Closing Date: 29th October, 2025
Description:
Duties DescriptionThe Associate Attorney will be responsible for all natural resources compliance, enforcement, and permitting issues within New York City. The Associate Attorney will provide leadership and guidance to Senior Attorneys, the Legal Assistant 2, the Legal Assistant 1, legal fellows, legal interns, and administrative support staff. Specifically, the Associate Attorney will be responsible for the close supervision of and professional development of three Senior Attorneys (two on a full-time basis and one on a part-time basis). The Associate Attorney will be expected to provide legal counsel and representation on compliance, enforcement, and permitting matters at a high level of expertise. Enforcement is the central focus of the regional legal practice and the Associate Attorney will be responsible for taking the lead on significant enforcement matters, including administrative litigation, and is expected to work with a high degree of autonomy. The Associate Attorney will be responsible for representing the Department in administrative enforcement and permit hearings, drafting and negotiating administrative consent orders; preparing referrals to the Attorney General; working with Real Property staff as needed; and providing legal advice to staff on any issue that affects a natural resources program. The Associate Attorney will take on other duties as assigned by the Regional Attorney.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.
At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC
or
Reinstatement Eligible - Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis.
or
Transfer Eligible - One year of permanent competitive service at Salary Grade 26 or higher and either:
Eligible for transfer under Section 52.6: Must have current or prior service in a title designated as 52.6 within two salary gradesone M grade of this position and possess the appropriate license. To determine if your title is designated as 52.6 go to the Department of Civil Service website and search for your title under GOT-IT.
Additional Comments
For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.
At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC
or
Reinstatement Eligible - Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis.
or
Transfer Eligible - One year of permanent competitive service at Salary Grade 26 or higher and either:
Eligible for transfer under Section 52.6: Must have current or prior service in a title designated as 52.6 within two salary gradesone M grade of this position and possess the appropriate license. To determine if your title is designated as 52.6 go to the Department of Civil Service website and search for your title under GOT-IT.
Additional Comments
The incumbent of this position will shadow the current Associate Attorney. This is a six month temporary budgeted item with the likelihood of leading to a permanent position. Details will be discussed at the interview.
Travel may be required.
We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
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.
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).
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Contact
Travel may be required.
- Overnight travel may be required.
- Telecommuting may be available, 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.
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).
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Contact
NameMegan Miller
Telephone(518) 402-9273
Fax(518) 402-9038
Email AddressPostingResponses@dec.ny.gov
Address
Street625 Broadway
CityAlbany
StateNY
Zip Code12233
Telephone(518) 402-9273
Fax(518) 402-9038
Email AddressPostingResponses@dec.ny.gov
Address
Street625 Broadway
CityAlbany
StateNY
Zip Code12233
