Job ID 86080 - Associate General Counsel

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

This posting will be used to fill three Associate General Counsel positions that provide legal advice to MPCA's environmental programs. These positions will each focus on an area of expertise (Data Practices, Legislation or Litigation). 

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. As an Associate General Counsel at the agency, the position will advise leadership and staff and ensure that environmental programs and policies are administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations; research and interpret federal and state laws, regulations, and court cases; analyze laws, regulations, literature and reports in order to develop and provide guidance for programs and procedures of the agency; develop and conduct technical training on legal matters and policies as needed; and assist with agency rulemaking. In this position, the incumbent will also provide legal support on Data Practices, Legislation or Litigation across environmental programs and divisions and will perform other duties as assigned by the General Counsel. 

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must clearly demonstrate the following qualifications:

Juris Doctor Degree with two years of experience in the practice of law with working knowledge of administrative or regulatory law. 

Current license and in good standing to practice law in the State of Minnesota prior to appointment OR the active pursuit of licensure with the requirement that licensure be obtained within six (6) months from start date to achieve permanent employee status. 

General knowledge of environmental laws and statutes, governmental organization, and legislative process.

General knowledge of Minnesota Data Practices Act, Federal Freedom of Information Act, or other state law equivalents.

General knowledge of records or document management and of Minnesota official records laws or other state law equivalents.

Experience with or ability to develop, review, and analyze proposed legislation.

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.

Analytical, research and writing skills, and experience drafting legal memoranda and other legal documents. 

Self-motivated with ability to work collaboratively with other lawyers and program staff and to independently research and resolve legal and policy issues as they arise.

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

Experience in the application of federal and state environmental laws and regulations applicable to the work of the Agency.

Experience with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Federal Freedom of Information Act, or other state law equivalents.

Experience or knowledge of the legislative process as well as developing, reviewing, and analyzing proposed legislation and legislative policy.

Experience with management of large volumes of documents and records.

Experience with development of or participating in training programs.

Experience with state and/or federal court litigation. 

Experience with the Administrative Procedure Act and administrative process as it pertains to public participation, public hearing requirements and all other legal requirements.

Additional Requirements

Individuals who are selected for interview may be requested to submit a writing sample.

About Pollution Control Agency 

Our mission is to protect and improve the environment and human health. We work with many partners (citizens, communities, and businesses, all levels of government, environmental groups and educators) to prevent pollution, conserve resources, and to help ensure polluting does not have disproportionate impact on any groups of people. We emphasize work-life balance with flex schedules, compressed schedules, and options to telework for some positions.