Senior Attorney / Assistant Attorney 1 / 2 / 3 - NY HELPS

Duties

Come practice environmental law in the Adirondacks! Ski or bike to work on the Adirondack Rail Trail, explore the High Peaks on the weekend, and fish the Park’s stellar lakes, rivers, and streams in your time off. You’ll work in DEC’s Ray Brook office, 10 minutes from Lake Placid and 25 minutes from Whiteface. The East Coast’s premier backcountry skiing and ice climbing is in the Lake Placid area, as are many of the state’s best mountain biking trails and rock climbs.

This is a rewarding job in a one-of-a-kind location, suitable for both new attorneys eager to learn environmental law and experienced lawyers looking for a change of pace. You’ll work in a close-knit office with engineers, biologists, foresters, Environmental Conservation Officers, Forest Rangers, surveyors, campground managers, and environmental specialists who are all passionate about conservation. The work is varied and unique: you’ll enforce violations of environmental laws and permits; advise on state land management decisions; interpret deeds and easements; and draft agreements with other agencies and partners.

DEC attorneys are some of the happiest in State service because their work is interesting and fulfilling, their colleagues are friendly and supportive, and because the agency values life-work balance. Apply for this job if you love the outdoors and the Adirondacks and you want a role in protecting them.

Salary

• $66,951 - $121,413/year

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.

Position may be filled at the Senior Attorney level or one within the Legal Traineeship appointment levels. Appointment title will be dependent upon qualifications of candidate selected.

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 16 or higher and either:

Eligible for transfer under Section 70.4: Must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications below;

Or

Eligible for transfer under Section 52.6: Must have current or prior service in a title designated as 52.6 within two salary grades/one M grade of this position. In addition, you must be a graduate of an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree and/or be eligible to take the New York State Bar examination. If you are not admitted to the NYS Bar within two years of appointment, your appointment will be terminated.

OR

Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: Permanent competitive service as a Senior Attorney or Senior Attorney Realty.

55b/c candidates must meet the open-competitive minimum qualifications below and include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55b/c program.

Open competitive minimum qualifications (provided for 55b/c candidates, 70.4 transfer eligibles, and NYHELPS candidates): graduate of an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree and/or be eligible to take the NYS Bar examination. If you are not admitted to the NYS Bar within two years of appointment, your appointment will be terminated.

In addition, open competitive candidates are required to have the selective criteria that is listed within the duties description.

If you are on an examination eligible list for the position title, you do not need to respond to this posting unless you are also eligible for appointment by transfer, reinstatement, or reassignment as defined above. The eligible list will be canvassed as appropriate. Always respond to an eligible list canvass.

Other Information

Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Weekends and holidays 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.

How to Apply

Please email/mail your resume to the above. Be sure to include Vacancy #25-191658 (Repost of 25-179775) when applying to this position or your application may not be accepted. Please include a copy of your transcript. Unofficial copy is acceptable.