Job Description

WE ARE TCEQ

Are you ready to make a positive impact in Texas? At TCEQ, protecting the environment is at the heart of everything we do. Choose a career where your perspective, passion, and skills are valued.

We strive to protect our state's public health and natural resources consistent with sustainable economic development. Our goal is clean air, clean water, and the safe management of waste.

TCEQ employees get some great perks, including a hybrid work schedule, paid leave, health insurance, and state and federal holidays. See Benefits and Perks at TCEQ.

YOUR FUTURE TEAM

TCEQ's Office of Legal Services manages legal services for the agency in environmental law, enforcement litigation, bankruptcy, and general agency operations. The office gives legal counsel and support to the executive director, the agency programs, and - along with the general counsel and the public interest counsel - the commissioners.

TELEWORK

This position offers an opportunity for a hybrid work schedule with a minimum 2-day work in office.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Attorneys in the Environmental Law Division, which is organized in sections by media, represent the media offices of Air, Water, and Waste. As an Attorney I, you will use your skills and experience to:

• Represent the Executive Director during the contested case hearing process and at agency agenda meetings, alternative dispute resolution proceedings, and/or other agency proceedings.
• Advise and assist program staff in responding to public comment and developing the Executive Director's position in administrative litigation for permitting or other authorization matters, state plans, or other projects.
• Assist the Office of the Attorney General in matters referred, such as administrative appeals, litigation involving federal agency rules, or other challenges.
• Respond to written, personal contact, or telephone inquiries from agency staff, citizen groups, public officials, and the general public.
• Advise agency staff and management on legal matters, which includes conducting legal research and preparing legal opinions and briefs. Assist the public with the application of state laws and agency rules. Attend public meetings on permitting, rulemaking, or other matters.
• Participate in the drafting of, or related work on, agency rules, state plans, or other projects.
• Participate in various special projects for the Environmental Law Division.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Admission to the State Bar of Texas.

NOTE: While awaiting admission to the Texas bar pending July 2023 Texas Bar Exam results applicants may still be considered for employment in a non-Attorney position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience and/or course work in environmental law.

• Experience arguing cases before trial courts or in administrative hearings, and/or arguments of cases before appellate courts

• Experience preparing legal documents, such as drafting pleadings, law reviews, and/or other published articles.

TRANSCRIPTS / COLLEGE HOURS OR COURSE WORK

See instructions on how to attach documents to your CAPPS Recruit account. A copy of your official college transcript or evaluation of foreign credentials is required if needed to meet the minimum qualification requirements outlined above.

CURRENT TCEQ EMPLOYEES

This position is also available as a lateral transfer opportunity (LTO) to TCEQ employees within the Attorney I state classification. The selected candidate must meet the minimum qualifications of the corresponding job in the Attorney I series.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

TCEQ conducts a criminal history records search and a driving history search (if required for the job) on candidates offered employment.

In compliance with ADA, if you need any special accommodations during the employment process, please contact HRSS for assistance at (512) 239-0102.

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY (MOS) CODES

Veterans, Reservists or Guardsmen with experience in the Military Occupational Specialty found here, along with the minimum qualifications listed above are highly encouraged to apply.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is an Equal Opportunity Employer.