Closing Date: 23rd May, 2024

Description:

The Ecology Division (https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/labor-relations/collective-bargaining-agreements/washington-federation-state-employees-association-washington-assistant-attorneys-general-wfse-awaag-2023-25) 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.

Duties:
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 (https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Water-quality)
Shorelands Program: Shoreline & coastal management - Washington State Department of Ecology (https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Water-quality)
Spills Program: Spills - Washington State Department of Ecology (https://ecology.wa.gov/Spills-Cleanup/Spills)

Qualifications:
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.

Applicants must have graduated from a law school accredited by the ABA or completed the WSBA's Rule 6 Law Clerk Program and; be licensed to practice law in Washington State. (Applicants who meet the other stated qualifications and are actively pursuing admission will also be considered.) The AGO seeks applicants who are committed to public service as demonstrated by an applicant's background, talents, attitude, and enthusiasm for public law practice. The AGO greatly encourages, celebrates and values diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfill its mission of providing excellent, independent and ethical legal services to the State of Washington and protecting the rights of its people.