Description:
Key Responsibilities:Environmental Regulatory and Litigation Role Supporting Utah Department of Environmental Quality
The Environment Section of the Environment, Health, and Human Services Division of the Utah Attorney General's Office is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as regulatory counsel for the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Civil litigation experience preferred but not required. The primary responsibilities include regulatory support for permitting, enforcement, and rulemaking matters. Enforcement and permitting matters include administrative and civil litigation work, including appellate support. Candidates must have at least three years of full-time law practice experience and must be members or eligible for membership in the Utah State Bar, with admission or eligibility for admission to practice in Utah state and federal courts.
A strong background in administrative and appellate litigation, regulatory experience—particularly in environmental law—and technical or scientific expertise are preferred. Excellent written and oral communication skills, legal research abilities, and a demonstrated interest or prior experience in environmental, energy, and natural resources law are highly valued. The attorney will collaborate with scientists, engineers, enforcement specialists, and other professionals on interdisciplinary teams.
DEQ administers programs under Utah Code Title 19, including EPA primacy and state-based environmental programs such as Water Quality, Air Quality, Solid and Hazardous Waste, Drinking Water, Petroleum Storage Tanks, Site Investigation and Remediation, as well as Agreement State Programs (Uranium Recovery, Radioactive Waste/Materials) with the NRC. The Environment Section is responsible for all DEQ litigation and regulatory support, and offers a collegial, collaborative atmosphere with flexible, hybrid work options at its Salt Lake City location.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct legal research and analysis, evaluate evidence, interview witnesses, and draft legal documents for DEQ civil enforcement.
- Assist in assessment and recovery of civil penalties through litigation or settlement.
- File civil actions to enforce administrative orders; represent DEQ in district court reviews.
- Collaborate on joint enforcement activities with EPA where jurisdiction overlaps.
- Represent DEQ in contested permitting matters and administrative appeals.
- Support DEQ in federal court cases, including circuit court litigation and amicus briefs related to Clean Air Act and Radiation Control Act.
- Respond to hazardous materials releases, support DEQ in emergency situations, investigations, Superfund, voluntary cleanup, petroleum storage tanks, and cost recovery.
- Assist with administrative rulemaking and preparing for appeals under Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.
- Work with EPA and NRC to ensure federal program compliance, including issuing opinion letters.
- Support DEQ in nationwide EPA enforcement litigation matters.
- Limited travel, including overnight stays, may be required.
- Applicants must submit a cover letter describing their interest in the position, resume (including relevant accomplishments, work experience, class rank, and G.P.A.), contact details, three references, unofficial law school transcript, and a substantive writing sample. A security background check is required. Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted. The Utah Office of the Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer.
Qualifications:
- A Juris Doctorate degree is required.
- Active membership in the Utah State Bar, where mandated by statute.
- Ability to travel as needed for the position.
- Must successfully complete a background investigation prior to final employment offer.
- Comfortable working in a typical office environment, including safe use of office equipment and adherence to fire regulations.
- Capable of sitting for extended periods, with occasional walking, standing, bending, carrying light items, or driving; no special physical demands are required.
- Salary determined by experience level, based on initial Bar admittance year and years actively practicing law; annual salary ranges by grade level are provided.
Supplemental Information:
- A Juris Doctorate is required.
- Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
- Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc.
- A conditional offer of employment will be made pending a satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
- Must be able to travel as required.
- Active membership in the Utah State Bar required by the end of the probationary period.
- Attorneys are hired at a salary consistent with their experience-level-peers in non-supervisory positions. For the purpose of starting salary calculation, experience level is based on initial Bar admittance year, less any years not practicing law. Annual salary ranges for each grade level are outlined below:
2023-2025 $121,500
2020-2022 $127,700
2016-2019 $134,300
2015-Prior $140,900 - $180,000 (Depending on Experience)
About the role:
- Location –
- 240 N 1950 W
- Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116
- United States
- Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
- Schedule Code – AG - Employees at the Attorney General's Office
Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:
- Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
- Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
- Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
- Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
If you are looking to make a meaningful impact while working in a dynamic, fast-paced legal environment, the Attorney General's Office offers a unique opportunity. As counselors, protectors, and stewards, the Office plays a vital role in defending both the U.S. and Utah constitutions, protecting residents, and preserving the resources that make Utah special. You'll contribute to upholding justice, advising state agencies, and safeguarding the rights and interests of Utah's citizens. With responsibilities ranging from prosecuting corporate misconduct to enforcing public lands policy and supporting children's justice initiatives, your work here will be both diverse and rewarding. Join a team dedicated to serving the public and advancing the cause of justice in Utah.