ASST DIR & CHF LEG COUN (DEM)

State of careers Rhode Island•Providence, RI

18d•$115,008 - $133,541

About The Position

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To assist the Director of Environmental Management in the overall planning and administration of all departmental activities particularly in regard to the application and implementation of all legal aspects; and to do related work as required. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the administrative direction of the Director with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative; work is reviewed through conferences and submitted reports for conformance with policy, provisions of law, rules and regulations. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: To plan, organize, and direct the work of a staff of legal, technical, and clerical personnel. ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED: To perform responsible administrative and supervisory work assisting the Director in planning, coordinating, implementing and controlling the functions of the various divisions of the Department of Environmental Management. To assist the Director in the examination of plans, programs and services that will identify needs and resources and reduce duplication, in effectiveness. To perform required liaison work with advocacy groups, state departments, federal agencies, local governments and private citizens to coordinate various services and maximize resources in developing programs. To review existing laws, proposed legislation, rules and regulations and to report thereon to the Director. To attend meetings and conferences involving federal, state and local officials, professionals and the public; as required to represent the Director at such meetings or conferences. To provide legal assistance to the Director as required in the carrying out of their responsibilities. To supervise and conduct administrative adjudication, together with subsequent judicial enforcement appeals, if any regarding applications for permits and licenses the Department is authorized to lease. To serve as a Chief Legal Officer for the Department of Environmental Management with responsibility for directing the work of a staff engaged in providing legal advice and services for the Department. To be responsible for the work of the staff of the Office of Legal Services engaged in: providing legal opinions to the Director and staff of the Department; preparing for the director draft material for proposed amendments to the Acts administered y the Department; and drafting rules and regulations concerning the provisions of such Acts; development of manuals of precedents based upon policy statements of the Director for the guidance of all individuals making decisions under such Acts; preparing legal guides on specific matters for the personnel of the Department; and developing and planning a legislative program. To prosecute cases before and state courts. To participate in the formulation and effectuation of overall legal policy; to be responsible for the planning and programming of divisional activities; and to coordinate such activities with overall departmental activities. To supervise and conduct administrative adjudication, together with subsequent judicial enforcement actions, regarding persons who violate any of the laws or rules or regulations administered by the Department. To do related work as required.

Requirements

A thorough knowledge of the provisions of the Rhode Island General Laws administered by the Department
The ability to interpret the provisions of such Acts and to prepare opinions relating thereto for use in the administration of the functions of the Department
The ability to prepare, or direct the preparation of, briefs, and rulings and miscellaneous legal documents
The ability to draft rules and regulations having the force and effect of laws, consistent with the purpose and provisions of these Acts
The ability to exercise independent judgement in making decisions in unusual cases involving legal matters
The ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and direct the work of a staff of workers including attorneys engaged in handling departmental matters of a legal nature
Graduation from an accredited law school
Considerable employment in a responsible administrative and supervisory capacity within a legal services program involving the interpretation of law and the application of pertinent laws, rules and regulations decisions, or policies
Applicant must be a member of the Rhode Island Bar and must maintain such membership as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Assist the Director of Environmental Management in planning and administration.
Assist in examination of plans, programs, and services.
Perform liaison work with various groups and agencies.
Review existing laws and proposed legislation.
Attend meetings and conferences.
Provide legal assistance to the Director.
Supervise and conduct administrative adjudication.
Serve as Chief Legal Officer for the Department of Environmental Management.
Oversee the work of the Office of Legal Services.
Prosecute cases before state courts.
Participate in the formulation of legal policy.
Supervise administrative adjudication regarding violations of laws and regulations.