Job Description
Working Title: Associate General Counsel Job Class: Staff Attorney 2 Agency: Pollution Control Agency - Job ID : 86080
- Location : St. Paul
- Telework Eligible : Yes
- Full/Part Time : Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
- Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted : 05/12/2025
- Closing Date : 06/10/2025
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
- Division/Unit : Operations Division / Legal Services Unit
- Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
- Days of Work : Monday - Friday
- Travel Required : No
- Salary Range: $37.98 - $56.50 / hourly; $79,302 - $117,972 / annually
- Classified Status : Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
- FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job. At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Job Summary This p ostin g will be used to fill three Associate General Counsel positions that provide legal advice to MPCA's environmental programs. These positions will each focus on an area of expertise (Data Practices, Legislation or Litigation).
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ("Agency") regulates environmental pollution through the authority of state and federal statutes, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA, CERCLA/MERLA, MEPA, and other state and federal laws and rules. The agency's Legal Services Unit (LSU) provides legal support to state environmental programs that issue permits, conduct compliance and enforcement, and oversee investigation and remediation of contaminated sites. As an Associate General Counsel at the agency, the position will advise leadership and staff and ensure that environmental programs and policies are administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations; research and interpret federal and state laws, regulations, and court cases; analyze laws, regulations, literature and reports in order to develop and provide guidance for programs and procedures of the agency; develop and conduct technical training on legal matters and policies as needed; and assist with agency rulemaking. In this position, the incumbent will also provide legal support on Data Practices, Legislation or Litigation across environmental programs and divisions and will perform other duties as assigned by the General Counsel.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Candidates must clearly demonstrate the following qualifications:
Juris Doctor Degree with two years of experience in the practice of law with working knowledge of administrative or regulatory law.
Current license and in good standing to practice law in the State of Minnesota prior to appointment OR the active pursuit of licensure with the requirement that licensure be obtained within six (6) months from start date to achieve permanent employee status.
General knowledge of environmental laws and statutes, governmental organization, and legislative process.
General knowledge of Minnesota Data Practices Act, Federal Freedom of Information Act, or other state law equivalents.
General knowledge of records or document management and of Minnesota official records laws or other state law equivalents.
Experience with or ability to develop, review, and analyze proposed legislation.
Communication skills to work effectively with a wide range of people, including technical and scientific staff, and the ability to understand scientific and technical information and data.
Analytical, research and writing skills, and experience drafting legal memoranda and other legal documents.
Self-motivated with ability to work collaboratively with other lawyers and program staff and to independently research and resolve legal and policy issues as they arise.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Preferred Qualifications Experience in the application of federal and state environmental laws and regulations applicable to the work of the Agency.
Experience with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Federal Freedom of Information Act, or other state law equivalents.
Experience or knowledge of the legislative process as well as developing, reviewing, and analyzing proposed legislation and legislative policy.
Experience with management of large volumes of documents and records.
Experience with development of or participating in training programs.
Experience with state and/or federal court litigation.
Experience with the Administrative Procedure Act and administrative process as it pertains to public participation, public hearing requirements and all other legal requirements.
Additional Requirements Individuals who are selected for interview may be requested to submit a writing sample.
Application Details How to Apply Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to .
Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Patty Atchison at patty.atchison@state.mn.us
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Patty Atchison at patty.atchison@state.mn.us .
About Pollution Control Agency Our mission is to protect and improve the environment and human health. We work with many partners (citizens, communities, and businesses, all levels of government, environmental groups and educators) to prevent pollution, conserve resources, and to help ensure polluting does not have disproportionate impact on any groups of people. We emphasize work-life balance with flex schedules, compressed schedules, and options to telework for some positions .
Working together to improve the state we love. What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include: - Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals: - Training, classes, and professional development
- Tuition reimbursement
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support: - A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Local area, Remote job, Work visa, Flexible hours, Shift work, Day shift, Monday to Friday,