Bureau of Water Resources (BWR) - Counsel II

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.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the state agency responsible for ensuring clean air, land, and water. Our work impacts every aspect of people's lives and is critical to the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors. MassDEP is the lead agency for safe management of toxics and hazardous materials, promotion of waste reduction and recycling, preservation of the state's wetlands and coastal resources, air quality monitoring and pollution reduction, and so much more.

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:

DEP is seeking an experienced attorney reporting to the Chief Bureau Counsel supporting the Bureau of Water Resources (BWR) in providing legal advice and services, with a focus on wetlands, drinking water, water pollution control and other water resource programs at MassDEP, as well as other duties as assigned.

Major duties of the positions include:

• Interpretation of legislation, rules, regulations, judicial decisions and opinions, including but not limited to state and federal wetlands, drinking water, water pollution control and other water resource program law, related to BWR programs, including drafting of legal analysis memoranda, education of staff on applicable laws, rules, and policies, providing legal advice to agency staff when resolving problems and determining appropriate actions.
• Drafting and analysis of legislation, regulations and policies to assist BWR staff in implementation or improvement of agency operations, based on legal research and agency needs, to streamline agency practices, support operational efficiencies and ensure agency compliance with laws.
• Providing legal advice to support BWR licensing and permitting decisions, consistent treatment of prospective licensees/permittees, correct public notice and comment procedures under state law and consistency with federal law, including but not limited to the federal Clean Water Act, state Clean Water Act and other state statutes governing BWR programs.
• Advocating at administrative hearings or in negotiations/dispute resolution on behalf of the clients and/or the agency to ensure the consistent application of laws and to represent the interests of the agency; develop legal strategy and effectively, efficiently manage the flow of cases and issue recommendations for final decision or resolution of cases, and for some cases, to issue or agree to final resolution without further review.
• Drafting and reviewing contracts to ensure compliance with public procurement and other applicable laws.
• When drafting legal documents (e.g. memos, decisions, contracts, deeds, pleadings, regulations, opinions, comments) ensure clear communication of information and ensuring that such documents are complete, accurate, available for future review and in compliance with law.
• Communicating with representatives of other agencies, including the Legislature, and collaborate with cross-functional or cross-agency teams and stakeholders to share information, resolve issues and develop or implement new programs.
• Providing information to the public by answering inquiries regarding agency functions, services, rules, and procedures to accurately represent the agency.
• Prioritize and manage personal assigned workloads and caseloads as well as the workloads and caseloads of direct reports, if applicable.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of theory, principles and practices of law.
• Knowledge of procedures followed in courtroom and administrative proceedings.
• Knowledge of the methods and ability to conduct legal research and technical report writing.
• Ability to read and interpret legal documents and apply the law, rules and regulations governing agency operations.
• Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to clearly and concisely express thoughts and develop ideas in a logical manner.
• Ability to lead or work with cross-functional project teams and to manage multiple projects and project teams.
• Ability to exercise discretion in safeguarding information through compliance with rules of disclosure.
• Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of subordinates, and available resources; controlling work through periodic reviews and/or evaluations; determining the need for and recommending disciplinary action.
• Ability to use a computer to conduct research, manage databases, and produce written documents.

In addition to the Minimum Entrance Requirements, an ideal candidate would have at least 5-7 years of environmental or administrative law practice experience, preferably in Massachusetts, and prior knowledge of federal or state environmental law, especially wetlands, drinking water, water pollution control and other water resource laws and regulations.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!