Assistant Attorney General - Environmental Regulatory and Litigation
About The Position
The Environment Section of the Environment, Health, and Human Services Division of the Utah Attorney General’s Office is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as regulatory counsel for the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The primary responsibilities include regulatory support for permitting, enforcement, and rulemaking matters. Enforcement and permitting matters include administrative and civil litigation work, including appellate support. The attorney will collaborate with scientists, engineers, enforcement specialists, and other professionals on interdisciplinary teams. DEQ administers programs under Utah Code Title 19, including EPA primacy and state-based environmental programs such as Water Quality, Air Quality, Solid and Hazardous Waste, Drinking Water, Petroleum Storage Tanks, Site Investigation and Remediation, as well as Agreement State Programs (Uranium Recovery, Radioactive Waste/Materials) with the NRC. The Environment Section is responsible for all DEQ litigation and regulatory support, and offers a collegial, collaborative atmosphere with flexible, hybrid work options at its Salt Lake City location.
Requirements
- At least three years of full-time law practice experience.
- Members or eligible for membership in the Utah State Bar, with admission or eligibility for admission to practice in Utah state and federal courts.
- A Juris Doctorate degree is required.
- Active membership in the Utah State Bar, where mandated by statute.
- Ability to travel as needed for the position.
- Must successfully complete a background investigation prior to final employment offer.
- Comfortable working in a typical office environment, including safe use of office equipment and adherence to fire regulations.
- Capable of sitting for extended periods, with occasional walking, standing, bending, carrying light items, or driving; no special physical demands are required.
- Must be able to travel as required.
- Active membership in the Utah State Bar required by the end of the probationary period.
Nice To Haves
- Civil litigation experience preferred but not required.
- A strong background in administrative and appellate litigation, regulatory experience—particularly in environmental law—and technical or scientific expertise are preferred.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, legal research abilities, and a demonstrated interest or prior experience in environmental, energy, and natural resources law are highly valued.
Responsibilities
- Conduct legal research and analysis, evaluate evidence, interview witnesses, and draft legal documents for DEQ civil enforcement.
- Assist in assessment and recovery of civil penalties through litigation or settlement.
- File civil actions to enforce administrative orders; represent DEQ in district court reviews.
- Collaborate on joint enforcement activities with EPA where jurisdiction overlaps.
- Represent DEQ in contested permitting matters and administrative appeals.
- Support DEQ in federal court cases, including circuit court litigation and amicus briefs related to Clean Air Act and Radiation Control Act.
- Respond to hazardous materials releases, support DEQ in emergency situations, investigations, Superfund, voluntary cleanup, petroleum storage tanks, and cost recovery.
- Assist with administrative rulemaking and preparing for appeals under Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.
- Work with EPA and NRC to ensure federal program compliance, including issuing opinion letters.
- Support DEQ in nationwide EPA enforcement litigation matters.
Benefits
- Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
- Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
- Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
- Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
