Assistant Attorney General – Air Quality Unit

Find a rewarding career making a difference: Join the Office of the Attorney General!

The Natural Resources and Environment Section, Air Quality Unit is seeking an experienced attorney with a passion for protecting Colorado’s air quality.  This attorney will represent one or more of several client agencies within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Our team works side-by-side with the client agencies on some of the most complex and critical environmental issues, with special attention to disproportionately impacted communities and environmental justice. Colorado is a national leader on critical air quality issues such as climate change and ozone control.  Few law practices offer a comparable opportunity to work on cutting edge issues affecting the state, the country, and the world – all while accommodating work-life balance.

This position is part of the Natural Resources and Environment Section’s Air Quality Unit.  This Unit is responsible for providing all legal services to the Department of Public Health & Environment’s Air Pollution Control Division, Air Quality Control Commission, Clean Fleet Enterprise, the Air Quality Enterprise, the Environmental Justice Ombudsperson, the Environmental Justice Program, the Environmental Justice Advisory Board, the Colorado Energy Office, the Community Access Enterprise, the Building Performance Standards ask Force, the Low Income Energy Assistance Commission, and the Model Energy Code Board. The Air Quality Unit is currently made up of 17 people, which includes lawyers, paralegals, and administrative staff. It is a diverse team of individuals who work collaboratively to support one another in the work we do.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

As the newest member of the Air Quality team, you will provide counsel to our clients on a broad range of complex issues related to the administration of air quality programs.  You will advise and represent the Division in rulemakings before the Air Quality Control Commission. You will manage complex settlement negotiations and represent client agencies in administrative and civil litigation. You will have the opportunity to work with experienced litigators, and lead litigation. You will also advise our clients on a broad array of matters including, but not limited to enabling legislation, program development, administrative procedure, open meetings and open records issues, and enterprise governance.  You will support the agencies as they tackle issues such as climate change and environmental justice. You will support the DOL’s legislative and rule review process.

Salary Note: The Department of Law uses a wage progression compensation model. Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Applicants must:

• Be admitted to the Colorado bar or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar and be in good standing at the time of application. Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application and application for Practice Pending Admission before the first day of employment. For more information about admission to the Colorado bar please review information on the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel.
• Be passionate and enthusiastic about having a career in environmental law and air quality regulation.
• Understand or be interested in learning the unique impacts of climate change and air pollution on historically underserved communities.
• Be willing to periodically travel within the State.

Our ideal candidate will:

• Have experience in environmental regulatory enforcement, rulemakings, or Federal Clean Air Act compliance.
• Have a demonstrable commitment to public service and/or environmental justice.
• Have litigation experience, both trial and appellate.
• Be a multi-dimensional thinker and creative problem solver who enjoys coming up with practical and imaginative solutions.
• Be a self-starter and goal-oriented person who is comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.
• Be resourceful and take the initiative to learn the subject matter and to grow professionally.
• Be a strong writer and have keen attention to detail.
• Have excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Utilize good judgment in working with clients and colleagues.
• Be capable of independently managing a full workload and working well with technically- and legally sophisticated clients.
• Be able to work collaboratively with other attorneys and support staff towards the Unit’s common goals.

The Office of the Attorney General offers challenging, interesting, and meaningful work. We are an equal opportunity employer and believe that a diverse work force adds quality and perspective to the services we provide to the public. Candidates with diverse qualities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
• Requires in-state travel by state vehicle as needed.
• Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application and application for Practice Pending Admission before the first day of employment. For more information about admission to the Colorado bar please review information on the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel website.