Chief Presiding Officer, Senior Environmental Attorney

Chief Presiding Officer, Senior Environmental Attorney (260001OB) – This senior manager role is within MassDEP’s Office of Appeals and Dispute Resolution (OADR), where the officer oversees adjudication of administrative appeals related to Massachusetts environmental regulations. Job Summary The Chief Presiding Officer leads the OADR team, supervises presiding officers and case administration staff, maintains an appellate caseload, and performs presiding officer duties in appeals. The role advises the MassDEP Commissioner on appeals, ensures fair and timely resolution, and promotes mediation and alternative dispute resolution. Responsibilities Supervise presiding officers, the case administrator, and assistant case administrator, including annual EPRS performance evaluations. Review administrative appeals, assign them for resolution under OADR’s SOP, and maintain docket accuracy. Manage and conduct appeals and formal hearings impartially, preserving a neutral, fair, and sound process. Prepare and issue formal written recommendations, final decisions, and recommendations that resolve novel legal or policy issues. Collaborate with MassDEP Commissioner or designee regarding final decisions in appeals. Apply general principles of environmental and administrative law, as well as specific statutory provisions, to each appeal. Conduct complex legal research, draft memoranda, and perform peer review of proposed rulings and decisions. Promote mediation and alternative dispute resolution throughout the appeals process. Qualifications Member of the Massachusetts Bar Association. Minimum 10–15 years of full‑time (or equivalent part‑time) professional legal experience in administrative and environmental law and litigation, with at least five years in a supervisory role. Extensive knowledge of state and federal environmental laws and administrative appellate procedures. Strong analytical skills and ability to address complicated legal issues. Proficiency in legal research, memorandum writing, and decision drafting. Preferred Qualifications Advanced degrees in environmental law, public administration, or related fields. Experience in adjudicatory or quasi‑judicial roles within government agencies. Proven ability to manage a caseload and provide leadership in a regulatory environment. Minimum Entrance Requirements At least 6 years of professional, administrative, supervisory or managerial experience in a related specialty, with a minimum of 2 years in supervisory or managerial capacity. Current license or registration required for the position. Substitutions for experience may be made with appropriate certifications or academic degrees as outlined in the original posting. Equal Opportunity The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other protected category. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Benefits – The Commonwealth offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports employees, families, and future career development. #J-18808-Ljbffr Commonwealth of Massachusetts