SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR, OPT 8L (CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL)

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

9d•$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. The benefits of working at the IEPA include a 37 ½ hour work week, a generous salary and benefits package (paid time off for vacation, sick or personal leave, holidays), pension and other retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement, and insurance eligibility on day one (medical, dental, vision, and life).

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
Assigns and reviews work
Provides guidance and training to assigned staff
Counsels staff regarding work performance
Reassigns staff to meet day-to-day operating needs
Establishes annual goals and objectives
Approves time off
Adjusts first level grievances
Effectively recommends and imposes discipline up to and including discharge
Prepares and signs performance evaluations
Determines and recommends staffing needs
Participates in the formulation and implementation of Agency policy
Confers with legislative and policy staff regarding interpretation of state environmental laws, Agency rules, and regulations
Develops, plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the organization and administration of new and existing programs, operations, and functions concerned with state-wide and out-of-state services rendered and performed by the Division of Legal Counsel
Convenes meetings and/or confers with the Governor’s Office, Agency officials, Bureau managers, and staff on matters related to program development, policy, and procedural changes
Consults with and advises subordinate managers in the proper interpretation and application of environmental statutes and Illinois environmental rules and regulations
Clarifies and defines legal decisions, interpretation, and opinions.
Provides analysis, formation, and development or modification of existing legislation to achieve more effective environmental law administration and environmental enforcement.
Provides legal advice and consultation to the Director, Deputy Director, Chief of Staff, and other Agency management staff in areas affecting legislation, and criminal and civil action.
Appears before legislative and administrative committees to provide testimony pertaining to proposed amendments to, or new, legislation and regulations.
Oversees legal response to high-priority media or legislative requests.
Acts in an advisory capacity to the Attorney General’s Office on matters concerning criminal and civil environmental enforcement
Gathers information to substantiate EPA’s standpoint in such cases.
Monitors cases to ensure the pursuit, prosecution, and expedient conclusion of cases involving litigation proceedings against environmental law violators.
Serves as Illinois EPA liaison with the Illinois State Police regarding investigations into potential criminal activity.
Travels statewide with overnight stays.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.