Environmental Impact Examiner

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation; City of Albany (NY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Health benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation seeks Environmental Impact Examiners, the Department’s Administrative Law Judges (ALJs). Responsibilities include conducting adjudicatory enforcement and permit hearings, public comment hearings, mediations, and reviewing permit applications and alleged ECL violations.

Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of the schedule. Minimum qualifications: admission to the NYS Bar with five years of post-bar experience in administrative or environmental

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements include admission to the New York State Bar and five years of post-bar experience in administrative or environmental law.
• Strong legal research, analysis and writing skills essential.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal abilities; prior judicial clerkship or litigation experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Administrative Adjudicatory Enforcement and Permit Hearings
• Conduct Public Comment Hearings, Mediations, and other forms of ADR
• Review factual and legal aspects of Permit Applications and alleged ECL violations
• Schedule and conduct pre-hearing conferences
• Develop factual records, examine witnesses, and rule on motions and evidence
• Analyze and evaluate complex technical, scientific, and legal matters
• Prepare comprehensive Hearing Reports for the Commissioner
• Review and prepare Draft Final Decisions and Orders for the Commissioner

Skills

Legal research

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

JD or equivalent

Job description

Duties Description

Environmental Impact Examiners are the Department’s Administrative Law Judges (ALJs).

Description

Environmental Impact Examiners are the Department’s Administrative Law Judges (ALJs).

Essential Functions Include

• Conduct Administrative Adjudicatory Enforcement and Permit Hearings
• Conduct Public Comment Hearings, Mediations, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution
• Conduct factual and legal review of Permit Applications and alleged violations of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) and other Laws administered by the Department
• Schedule and conduct pre-hearing conferences
• Develop factual records, examine witnesses, rule on all motions and evidence
• Analyze and evaluate complex technical, scientific, and legal matters
• Prepare comprehensive Hearing Reports for the Commissioner
• Review and prepare Draft Final Decisions and Orders for the Commissioner

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Admission to the New York State Bar and five years of post-bar experience in administrative or environmental law.

This title is non-competitive. No examination is necessary. However, you must still meet the Minimum Qualifications of the position.

55-b/55-c Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications and include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55-b/55-c program.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• Excellent legal research, analysis and writing skills.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Prior experience as a judicial law clerk or litigator in federal or state courts.

Additional Comments

Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.

Travel may be required.

Overnight travel may be required.

Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule, will be discussed at interview.

We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:

• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...

For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.

If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please email: [e-mail].

Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).