Assistant counsel

Duties Description The Assistant Counsel will provide legal advice to the NYS Thruway Authority (NYSTA) on various subject matters and will be primarily assigned to environmental and energy matters. The incumbent will be expected to work closely with NYSTA employees, New York State entities such as the Office of the Attorney General, Office of the Comptroller, Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), and Department of Public Service (NYSDPS), along with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and the general public. Duties will include but not be limited to the following:

Coordinate with other NYSTA departments, division offices, and other involved State, federal, local, private, and not-for-profit entities.

Conduct legal research, draft memoranda, and provide legal advice regarding compliance with State and federal environmental and energy laws and regulations.

Represent NYSTA in NYSDEC and NYSDPS negotiations, approvals, and proceedings.

Negotiate, draft, and review legal documents including, but not limited to, permits, approvals, and agreements between NYSTA and other State entities.

Analyze legislative proposals related to environment and energy.

Provide counsel to NYSTA Departments on NYSTA operations and projects, including but not limited to, compliance with State and federal statutes and regulations, bridges, Service Areas, cell towers, all-electronic tolling, electric and alternate-fuel vehicles, utilities, and energy transmission.

Assist with review and preparation of testimony for disputes, hearings, and submittals relating to environmental and energy issues.

Review environmental compliance relating to hazardous substance and waste contamination, analyze hazardous material management and removal issues regarding contract and lease requirements, change directives, change orders, relief requests and schedule claims.

Provide counsel on State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) matters, NYSDPS notices, applications and proceedings, and NYSTA’s Individual MS4 Transportation Permit.

Respond to NYSTA related emergencies.

Additional duties assigned by the General Counsel, First Deputy General Counsel, and/or Executive Staff.

Minimum Qualifications Candidates must be admitted to the New York State Bar and have a current Attorney Registration in addition to having five years of experience in the practice of law.

In addition to having five years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law subsequent to the admission to the Bar, the candidate must demonstrate exceptional writing skills, the ability to perform complex research and analysis, and summarize and communicate highly complex and significant matters to various audiences.

The ideal candidate will have experience in one or more of the following areas:

Environmental law and real property law, particularly in matters involving public infrastructure or government property.

Energy law, both renewable and non-renewable.

Familiarity with New York State laws and regulations, especially those relevant to public authorities, transportation and highway industries.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will possess the following:

Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.

Excellent judgment and ability to assess legal risk.

High level of integrity and professional ethics.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with stakeholders, including State agencies and external counsel.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Proficiency with legal research tools and contract management systems.

Additional Comments This is a Phi-Tagged, Management Confidential, position that does not gain tenure. The incumbent of this role will serve at will to the appointing authority.

The NYS Thruway Authority offers an extensive benefits package, including but not limited to paid time off, sick leave incentive, membership to the NYS Retirement System, and 90% tuition assistance.

We offer FREE onsite employee parking.

Our telecommuting program offers up to 20% (two days per pay period) upon completion of at least three months of satisfactory performance. Additional policy guidelines and work hours may be discussed during the interview.

ADDITIONAL PAY INFORMATION:

The salary range for this position includes all applicable annual components of pay which are:

Base Pay Range from Hiring Rate $118,905 up to Job Rate $146,641.

Recruitment & Retention Pay: $7,000.

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT:

All potential candidates for this position must be legally eligible to work in the United States at the time of appointment and throughout your employment with the New York State Thruway Authority. If appointed, you will be required to produce documents that verify your identity and authorization to work in the United States, as required by the Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, and the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Please be advised, the New York State Thruway Authority does not use eVerify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).

The New York State Thruway Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All individuals including women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

New York State Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination based on age, race, creed, color,?national origin, sexual orientation, military status, familial status, citizen or immigration status, sex, disability, marital status, gender identity or expression, prior arrests, prior conviction records, predisposing genetic characteristics or domestic violence victim status. The Thruway Authority is committed to a workplace free from discrimination based on the referenced characteristics and other federal and state protected characteristics.

The New York State Thruway Authority provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Bureau of Accessibility, Equity, Diversity and Employee Engagement at [email protected] or call (518) 471-4321.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.