Assistant Attorney General - Ecology Division, Environmental Quality Section, Olympia

The Office appreciates the benefits of a healthy life-work balance as well as a respectful, inclusive and diverse workplace. Successful candidates will join an Office in which every person is committed to providing exceptional legal services and where individual professional development is encouraged and supported. The exceptional benefits of joining the AGO include: 

• A competitive benefit package that includes affordable medical plan options, dental benefits and retirement plans
• Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, Military and Civil Leave and Paid Holidays
• Transparent salary schedule - AAG salaries are set between $74,520 and $139,572.  The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA

• The AGO will pay the general bar dues of someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31st per Article 10.8 of the AWAAG CBA 

• Flex schedules and telecommuting options
• A formal AAG mentoring program that complements the AGO's inherently collegial and supportive environment
• Health and wellness program
• Training and career development program that is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide 

The Ecology Division seeks an attorney with a passion for public service and a strong interest in environmental law to serve as an Assistant Attorney General in our Environmental Quality Section. Our Division is located in Olympia and consists of 30 attorneys and 13 professional staff. We value collaboration and teamwork, diversity, flexibility, transparency, and collegiality. This position primarily provides legal support to the Department of Ecology (Ecology).

The position is located in Olympia, Washington. Olympia is a diverse, affordable and safe community. Living and working in Olympia offers unparalleled opportunities to pursue a rewarding career while living in a vibrant area. Olympia is ideally situated between the Northwest’s two largest cities (Seattle and Portland) and exploring either city is just a short drive away. Hiking, skiing, and sailing opportunities are easily accessible. Olympia also offers lush parks and trails, walkable neighborhoods, and exceptional dining, shopping, and cultural experiences. Families and individuals will benefit from Olympia’s excellent schools, from elementary through college.

The successful candidate will become part of a seven-member attorney team within the Environmental Quality Section. This Section represents the Water Quality, Shorelands, and Spills Programs at Ecology and advises Ecology on issues related to water quality regulation and enforcement, Shoreline Management Act implementation, other land use issues, and spills response and preparedness. The primary areas of practice involve state and federal water quality laws, the state Shoreline Management Act, and state laws establishing spills response and preparedness obligations. The Section’s typical work includes:

•   Representing Ecology in hearings before the Pollution Control Hearings Board and Shorelines Hearings Board related to Ecology’s implementation of state and federal clean water laws, shoreline management, and spills response and preparedness laws, and handling any related appeals.

•   Representing Ecology in state and federal court on a variety of issues, including multi-state lawsuits involving water quality regulation.

     •   Advising Ecology on implementation issues arising under state and federal clean water, shoreline management, and spills response and preparedness statutes and regulations, including rulemaking issues.

     •   Providing advice to Ecology’s property acquisition workgroup (real property law issues).

     •   Providing advice to Ecology on Public Records Act implementation and compliance.

     •   Providing advice and representation to Ecology on a variety of other environmental and land use matters, such as proposed legislation, grants and acquisitions, compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act, and compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

To be successful in this practice, the attorney must be able to work in a team setting and communicate effectively with a wide variety of individuals (opposing counsel, engineers, biologists, businesses, local governments, federal government agencies, community organizations, and Tribes).

For examples of some of the work done by attorneys in the Environmental Quality Section, please visit the Department of Ecology’s website:

• Water Quality Program: Water quality - Washington State Department of Ecology
• Shorelands Program: Shoreline & coastal management - Washington State Department of Ecology
• Spills Program: Spills - Washington State Department of Ecology

In addition to meeting the requirement to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, we seek an attorney with established civil litigation experience (including discovery, motions practice, and trial practice) and expertise in water quality regulation. Although a background in science or engineering is not necessary, the successful candidate will have a willingness to learn about technical subject matter and interact with clients who come from a broad range of science and engineering backgrounds. The successful candidate must also have excellent writing, interpersonal, and communication skills and have an interest in supporting the professional growth of colleagues.
 

This Assistant Attorney General position is represented by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General (AWAAG) / Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO. AAG salaries are set between $76,752 and $149,508. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA.  A competitive state benefits package is also offered which includes a choice of medical/dental insurance plans, retirement, life and basic long-term disability insurance.  In addition, there are non-financial benefits that include working in a collaborative and supportive work environment where professional development and work-life balance are highly valued.  The health, safety and professional satisfaction of all AGO staff and volunteers is critical to fulfilling the mission of the AGO to provide exceptional legal services. Complementing and fostering this goal is a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, as evidenced in the AGO's environmental policies. 

Interested applicants must apply by hitting the "apply" button above.  In addition to the on-line application, one must upload, via the system and preferably as PDFs:

• A letter of interest;
• Resume;
• Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable); and
• Writing sample.

If you have questions about this position and/or wish to learn more about it before applying, we encourage and welcome you to contact Carol Carney at Carol.Carney@atg.wa.gov or (360) 586-4612.

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Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO. 

The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.