What are the responsibilities and job description for the Counsel II position at Department of Conservation & Recreation?
Who We Are : The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.Who We Are as an Employer : At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.Description : The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s mission is to protect, promote and enhance our commonwealth of natural, cultural and recreational resources for the wellbeing of all. The DCR is steward to one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation which includes more than 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails, golf courses and parkways. DCR strives to be an exemplary leader in conservation and recreation. DCR’s staff is passionate, dedicated, and continuously employs best practices that are informed by expertise, and creates a sense of place through carrying out the mission.Job Opening : The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for a Counsel II to perform the following duties : Comprised of a team of attorneys and legal support staff, the Land Protection Program, and the Office of Long-Term Permits and Leases, the Office of General Counsel supports the Department in all its core functions. The OGC team does everything from advising DCR staff on a range of legal matters; reviewing and analyzing proposed and current legislation and regulations; working with private landowners and partners on land acquisition projects; maintaining the agency’s vast land records collection; managing public records requests; assisting in the review and implementation of policies; managing long-term permits and leases on Department property; drafting agreements; supporting the Department’s administration, finance, and contract / procurement programs; and much more.General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities : Serve as Assistant General Counsel to the General Counsel in the performance of day-to-day duties of that office.Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities : Analyze legal issues for the office; represent the department at administrative hearings and in other matters; communicate positions to various entities, such as other environmental agencies, environmental organizations, the business community, federal and local agencies, other departments of the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the Office of the Attorney General.Research and advise internal staff on a range of legal matters; draft, review, or analyze legislation and regulations; assist in the review and development of policies; represent the General Counsel at meetings; respond to inquiries and correspondence.Draft, review, and analyze regulations; support regulatory promulgation process for department.Make recommendations based on a risk management analysis that minimizes liability against the department; review or analyze proposed bills, legislation, and regulations, including working closely with agency legislative staff concerning proposed bills and budget issues.Provide technical legal expertise to process and expedite land acquisitions and authorized land dispositions and ensure compliance with related environmental, land use, and contractual statutes, regulations and guidelines, license third-party use of (and enforcement of encroachment on) DCR property holdings.Draft legal conveyance documents, including, but not limited to, orders of taking, property descriptions, deeds, leases, care and control agreements, purchase and sale agreements, sale agreements, and all forms related to state acquisition and disposition processes.Provide guidance to permitting authorities within the Department, including review of legal components of permits, licenses and easement agreements.Liaise with Office of the Attorney General regarding litigation matters.Preferred Qualifications : Familiarity with typical real estate transaction documents (e.g., deeds, surveys, easement, purchase agreements, conservation restrictions, title reports, environmental site assessments).Familiarity with state procurement laws related to contract solicitation, bid review / award, and bid protests (e.g., M.G.L. c. 30, s. 39M; M.G.L. c. 149, s, 44A).Familiarity with the Massachusetts Tort Claims Act (M.G.L., c. 258).Ability to work independently and to manage multiple projects and project teams.Knowledge of the theory, principles, and practice of law, including constitutional, real property, and administrative law.Knowledge of the procedures followed in courtroom proceedings.Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment, including in the context of handling confidential information.Ability to understand and apply the laws, rules and regulations governing agency operations and assigned unit activities.MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS : Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law.Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.#J-18808-Ljbffr
