How to Apply:
Do not apply online. Send cover letter and resume to DEC General Counsel Jordan Gonda (she/her) at Jordan.Gonda@vermont.gov. Please reference “ANR Staff Attorney” in the subject line.
This position will remain open until filled. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis.
Overview:
Come work in the Office of General Counsel for Vermont’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and use your legal skills to protect and enhance the public’s interest in a clean and healthy environment. In this role, you will support the work of the State’s leading scientists, engineers, technicians, and policy makers to promote environmental protection and steward natural resources on behalf of all Vermonters. From emerging contaminants to climate resiliency, air quality to drinking water protection, to clean water and wastewater infrastructure and environmental justice; our attorney team is front-and-center in the administration of Vermont’s most critical environmental programs and services.
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) is charged with oversight and management of Vermont’s natural environment on behalf of the people of Vermont. ANR consists of the Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC); Fish and Wildlife; and Forests, Parks, and Recreation.
DEC is currently seeking a Staff Attorney to provide general counseling and administrative law services. We are looking for a highly motivated individual who enjoys working as part of a team, maintaining a diverse workload that varies in complexity and subject matter, and thrives in a complex and sometimes fast-paced work environment. This attorney will be part of a collaborative and skilled legal team that provides integral counseling and other legal services to a wide range of regulatory program areas. Opportunities for professional development and mentorship exist for all experience levels.
ANR is participating in a voluntary teleworking program. Eligibility for teleworking is determined by the supervisor and requires a minimum number of in-person days at ANR’s offices in Montpelier.
Description:
This position will provide legal services primarily within the Watershed Management Division of the Department of Environmental Conservation, which is responsible for protecting, enhancing, and restoring the quality of Vermont’s surface waters. Primary areas of substantive work will include water quality regulation under State and Federal law, including surface water and wetland protection, floodplain management, ecosystem restoration, and wastewater treatment. This position will have the opportunity to work on matters related to other environmental media-based programs within DEC as well.
Duties will include provision of general counseling and legal assistance in a variety of functions, including drafting and interpreting rules, review and drafting of Agency permits, regulatory enforcement, as well as participation in appeal of Department determinations.
Compensation:
This is an exempt full-time position. Salary offered for this position is commensurate with applicant’s background and experience in accordance with the State of Vermont Attorney Pay Plan. The State of Vermont offers competitive insurance benefits as well as workplace flexibility.
Minimum Requirements:
Candidates must be a member in good standing of the Vermont bar with at least 2 years of relevant legal experience. Experience in areas of relevant environmental regulation including water law regulation, administrative law, as well as land use and real property will be given preference. Candidates must have excellent oral and written communication skills, a demonstrated commitment to environmental, energy, or natural resources law, knowledge of areas of the law relevant to the work of the Agency, the ability to manage a significant workload, and work collaboratively with professional staff and management.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
The State of Vermont celebrates diversity and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.