Senior Public Service Administrator, Opt 8L (Chief Legal Counsel)

State of Illinois•Henderson, WA

8d•$13,333 - $14,333•Hybrid

About The Position

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) is seeking an experienced Illinois‑licensed attorney with strong knowledge of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and pollution‑control regulations to serve as Chief Legal Counsel. Reporting to the Director, this role provides legal advice on complex issues, ensures Agency compliance, and supports leadership decision‑making. The Chief Legal Counsel oversees approximately 40 attorneys and support staff in the Division of Legal Counsel, directing attorneys in the Regulatory and Enforcement Units and providing legal support across all Agency bureaus. Key responsibilities include leading rulemaking and enforcement actions, representing the Agency in administrative proceedings, and negotiating intergovernmental and pollution‑control‑related agreements.

Requirements

Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college
Requires prior experience equivalent to four years of progressively responsible administrative and managerial experience in a public or business organization and administrative manager experience.
Requires possession of an Illinois Law License.

Nice To Haves

At least (4) four years’ experience working with the provisions of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and Illinois Pollution Control Board’s (Illinois PCB) regulations pertaining to pollution control.
At least (4) four years’ experience working with the provisions of federal law and regulations related to pollution control.
At least (4) four years’ experience developing rules and representing parties at rulemaking proceedings related to pollution control.
At least (4) four years’ experience working with regulatory agencies and outside entities in negotiating administrative rules.
At least (4) four years’ experience representing parties in negotiating contracts, control documents, intergovernmental agreements, and memoranda of understanding.
At least (4) four years’ experience providing legal counsel on permit appeals.
At least (4) four years of supervisory experience with professional staff in an office setting.
At least (4) four years’ of experience practicing law in front of administrative bodies and Courts of Law.
At least (4) four years’ of experience reviewing and providing legal analyses of proposed legislation.
At least (4) four years’ of experience practicing in front of the Illinois Pollution Control Board.

Responsibilities

Serves as Chief Legal Counsel for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA);
Manages state-wide Legal Services for the Agency
Develops, plans, directs, and coordinates the operations and activities of the Deputy General Counsels
Develops and recommends policies and procedures covering Division of Legal Counsel activities
Provides legal advice and guidance in interpreting various environmental laws and regulations
Serves as a legal advisor to the Director, Deputy Director, and Bureau Chiefs concerning the interpretation and application of all state and federal environmental laws and regulations and court decisions
As the Director’s designee, serves as Chairman of the Environmental Protection Trust Commission
Serves as full-line supervisor to subordinate Managers;
Participates in the formulation and implementation of Agency policy;
Participates as member of Agency executive staff;
Acts in an advisory capacity to the Attorney General’s Office on matters concerning criminal and civil environmental enforcement;
Travels statewide with overnight stays.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.