TCEQ - General Counsel II

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Vision, Dental insurance

Paid holidays and leave

Professional development opportunities

Longevity pay

Wellness Program

Onsite Nurse Practitioner

Work-Life Balance

Job summary

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality seeks a seasoned attorney for the Office of General Counsel to provide legal and policy counsel to the Commissioners. The role involves advising on rulemaking, permitting, and enforcement matters, and coordinating with the Attorney General on litigation.

Standard hours apply, with a focus on interpretation of environmental laws and regulatory compliance. The position emphasizes accountability, stakeholder communication, and collaboration across agency

Qualifications

• Active Texas State Bar admission with five years of full-time legal experience.
• Experience advising on legal and policy matters within a government environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal and policy advice to three full-time Commissioners concerning agency goals, functions, and contested cases.
• Act as liaison to and assist the Attorney General on litigation affecting the agency.
• Assist with implementation of Commissioner-sponsored initiatives and oversee execution with agency staff.
• Conduct final reviews of commission legal documents, including rules, orders, resolutions, and contracts.
• Research and advise on interpretation of federal and state environmental laws.
• Correspond with the Office of Chief Clerk, officials, and the public on Commission matters.
• Review and advise on proposals for legislative consideration.
• Review Public Information Act requests and coordinate with requesters and OAG regarding privilege.

Education

Admission to the State Bar of Texas

Job description

Job Description

Are you an attorney experienced in administrative or environmental law, 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.

YOUR FUTURE TEAM

As part of the Commissioners' Office, you would support the commissioners as they establish overall agency direction and policy and make their final determinations on rule making, permitting, and enforcement matters. See details about what we do.

This position is a member of our Office of General Counsel.

Here's What You'll Be Doing

• Provide legal and policy advice to three full-time Commissioners concerning the formulation and implementation of the goals and functions of the agency and concerning contested cases, in routine and complex matters. Assist in providing policy advice in complex matters.
• Act as liaison to and assist the Attorney General on litigation that affects the agency.
• Assist with the implementation of Commissioner-sponsored initiatives, conferring with agency staff and overseeing/directing implementation.
• Assist with or conduct final reviews of commission legal documents, including rules, orders, resolutions, and contracts.
• Research and advise Commissioners on matters involving interpretation of federal and state environmental laws.
• Correspond and communicate with the Office of Chief Clerk, officials, and the public concerning Commission matters.
• Review, analyze, and advise on implementation of proposals for legislative consideration.
• Review Public Information Act requests, assist in assembling responsive documents, and communicate with requesters and OAG regarding claims of privilege.

Required Education & Experience

Admission to the State Bar of Texas plus five years of full-time experience in 1) the practice of law or 2) employment in a responsible position involving legal work as a primary duty.

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 Office of General Counsel.

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 (MOS) CODES

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes can be found at: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/. Please click the hyperlink under 'Occupational Category' for the respective Class Title.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is an Equal Opportunity Employer.