Local recruitment: Associate Counsel

POSITION: Associate Counsel

DRBC GRADE: E-21 – E-24 (depending on experience) 

SALARY RANGE: $87,600 – $156,450 (depending on experience)

BRANCH: Directorate

SUPERVISED BY: Associate General Counsel/Commission Secretary

Job Description

Under general supervision of the Assistant General Counsel/Commission Secretary, this individual performs legal and other research; drafts or reviews public notices, legal memoranda, meeting minutes, settlement agreements, contracts, resolutions, affidavits, proposed rules, public notices, correspondence and other documents; develops rulemaking schedules; assembles and maintains decision-making records and other permanent Commission records; manages and helps to prepare responses to records requests, and in the context of litigation, discovery requests; and handles administrative tasks related to these assignments as needed.

→ General Responsibilities

• Drafts or provides legal review of public notices, legal memoranda, settlement agreements, contracts, resolutions, rules, regulations, by-laws, affidavits, public hearing and meeting notices, correspondence and other documents.
  
• Performs legal research concerning existing and proposed rules, policies, guidance documents and adjudications.
  
• Performs other types of research, including on practices of other agencies.
  
• Manages and provides guidance on document productions in litigation and non-litigation contexts.
  
• Maintains the Employee Handbook and provides guidance to management and staff on its development and implementation.  
  
• Locates and coordinates with expert and fact witnesses.
  
• Synopsizes transcripts of proceedings and other documents.
  
• Refines and maintains records management systems in administrative and litigation contexts.
  
• Serves as custodian of files where necessary.
  
• Attends proceedings before courts and agencies to assist legal and other staff.
  
• Liaises with other government agencies.
  
• Instructs and guides support personnel as needed.
  
• Is a member of and supports DRBC’s legal team in all duties related to the business of the Commission.

Qualifications

• Education: Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree (J.D.) from an accredited college. Admittance to the Bar, preferably, but not necessarily in New Jersey or Pennsylvania.
  
• Experience: Minimum legal/ legislative experience of four (4) years for E-21 or seven (7) years for E-24. Experience in environmental law preferred, but not essential. Experience will determine grade level.
  
• Knowledge, Skills and Attributes:
  
  • Ability to communicate ideas in writing or speech in a clear, concise, accurate and diplomatic manner.
    
  • Knowledge of fundamental administrative law principles and concepts, including but not limited to state and federal administrative procedure acts, principles of interpretation of rules and statutes and public records disclosure laws.
    
  • Commitment to high standards of ethics and public service.
    
  • Highly developed organizational skills.
    
  • Attention to detail.
    
  • Ability to track and meet deadlines and to juggle multiple assignments.
    
  • Interest in working in a multi-disciplinary environment involving law, science, public policy and other disciplines.
    
  • Ability to research, interpret and apply state and federal statutes, regulations and guidances.
    
  • Ability to initiate and maintain communication with officials in other government agencies, as well as with counsel for regulated entities.
    
  • Knowledge and willingness to learn information systems used by the agency and our counterparts.
    
  • Ability and desire to develop the expertise to advance to Assistant General Counsel (E-26) in the future.

Information & Instructions for Applicants

DRBC offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health (including prescription drug coverage), dental and vision insurance. Participation in retirement and deferred compensation plans, as well as flexible spending and health savings accounts, may also be available. DRBC also offers long term disability insurance and State of New Jersey Temporary Disability and Family Leave coverage. Eligible employees receive annual paid sick and vacation leave, as well as four (4) personal days and twelve (12) paid holidays. Positions may offer telework or compressed work schedules. Benefit eligibility may vary based on job duties, operational needs and funding.

→ How to Apply

• Send resume and cover letter via email to: jobs@drbc.gov.
  
• Application Deadline: the position will remain open until filled
  
• Applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States without sponsorship.
  
• Salary within the range specified will be determined based on education and experience.
  
  • E-21: $87,600 – $131,400
    
  • E-24: $104,300 – $156,450