests.

The position offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary practice that requires close collaboration with DEP management and technical experts, including geologists, engineers, chemists, and biologists. The successful candidate will be comfortable engaging with scientific and technical concepts as needed to deliver sound legal advice and to conduct effective direct and cross-examination of both lay and expert witnesses. This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of law, science, and public service, with a tangible impact on the Commonwealth’s environmental stewardship.

What We’re Looking For:

The successful candidate for this position will have demonstrated: (1) solid legal research, analysis and reasoning capabilities; (2) superior inter-personal and communication skills, especially oral and written advocacy; (3) an ability to identify and resolve complicated and sensitive problems creatively and with professional discretion; (4) an ability and willingness to handle a wide variety of complex legal matters both independently and as part of a team; and (5) an ability to interact and function effectively within both the greater legal community and a governmental organization. Preferred candidates will have at least some knowledge of environmental law, as well as litigation experience.

Why Join OGC?

At OGC, you’re not just practicing law—you’re shaping the future of Pennsylvania. We offer a career filled with purpose, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a difference. Here’s what you can expect:

· Comprehensive Benefits: Top-tier health care options, retirement plans, and generous paid time off.

· Work-Life Balance: Excel in your career while having the time to enjoy your personal life.

· Continuous Learning: A supportive culture that fosters ongoing professional development and advancement.

Joining our team means being part of a respected institution dedicated to legal excellence and public service. To learn more about OGC’s mission and what it is like to be part of the OGC team, visit our website and select Careers with OGC at https://www.ogc.pa.gov.

Qualifications:

· Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.

· Active membership in good standing with the Pennsylvania Bar.

Apply Today!

Send your letter of interest, resume, and writing sample (no longer than 10 pages) by January 16, 2025, directed to Derek Riker, Deputy Chief of Staff, 30 N. Third Street, Suite 200, 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. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $67,736.00 - $146,504.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you currently a Pennsylvania resident?

License/Certification:

• Pennsylvania Bar license (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Pittsburgh, PA 15222