Division Director - Environment, Health & Human...

Closing Date: 2nd November, 2025

Description:

The Office of the Utah Attorney General has an immediate opening for an experienced attorney to serve as the Director of its Division of Environment, Health and Human Services (EHHS). The EHHS Division primarily represents the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Preference will be given to applicants with experience in environmental law and public health law, demonstrated management experience, and litigation and appellate practice experience in state and federal trial and appellate courts.

The tasks for this position include representing the DEQ and DHHS in contested administrative hearings, civil litigation, appeals, rulemaking, government records, contracts, grants and general agency advice. The primary statutes administered by the DEQ are the Water Quality Act, the Air Conservation Act, the Radiation Control Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Solid and Hazardous Waste Act, the Solid Waste Management Act and the Underground Storage Tank Act. Prior knowledge and experience in environmental compliance matters is desired. Demonstrated knowledge or experience in public health law is important. Experience with data privacy and security (HIPAA, HITECH etc.), health information technology, and Medicaid eligibility requirements is preferred. A strong aptitude for employing negotiations to achieve administrative or judicial settlement is essential. The ability to work with scientists, engineers, enforcement specialists, and other professionals on interdisciplinary case teams is highly desirable.

Responsibilities:

• Complex civil litigation and client management.
• Mentor and train attorneys, clerks, paralegals, and staff.
• Evaluate and supervise team members.
• Represent and advise various client agencies.
• Assist and collaborate with the Office leadership and other Division Directors.
• Develop and enforce division policies and procedures.
• Handle high-profile and complex cases.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Negotiate resolution of complex, multi-party litigation.
• Communicate, write, and listen well.
• Draft legal briefs, contracts, and memoranda.
• Advise clients and colleagues on complex issues of law and regulation.
• Present on topics at conferences and panels.
• Learn new skills and practice areas as needed.
• Potential travel to various events and courts in and outside of Utah.

Qualifications:

• Finds representing and litigating the public's interest rewarding.
• Strong interpersonal and management skills.
• Significant experience with complex civil litigation and client management.
• Experience managing and training attorneys and staff.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws governing access to public records (e.g., GRAMA and FOIA).
• Knowledge or experience with juvenile justice laws.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks while supporting other attorneys and staff.
• Superb writing skills.
• Firm understanding of civil procedural and evidentiary rules.
• Commitment to the highest standards of work-product, professionalism, and ethics.
• Proficiency with modern legal technology.
• A Juris Doctorate is required. Candidate must be licensed to practice law in Utah or able to obtain licensure promptly.
• Knowledge of government regulations, executive orders, the democratic political process, and legislative history.
• Ability to interact with others with sensitivity, tact, and professionalism.
• Preference will be given to candidates with:
• At least ten years of legal practice, and
• Five years of experience in environmental compliance.

Supplemental Information:

• This position is based in Salt Lake City and is not suitable for a candidate seeking remote work.
• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated, and requires a candidate to engage in, for example, safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; but there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying light items; driving a car, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.
• A conditional offer of employment will be made pending satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
• Must be able to travel in and out of state approximately two-to-four times a year.
• Valid driver license required to drive a motor vehicle on a highway per Utah Code section 53-3-202(1)(a).
• Active membership in the Utah State Bar is required.
• 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.
• Base salary ranges for each grade level are outlined below, and do not include $10,000 annual management increase for Division Directors or any applicable grade or loyalty increases for existing employees:

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