Salary range: $50.25 – $71.95 / hourly; $104,922 – $150,231 / annually

Closing date: 08/19/2024

Contact: If you have questions about this position, contact Patty Atchison at patty.atchison@state.mn.us

For full job description, requirements, benefits, and how to apply, please visit the Minnesota State Career Website (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers) and search for Job ID: 78221.

Job Summary

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (“Agency”) regulates environmental pollution through the authority of state and federal statutes, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA, CERCLA/MERLA, MEPA, and other state and federal laws and rules. The Agency’s Legal Services Unit (LSU) provides legal support to state environmental programs that issue permits, conduct compliance and enforcement, and oversee investigation and remediation of contaminated sites. The Deputy General Counsel position exists to provide the Agency with legal expertise to support the Agency’s work by ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, coordinating with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office (AGO) on the preparation and conduct of the Agency’s litigation and administrative appeals, and providing legal advice to the General Counsel and the Agency on a variety of complex legal issues. This position includes assisting the General Counsel in managing the work, resources and administration of the LSU including directing and coordinating legal strategies and projects. The incumbent will lead Agency litigation matters and high-profile legal issues and data requests. This position will supervise and evaluate performance of a team of attorneys and non-attorneys who provide legal advice and other legal services to Agency leaders, directors, managers and staff; provide legal training on a variety of topics to the Agency attorneys and staff; collaborate with other Agency attorneys and staff on the implementation of Agency legal policies and best practices; oversee the Agency’s legal support on assigned subject matter areas and data practices; coordinate and complete special projects as assigned by the General Counsel; and assume the duties of the General Counsel in case of absence.

Minimum Qualifications

Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an ABA accredited law school.
Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota and current with continuing legal education requirements.
Seven (7) years as a practicing attorney in environmental law or closely related area of law that includes experience managing litigation.
Experience providing legal advice to senior management or executives.
Ability to supervise and manage professional staff.
Communication skills to work effectively with a wide range of people, including technical and scientific staff, and the ability to understand scientific and technical information and data.
Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated leadership or management experience gained through leading work and/or supervision of professional staff.
Experience in application of federal and state laws and regulations, including experience relevant to MPCA.
Experience with or knowledge of Minnesota state government processes and related laws and regulations.
Experience handling complex legal projects.
Demonstrated experience working with various environmental laws or programs, and technical experts and staff.
Knowledge of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and ability to analyze data, determine classification of data, and provide protection of not public data.
Experience working with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, State government agencies, federal government agencies, or local governments.
Experience in litigation practices and techniques, assessment of legal risk, knowledge of negotiation and settlement strategies and techniques, and legal considerations related to settling or compromising lawsuits and claims.
Demonstrated project management and organizational skills.
Experience with or knowledge of the legislative process as well as developing, reviewing, and analyzing proposed legislation and legislative policy.
Experience with developing and presenting training programs.