Environmental Law Specialist
Initial Posting Date:
12/01/2021Application Deadline:
12/26/2021Agency:
Department of Environmental QualitySalary Range:
$5,614 - $8,619Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Environmental Law SpecialistJob Description:
Environmental Law Specialist
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality strives to build and sustain an inclusive environment that embraces and values diversity. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or physical or mental disability. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may not meet every one of our listed preferred qualifications. Lived experience may count towards the preferred qualification. If you are excited about this position, we encourage you to apply. If you are unsure as to whether or not you meet the qualifications of this position, please contact us to discuss your application.
Are you passionate about preserving, enhancing, and protecting Oregon’s environment? If so, please consider a career with the State of Oregon at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). At DEQ, employees have the opportunity to work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with maintaining, restoring, and enhancing the quality of Oregon’s air, land, and water. Here is a video about DEQ: https://youtu.be/iP3K7JoLe1k
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) currently has a full-time opportunity for a Environmental Law Specialist in Portland, Oregon.
The Office of Compliance and Enforcement (OCE) has statewide responsibility for issuing formal enforcement actions, including civil penalties and corrective actions, against persons, companies, municipal governments, and other governmental agencies that violate environmental laws, rules, and permits. In addition, OCE represents DEQ in the appeal process of formal enforcement actions, including settlement negotiations, presenting contested case hearings to the Office of Administrative Hearings and the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC). OCE receives referrals for formal enforcement actions from DEQ Regions and Divisions as well as Counties and DEQ agents. The Office of Compliance and Enforcement (OCE) is not located within any Region or any Division. This position is located at DEQ Headquarters within the Office of the Director.
OCE’s enforcement of environmental laws is necessary to DEQ's mission of restoring, maintaining and enhancing the quality of Oregon's air, land and water by stopping unlawful acts that put those resources at risk, by mitigating adverse impacts, by deterring future violations, and by creating a level playing field for the regulated community. Click here to view a map of all DEQ offices.
What you will do!
Environmental Law Specialists (ELSs) analyze and evaluate facts and evidence, applicable rules, laws, and policies, review the violator's compliance history, refine cases and develop appropriate enforcement or compliance strategy, draft legal documents to initiate and conclude the formal enforcement process, act as DEQ lay representative in contested case hearings and before the EQC, meet with violators and/or their attorneys, negotiate and draft settlements and consent orders, provide advice and assistance to DEQ staff, and assist Divisions in developing rules, permits and policies that will ensure compliance and deterrence.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Case Evaluation & Development:
- Analyze and evaluate enforcement referrals to determine if adequate evidence and information is presented to support a formal enforcement action (FEA).
- Analyze evidence to determine whether it supports the legal elements of applicable statutes, regulations, and/or permit conditions necessary to prove each proposed violation
- Develop and advise on appropriate enforcement strategy, including whether an FEA is appropriate, and the level of enforcement to pursue.
- Prepare/draft documents, including letters, notices of civil penalty, Department Orders, and Mutual Agreements & Orders necessary to execute the enforcement strategy.
Case Follow-Up:
- Conduct settlement discussions and negotiates settlement of FEAs and contested cases with violator or attorney and Department staff, including explaining regulations and actions necessary to achieve compliance.
- Prepare and draft formal settlement documents.
- Interview witnesses, organize witness testimony and exhibits, and represent the Department in the contested case hearing as Lay Representative.
Program Assistance and Other Duties:
- Advise Department staff of the enforcement applicability of rules or statutes and permit conditions to specific fact situations.
- Advise Department staff on how to appropriately apply enforcement guidance.
- Respond to requests from Department staff for help in developing strategy for cases they are investigating.
- Respond to media inquiries and public record requests related to formal enforcement actions.
What’s in it for you!
The opportunity to work in a productive and creative environment where no two days are ever the same! We offer a competitive benefits package that offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for the employee and their qualified family members, as well as paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays a year. In addition, we offer membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and you have the opportunity to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). If you are passionate about Oregon's environment, apply today!
This is a full-time, AFSCME represented position.
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
What are we looking for?
- Two years of full-time experience in environmental and natural resource law analyzing, researching, and drafting legal documents and interviewing clients, AND an Associate degree as a Legal Assistant or completion of a Paralegal Program; OR
- A JD degree with course emphasis in environmental and natural resources law; OR
- A JD degree and one year of full-time experience in environmental and natural resource law analyzing, researching, and drafting legal documents and interviewing clients; OR
- Four years of experience in an environmental program drafting or preparing formal enforcement actions (civil penalties and orders) against violators of statutes, rules, and permits.
NOTE: If you have been in a general law practice in which you were responsible for cases involving environmental and natural resource law, you must specify the percentage of time involved and the nature of your work with such cases.
Candidates who are most competitive will also reflect the following:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with a variety of internal and public stakeholders.
- Familiarity with public sector work and culture.
- General knowledge of legal concepts and principles.
- Skill representing an organization in meetings, hearings, or negotiations.
- Knowledge of environmental law and administrative law process.
Working Conditions:
This is an office position located at Headquarters in Portland, Oregon. There will be occasional travel throughout the state for informal discussions, contested case hearings, meetings, and trainings.
How to Apply: (complete the application in full)
- External Applicants Click on the “Apply” button and submit your application. Click this link for the External Candidate job aid, and view this video for additional information.
- Internal Applicants (current State of Oregon employees): Apply through your employee Workday account. View this job aid for assistance.
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Please Note: In addition to your related work experience and education, DEQ will use the desired attributes and minimum qualifications above, under the “What are we looking for?” section to determine whom to interview. Please make sure your attributes and minimum qualifications are clearly demonstrated in your application material.
COVID-19 Vaccination Information:
The State of Oregon requires all executive branch employees to complete their COVID-19 vaccination series or have an approved exception to the requirement due to a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief. Successful candidates for this position must submit vaccination documentation or be approved for an exception prior to their first day of employment. Failure to provide proof of full vaccination or receipt of an approved exception will lead to withdrawal of the job offer. For more information, visit our policy listed here.
Veterans Information:
DEQ provides veterans’ preference points to all eligible veterans. For more information on veterans’ preference, please visit Veterans Resources, or call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at: 1-800-692-9666. For privacy reasons, please do not attach veterans’ preference documents when initially applying. You will be asked to submit those at a later time.
Pay Equity:
As an employer, the State of Oregon complies with HB 2005, the Pay Equity Bill. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected class in the payment of wages, and we do not screen applicants on the basis of their current or past compensation. Please visit http://www.oregon.gov/das/hr/pages/equity.aspx for more information. Please note: the salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95% (6% goes to PERS and .95% covers payroll taxes). Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details. Note: A 2.5% cost of living allowance (COLA) increase is in effect 12/1/21 in addition to the salary range.
Work Authorization:
DEQ does not offer visa sponsorships. On the first day of employment, all hires will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. In addition, hires will have three business days from their first day of employment to present documents that establish employment authorization and identity.
Questions/Need Help?
If you have questions about the recruitment or need assistance to participate in the application process, please contact Rebecca Zanskar, Human Resources Analyst, at rebecca.zanskar@deq.state.or.us or (503) 503-807-8937. TTY users: please use the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.