TCEQ - Attorney I

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) and 457 plans

Health, Vision, Dental, and FSA

Paid holidays

Professional development

Longevity pay

Wellness program

Onsite nurse practitioner

Work-Life Balance

Job summary

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) seeks an Attorney I to support the Environmental Law Division. You will represent the Executive Director in hearings and meetings, advise agency staff and the public on legal matters, and assist with permitting and rulemaking tasks.

A strong foundation in environmental law and Texas Bar admission are essential. Standard business hours apply, with opportunities to engage in various special projects within the division and collaboration with

Qualifications

• Experience in environmental law or coursework in environmental law.
• Experience arguing cases before trial or administrative hearings and/or appellate courts.
• Experience drafting pleadings, law reviews, or other legal documents.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Executive Director during contested case hearings, agenda meetings, and other agency proceedings.
• Provide guidance to agency staff, citizen groups, and the public; advise on legal matters and assist with permitting matters.
• Conduct legal research and prepare opinions and briefs; contribute to drafting agency rules and policies.
• Participate in special projects for the Environmental Law Division (e.g., surveying other states’ laws, reviewing notice templates, assisting legislative teams).

Skills

Environmental law

Legal advocacy

Legal writing

Education

Admission to the Texas State Bar

Job description

Job Description

Are you an Attorney I, ready for a unique opportunity to grow with an environmental state agency?

Join TCEQ! We bring passion and drive to carry out our mission of protecting our state's public health and natural resources.

NOTE:

To determine qualifications, TCEQ job postings require fully completed applications with a detailed job history. Incomplete applications may lead to disqualification. See below for more details.

YOUR FUTURE TEAM

As part of TCEQ Legal Services, you would support ensuring that commission decisions follow the law, and that rules we develop comply with statutory authority and are applied consistently. See details about what we do.

This position is a member of our Environmental Law Division.

Here’s What You’ll Be Doing

• Represent Executive Director during the contested case hearing process and at Agenda meeting, other public meetings, alternative dispute resolution proceedings and/or other agency proceedings. Assist the office of the Attorney General in matters referred.
• Provide assistance to agency staff, citizen groups, public officials, and the general public resulting from written correspondence, personal contact, or telephone inquiries. Advise agency staff on legal matters. Assist the public with the application of state laws and agency rules. Attend public meetings on permitting matters.
• Conduct legal research and prepare legal opinions and briefs. Participates in the drafting of, or related work on, basic agency rules and/or policies.
• Participate in various special projects for the Environment Law Division, e.g., surveying other states' laws, reviewing public notice templates, serving on or assisting the Legislative Assignment Team, serving as intern coordinator, etc.

Key Qualifications

• Experience and/or course work in environmental law.
• Experience arguing cases before trial courts or in administrative hearings, and/or arguments of cases before appellate courts.
• Experience preparing legal documents, such as drafting pleadings, law reviews, and/or other published articles.

Required Education & Experience

Admission to the State Bar of Texas.

• Employees in this classification series may research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure, including but not limited to a communication infrastructure system, cybersecurity system, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment system, or water treatment facility. See Tex. Business & Commerce Code Section 117.001(2). Accordingly, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a requirement to be hired for and to continue to be employed with TCEQ.

TRANSCRIPT / COLLEGE HOURS or COURSE WORK

See instructions on how to attach documents. A copy of your official college transcript or evaluation of foreign credentials in CAPPS is required if needed to meet the qualifications listed above.

WORK SCHEDULE

Standard business hours are M-F, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Individual and work group schedule determined by the TCEQ Environmental Law Division.

Benefits

• Optional 401(k) and 457 plans
• Insurance: Health, Vision, Dental, and optional FSA
• Paid day(s) off from work on national holidays and holidays that the state observes
• Professional development opportunities
• Longevity pay based on your number of years working for the state
• Wellness Program and Activities
• Onsite Nurse Practitioner in HQ
• Work-Life Balance

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

TCEQ will conduct a criminal history records search, driving history (if required for the job) on candidates offered employment.

In compliance with ADA, if you need accommodation during the employment process, please contact HRSS for assistance at [phone].

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY (M.O.S.) CODES

M.O.S. codes can be found here. Please click the hyperlink under `Occupational Category' for the respective Class Title.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is an Equal Opportunity Employer.