Water Policy Advisor

Details

Section:
Natural Resources
Position Number:
LAA-09222-07/24
Salary Range:
$99,318.00 - $146,455.00 Yearly
Apply By:
Monday, August 12, 2024, 11:59 pm
FLSA:
Exempt
Work Unit:
Natural Resources and Environment
Job Location:
1300 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Release Date:
Friday, July 26, 2024
Employment Type:
Full-Time
Position Type:
Non-Classified

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

The Natural Resources and Environment Section is seeking an experienced attorney with a passion for Colorado water law and a desire to develop and implement water policy goals of the Attorney General.  In addition to serving as a policy advisor, this position will identify and lead strategic opportunities related to water policy, including community engagement, public policy, and legal initiatives. This position offers an attorney with knowledge of Colorado law the opportunity to work with the executive leadership on policy development and implementation, while also engaging with the stakeholders across Colorado.

 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Water Policy Advisor will work closely with the Deputy Attorney General for the Natural Resources and Environment Section to develop and implement water policy goals of the Attorney General. The Water Policy Advisor will coordinate existing water policy priorities of the Attorney General and will consult, guide, and assist on developing strategies to implement those policies. They will help identify relevant stakeholders and evaluate possible remedies.  Central to this role is helping to identify, prioritize, and lead strategic opportunities related to water policy, including community engagement, public policy, and legal initiatives.

The Advisor will work to ensure that the Attorney General’s activities related to water policy are well coordinated with other state and federal policies. This includes assisting client agencies with their vision and strategy for securing federal and state funding for water infrastructure projects, assisting them with their plans to maximize the effectiveness of those efforts, amplifying existing efforts, and identifying areas of engagement and education for water users who will benefit from that funding. The Advisor will also engage with stakeholders to understand the impact of other water projects and policies on individuals and communities. The position will also have a central role in reviewing and issue-spotting water legislation.

In this role, the Advisor will work closely with various DOL sections, units, and offices, and with stakeholders across the state to execute the Attorney General’s strategies and goals related to water policy. Such opportunities include working closely with local water districts, nonprofit organizations, and other local government entities. It also will require effective coordination with other state agencies to maximize impact and coordinate efforts.

The responsibilities of this position include the following core initiatives:

  • Developing, implementing, and managing the DOL’s water policy strategies, including partnering with other DOL staff to engage water users, communities, local districts, and local governments across Colorado;
  • Understanding and navigating the Colorado systems and organizations that are concerned with water policy;
  • Developing strategies and partnerships to increase access to state and federal funding for water infrastructure projects;
  • Representing the Attorney General and the Attorney General’s office in a range of contexts, listening to community concerns, working creatively on public-private partnerships, and sharing details on key initiatives.
  • Engaging, communicating, interacting, and working effectively and cooperatively with people of different backgrounds, identities, and culturally diverse communities to create or advance comprehensive, equitable, and culturally appropriate solutions to water policy issues; and
  • Identifying, developing, and implementing ways to better support state and local agencies, water users, and other beneficiaries utilizing best practices and input from community stakeholders.

Strategic management functions:

  • Supporting the DOL’s public policy and legislative advocacy efforts related to water policy programs;
  • Advising the Attorney General on water policy matters and DOL outreach on water issues;
  • Analyzing and explaining issues related to water management for a range of audiences; and
  • Working with other state agencies to align the DOL’s vision, mission, and goals for water policy and water infrastructure funding and to ensure staff and resources are leveraged to maximize impact.

Legal and public policy functions: 

  • Conducting legal and policy research and analysis, and developing policy and strategic recommendations for Deputy Attorney General and the Attorney General pertaining to water issues;
  • Providing counsel to the Attorney General in a broad array of legal and policy areas where the DOL’s work intersects with water issues; and
  • Proposing, in coordination with departmental legislative leadership, recommended changes in policy or legislation related to water.

This recruitment may be used to fill more than one Assistant Attorney General position in the Natural Resources & Environment Section.

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.

Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney may be hired as an Assistant Attorney General II (AAG II). The AAG II salary range is $99,318-$132,901/annually.

Attorneys with 10 years of experience practicing in water law may be considered for Senior AAG I. The Senior AAG I salary range is $109,498-$146,455/annually.

Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis.

 

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.

In addition, the following are strongly preferred:

  • At least five years of experience practicing law;
  • Knowledge of Colorado water law;
  • Experience developing and implementing OR advising on policies, programs, and systems focused on water, natural resources, or environmental issues;
  • Experience working with local governments, State agencies, nonprofits, non-governmental organizations, or water providers on natural resources or environmental issues;
  • Experience interacting with members of the public and stakeholder organizations on water, natural resources, or environmental issues;
  • Management of public policy or legal programs requiring consultation and coordination of a range of stakeholders; and
  • Senior/high level strategic management experience.

Desired Leadership Competencies:

  • Leading People: A proven ability to motivate, develop, and direct people as they lead their teams, and create successful work environments to achieve the organization’s mission, vision, and goals;
  • Leading Change: Ability to bring about strategic change to meet organizational goals;
  • Driving Results: Ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Ability to work and perform while operating within strict time constraints and competing priorities; and
  • Organizational Development: Ability to establish organizational structure, develop strategic work plans, budgets and controls, set goals and objectives to achieve program results, and foster a team environment.

 Conditions of Employment:

  • Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
  • Applicants must be wiling to travel throughout the State of Colorado.
  • 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.

Please view the full job description for more information, including information about compensation and benefits, and to apply online.

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