STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Staff Attorney 2

Recruitment #210512-0088AR-001

Introduction


Are you an Attorney dedicated to environmental issues and concerns? Do you want to make a difference in your community? If so, read below & apply today!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation (DOT), is now accepting applications for an exciting Staff Attorney 2 role in Newington, CT. Join us in our mission to provide a safe and efficient intermodal transportation network that improves the quality of life and promotes economic vitality for the State and the region.

The Role: As a Staff Attorney 2 you will report directly to the Bureau Chief of Policy & Planning and will collaborate with the Department's Office of Legal Services. You will focus on providing advice and support to the Department in its efforts to implement and carry out environmental initiatives, programs, projects, plans, and objectives. You will be expected to provide advice and support to the Department on environmental topics including but not limited to maintenance activities, compliance with the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). You will be involved with the daily activities of the Bureau and Department and provide timely advice/support on issues that arise, policy questions, procedural matters, processes, and improvements. You will be responsible for developing effective and efficient communication strategies. A key part of this role is to develop working relationships internally, with other state/federal agencies, and external stakeholders. You should be able to work independently and collaboratively and develop trusting, productive working relationships. You will also be expected to provide support and training to others within the Office of Legal Services and the Department. 

Discover the Opportunity to: Perform complex legal analysis, legal research and interpret policies, contracts, statutes, and regulations. Apply conflicting laws and review court decisions/case law. Aid in review of proposed legislation and permits on state and federal levels. Assist in the preparation of draft legislative proposals and provide review of new or revised Department policies. Provide representation/advice at hearings, and support to the Department as needed. Support the Office of Environmental Compliance in relation to the CT Transfer Act. Review remediation agreements with potential site transfers and use of Environmental Use Restrictions (EUR). Support environmental issues associated with resiliency and sustainability initiatives and support in drafting Memorandum of Agreement (MOAs). Provide guidance regarding compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, as well as other assignments or duties as deemed appropriate. 

Work/Life Balance & Employee Value Proposition (EVP): Full-time, Monday-Friday in Newington, CT. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, retirement savings options, paid time off, work-life balance, and more. 

Watch the video below to see what it's like to be a State of CT employee! 
           

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified. 

Applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application. Ensure that your application is complete before submitting it. Ensure that your application is complete before submitting it. Applicants will be unable to make revisions once their application is submitted into the JobAps System.

NOTE: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to answer additional questions and/or submit additional documentation that supports their qualifications for this position.  These documents may include; cover letters, college transcripts, verification of degree completion, proof of licensure, performance appraisals, employment/supervisor references, etc.    
                         
This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (finish) your responses.  Please regularly check your email for notifications.  Please check you SPAM and/or Junk folders., as emails could end up there in error.

Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position. 

The immediate vacancy is listed above, however applications to this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in this job classification.

Due to the large volume of applications received, the DOT is unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account.  

If you have any questions please contact faith.macdonald@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in the legal work of the agency.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Performs advanced and complex legal work of an agency; researches, interprets, analyzes and applies complex and conflicting laws and regulations, case law and legal principles; represents agency in formal administrative and public proceedings on a full range of cases involving complex legal and technical issues; negotiates and drafts settlement agreements; drafts advisory opinions, rulings, decisions, recommendations, findings, legislation, statutes, regulations, publications and other related legal documents; assists in the preparation and presentation for hearings, trials and appeals; consults with the Office of the Attorney General on legal issues as needed, obtains OAG approvals, as required; conducts investigations and enforcement proceedings; prepares comprehensive reports for use in administrative and court proceedings; prepares pleadings and other court papers; participates in the conduct of various educational activities; provides legal guidance; provides input into policy formation; reviews court decisions, new and proposed laws and regulations to determine impact on agency operations; reviews legal and other related documents for legal sufficiency; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of legal principles, practices and procedures in Connecticut; considerable knowledge of legal research techniques; considerable knowledge of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act; considerable knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations and legislation; considerable knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures; knowledge of the rules of evidence; knowledge of criminal and constitutional law and legislative process; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to apply judicial decisions to the interpretation of statutes; considerable ability to comprehend, analyze and organize technical data and coordinate elements of legal cases.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

STAFF ATTORNEY 2: Two (2) years of experience in the practice of law.
STAFF ATTORNEY 3: Three (3) years of experience in the practice of law at the level of Staff Attorney 2 in the same state agency.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience analyzing proposed federal and state transportation policies, legislation, and regulations as they relate to transportation projects and programs.
  • Experience providing legal advice and support regarding environmental law.
  • Experience with energy and environmental protection adjudicated hearing preparation, representation, and process. 
  • Experience with contemporary transportation issues, policies, and practices. 
  • Experience with Transfer Acts, and Environmental Use Restrictions (EURs).
  • Experience with release-based clean-up program regulation development. 
  • Experience working collaboratively with various state agencies, outside stakeholders, and the public.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Must be admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut.
2. May be required to travel.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.