Assistant Deputy Attorney General - Natural Resources And Environment

Department Information
Applications for this position will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews may be conducted prior to the job closing. We encourage you submit your application early if possible.
Who We Are
The Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is the “People’s Lawyer.” The Attorney General, Phil Weiser, was elected by the people of Colorado and is the State’s chief lawyer and law enforcement official. Our vision for the Department of Law is: “Together, we serve Colorado and its people, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy and promoting justice for all.” Our core values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, drive our actions and demonstrate our focus on being principled public servants who are innovative and better together.
Visit our website to learn more: https://coag.gov/.
Description of Job
The Assistant Deputy Attorney General will work in partnership with the Deputy Attorney General to oversee the Natural Resources and Environment Section (NRE). Attorneys in NRE work with their clients to protect and improve the quality of Colorado’s land, air, water, and wildlife. Attorneys in the section work in eight units representing various clients primarily in the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), as well as several independent boards or agencies including the Colorado Natural Resources Damages Trustees and the Colorado Energy Office.
What You Will Do
The Assistant Deputy Attorney General is responsible for overseeing important aspects of NRE’s practice, promoting collaboration, engagement, integrity, and exceptional legal service across the Section and the entire office. This position will supervise a management team of First Assistant Attorneys General who represent the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Colorado Natural Resources Damages Trustees, and the Colorado Energy Office, consistent with the values of the Department of Law that recognize that members of the Department of Law are public servants, principled, innovative, and better together.
The Assistant Deputy Attorney General will oversee all representation for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and NRE units including Water Quality, Hazardous/Solid Waste/Radiation, Air Quality, the Colorado Energy Office, Colorado Natural Resources Damages Trustees, and advise the Attorney General on federal environmental issues.. Responsibilities include overseeing the legal work of section attorneys; supervising attorneys, managing personnel, and hiring attorneys and employees within the State personnel system; implementing performance management and planning; prioritizing work for and delegating work to attorneys and staff; helping to develop the section’s strategic plan; working with the Attorney General on policy development, legislation, and media relations; and preparing monthly reports on section activities.
The Assistant Deputy is expected to participate actively in high profile or complex cases in the Section as needed, and will work with the client agency, collaborating as a problem solver and expert legal resource. The Assistant Deputy will work closely with the Section’s Deputy, the First Assistant Attorneys General, the line attorneys, and our clients in formulating strategy in rulemaking, litigation, negotiations, and general counsel work.
The Assistant Deputy will also ensure the Section consistently provides high-quality legal representation and works to develop a positive, engaged, and inclusive culture within the Section. The Assistant Deputy serves as a frontline leader and participates in management and leadership teams for the Section and the Department of Law.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in the Department of Law.
Salary Note: The Department of Law uses a wage progression compensation model. Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. New ranges will go into effect for employees starting after July 1, 2023.
Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis for any new employees starting after July 1, 2023.
Current salary range is $11,000.00 - $14,500.00/month through June 30, 2023
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions Of Employment & Appeal Rights
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
As Such, The Strongest Candidates Will Demonstrate Excellence In The Following Competencies
The Assistant Deputy Attorney General is a part of the Department of Law senior leadership team.
Communication & Listening – Inspires confidence through active listening and effective communication with clients, leadership, colleagues, and staff.
Flexible & Adaptable Management – Accepts, adapts, and contributes positively to change; leads with new concepts and ideas; and encourages others to be equally adaptive and flexible.
Coaching & Developing People – Invests in our talent through coaching and sponsorship and by pushing individuals outside of their comfort zones to grow as professionals.
Creative & Strategic Problem Solving – Takes a result-oriented, open-minded, and innovative approach to overcoming challenges and dealing with crises.
Enterprise & Growth Mindset – Balances the goals of clients, leadership, colleagues, and staff with the broader interest of the enterprise.
Interpersonal Skills and Emotional Intelligence– Demonstrates and models self- awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and sensitivity in working with colleagues and staff.
Applicants for the Assistant Deputy Attorney General position must meet the following criteria:

• Organizational and management skills; and
• Personnel management, supervisory, and coaching experience.
• Outstanding legal editing, writing, and analytical skills;
• 10 years of experience as a practicing attorney that includes significant environmental law experience;
• Must be licensed to practice law in Colorado or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar. Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application before the first day of employment;
• The ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a senior management team;

Our strongest candidates will also have most, if not all, of the following attributes:

• An openness to innovation and collaboration with colleagues and agency partners;
• Ability to balance the needs of the clients and the Department of Law; and
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and public service.
• Knowledge of state government and the state budgeting process;
• Diverse practice experience in environmental quality and familiarity with the work of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment;
• Demonstrated dedication to client service and public service;

The Office of the Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer and believes that a diverse work force adds quality and perspective to the services we provide to the public. Candidates with diverse qualities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Conditions Of Employment

• Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application and application for Practice Pending Admission before the first day of employment. For more information about admission to the Colorado bar please review information on the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel.
• Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.

This position is non-classified and is not subject to appeal rights.
Supplemental Information
WHY WORK FOR US
We Embrace Flexibility
We aim to produce outstanding work product, be efficient with our time, and support each other as team members – which also means we embrace flexible working arrangements when and where possible.
We Are Committed to Diversity
At the Department of Law, we know that we are better together when our differences are valued and everyone is inspired and empowered to contribute. As such, we strive to provide a safe environment where individuals feel valued and respected for who they are; demonstrate a behavior and mindset where differences are welcomed and individuals are equally treated and empowered to do their best work; and promote growth and innovation through a diverse workforce that contributes to creative problem solving and delivers excellent work.
We Have Strong Core Values
Our core values drive our actions. At the Department of Law, we are: 1) principled, maintaining the highest ethical standards, rigorous legal analysis, and careful evaluation of facts; 2) public servants, who are always ensuring our work is not about us, but instead is about the people of Colorado; 3) innovative, by seeking to identify the best approach, make deliberate decisions, and look to improve; and 4) "better together," by working to support each other and collaborate.
We are Committed to Developing our Attorneys
We are deeply invested in our talent and regularly provide meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth through training and coaching. Further, our professional development and performance goal setting process is collaborative and ongoing, and aimed at helping our attorneys grow and succeed.
We Offer Excellent Benefits
In addition to competitive medical and dental health plans, employer-paid life insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, and vacation and sick leave earned each month, there are many other unique benefits that we offer, including:

• Employer-paid annual attorney registration dues
• Employer-provided access to professional development training and CLE through PLI, Department of Law University and other entities.
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and an employee discount program
• Free access to a recently renovated on-site fitness center
• Employer-paid mental health and counseling services through Colorado State Employee Assistance Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: a borrower may qualify for forgiveness by making 120 on-time payments while employed full-time in public service, if they have certain kinds of federal loans in a qualifying repayment plan

HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must establish an account with governmentjobs.com and complete the online applications including the Contact Information section. Applicants are not required to complete the Work Experience, Education, or Additional Information sections of the online application.
Applicants must provide 1) a cover letter detailing your interest in the position; 2) a resume; 3) a writing sample, and 4) three professional references. Use the "Attachments" feature of the online application to add documents.
The Department of Law is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Julie Christopher, at [email protected] or call 720-508-6511.
If you have questions about your application contact Susie Esparza, [email protected].