ENVIRONMENTAL ATTORNEY
Apply NowCompany: City of Houston, TX
Location: Houston, TX 77084
Description:
Salary : $84,352.32 - $86,464.04 Annually
Location : 900 Bagby-City Hall Annex
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 36238
Department: Legal
Opening Date: 02/06/2025
Closing Date: 2/13/2025 11:59 PM Central
POSITION OVERVIEW
Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Job Classification: ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY I
Section: REAL ESTATE
Location: 900 BAGBY, HOUSTON, TX
Workdays & Hours: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM* *Subject to Change
LEGAL DEPARTMENT
The Office of the City Attorney for the City of Houston (the "OCA") provides municipal legal services to the City, its elected and appointed officials, and its employees while adhering to the following guiding principles:
Every member of the OCA must be committed to "Service Through Law."
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSThe City of Houston Legal Department is seeking an efficient, and solutions-focused environmental attorney to handle matters related to a myriad of environmental law matters, including air, water, and/or waste regulatory compliance, permitting and enforcement matters.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION:
Requires a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association accredited college of law.
EXPERIENCE:
No experience is required but must be an active member in good standing of the Texas State Bar and eligible for admission to Federal court. License to practice law in Texas must be kept current as a condition of employment.
LICENSE:
Must be a member of the Texas State Bar on or about the first day of employment. If selected for this position, official proof of a J.D. degree and membership in the Texas State Bar is required and a condition of employment.
PREFERENCES
Preference will be given to applicants with:
**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**
GENERAL INFORMATION
SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED: None
All applicants will be expected to provide a writing sample and transcripts.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: No
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
SALARY INFORMATION:
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.
Pay Grade: 24
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832) 393-6214.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information.
If you need special services or accommodations, call (832) 393-6214.
If you need login assistance or technical support call (855) 524-5627.
EOE - Equal Opportunity EmploymentThe City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:
01
Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?
02
Do you possess a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association accredited college of law?
03
Which best describes your years of environmental law experience?
04
Please describe how your legal experience relates to this position. ("See resume" is not acceptable. If this does not apply, please type "N/A")
05
What percentage of your most recent law practice required you to review, enforces, or counsel clients on environmental matters?
06
Do you have any experience working with TCEQ, the EPA, and/or any other environmental regulation agency?
07
If you answered "Yes" above, what percentage of your most recent law practice required you to work with TCEQ, the EPA, and/or any other environmental regulation agency?
08
With respect to academic performance in law school please indicate your placement within your class.
09
What range best represents your annual salary requirement?
10
Are you a member of or eligible to become a member of the State Bar of Texas?
11
Have you ever been disciplined by a State Bar Association?
12
Has your right to practice law ever been limited?
Required Question
Location : 900 Bagby-City Hall Annex
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 36238
Department: Legal
Opening Date: 02/06/2025
Closing Date: 2/13/2025 11:59 PM Central
POSITION OVERVIEW
Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Job Classification: ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY I
Section: REAL ESTATE
Location: 900 BAGBY, HOUSTON, TX
Workdays & Hours: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM* *Subject to Change
LEGAL DEPARTMENT
The Office of the City Attorney for the City of Houston (the "OCA") provides municipal legal services to the City, its elected and appointed officials, and its employees while adhering to the following guiding principles:
- Quality & Service - Achieving high customer satisfaction as judged by our clients.
- Partnership & Teamwork - Working cooperatively internally and with our clients to achieve the City's goals.
- Integrity & Candor - Placing honesty and ethical behavior first.
- Dignity & Diversity - Promoting each person's value.
- Innovation & Imagination - Seeking novel and creative approaches to achieving the City's objectives.
Every member of the OCA must be committed to "Service Through Law."
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSThe City of Houston Legal Department is seeking an efficient, and solutions-focused environmental attorney to handle matters related to a myriad of environmental law matters, including air, water, and/or waste regulatory compliance, permitting and enforcement matters.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Providing guidance and counsel to various City departments about possible environmental infractions and enforcement requirements.
- Engaging with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other environmental organizations to forge relationships, update client departments regarding current environmental regulations and requirements, and keep the needs of the City of Houston on the forefront of future federal and state environmental changes and regulations.
- Negotiating and drafting agreements, including settlements, with commercial businesses and private property owners related to contamination, regulations, and the clean up of contaminated sites.
- Drafting ordinances related to various environmental legal matters including Municipal Settings Designations and Code of Ordinance amendments.
- Reviewing and commenting on proposed environmental laws and regulations.
- Rendering legal advice to various City of Houston departments regarding environmental permitting, monitoring, and enforcement of City environmental codes.
- Drafting, reviewing, and/or revising city policies to further the City's goal of preventing and remediating environmental contamination in the City of Houston.
- Working in collaboration with various attorneys on purchase and sale agreements, easements, deeds, and litigation to ensure the City of Houston is protected against environmental contamination.
- Supporting a senior environmental attorney in day to day activities including attending client meetings, assisting in proposed legislation review during legislative session, and assisting client departments with various environmental activities including enforcement of City of Houston environmental policies and procedures.
- Assisting with basic real estate transactions including drafting and reviewing deeds, easements and other Houston Public Works real estate transactions.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION:
Requires a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association accredited college of law.
EXPERIENCE:
No experience is required but must be an active member in good standing of the Texas State Bar and eligible for admission to Federal court. License to practice law in Texas must be kept current as a condition of employment.
LICENSE:
Must be a member of the Texas State Bar on or about the first day of employment. If selected for this position, official proof of a J.D. degree and membership in the Texas State Bar is required and a condition of employment.
PREFERENCES
Preference will be given to applicants with:
- At least two years of experiencing practicing environmental law.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Experience working with TCEQ, EPA, and other federal, state, and local agencies.
- Experience drafting, negotiating, and reviewing environmental sections of contracts and property restrictions.
- Solid legal research and analytical skills.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Familiarity with Texas real property statutes and Federal, State and local environmental laws.
- A strong understanding of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource and Conservation and Recovery Act, Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments, and the Endangered Species Act, among others.
- Familiarity with municipal or public law.
- Willingness to work extended hours as needed to accommodate workload demands.
- Proficiency with the Office 365 suite of programs, including Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams, OneDrive Business, as well as other Microsoft collaborative platforms such as SharePoint; and proficiency with electronic legal research tools such as Westlaw Edge, Practical Law, and Drafting Assistant
**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**
GENERAL INFORMATION
SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED: None
All applicants will be expected to provide a writing sample and transcripts.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: No
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
SALARY INFORMATION:
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.
Pay Grade: 24
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832) 393-6214.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information.
If you need special services or accommodations, call (832) 393-6214.
If you need login assistance or technical support call (855) 524-5627.
EOE - Equal Opportunity EmploymentThe City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Wellness
- Supplemental Insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability
- Retirement pension
- 457 deferred compensation plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- 10 days of vacation each year
- 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
- Compensable Sick Leave
- Personal Leave
- Flexible schedules
- Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
- Professional development opportunities
- Transportation/parking plan
- Section 125 pretax deductions
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
- Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
01
Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?
- Yes
- No
02
Do you possess a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association accredited college of law?
- Yes
- No
03
Which best describes your years of environmental law experience?
- I have no environmental law experience.
- I have less than 5 years of environmental law experience.
- I have more than 5 but less than 7 years' environmental law experience.
- I have more than 7 but less than 9 years' environmental law experience.
- I have more than 9 but less than 11 years' environmental law experience.
- I have more than 11 years' environmental law experience.
04
Please describe how your legal experience relates to this position. ("See resume" is not acceptable. If this does not apply, please type "N/A")
05
What percentage of your most recent law practice required you to review, enforces, or counsel clients on environmental matters?
- 0 - 25%
- 26% - 50%
- 51% to 75%
- 76% - 100%
06
Do you have any experience working with TCEQ, the EPA, and/or any other environmental regulation agency?
- Yes
- No
07
If you answered "Yes" above, what percentage of your most recent law practice required you to work with TCEQ, the EPA, and/or any other environmental regulation agency?
- 0 - 25%
- 26% - 50%
- 51% to 75%
- 76% - 100%
08
With respect to academic performance in law school please indicate your placement within your class.
- Top 25% (1st Quarter)
- 26 - 50% (2nd Quarter)
- 51 - 75% (3rd Quarter)
- Bottom 25% (4th Quarter)
- I don't know
09
What range best represents your annual salary requirement?
- $83,945 - $85,000
- $85,001 - $86,464
- $86,465 - $90,000
- $90,000 or above
10
Are you a member of or eligible to become a member of the State Bar of Texas?
- Yes
- No
11
Have you ever been disciplined by a State Bar Association?
- Yes
- No
12
Has your right to practice law ever been limited?
- Yes
- No
Required Question