Associate General Counsel - Staff Attorney 2 at Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Saint Paul, MN

• Job ID : 86080
• Location : St. Paul
• Telework Eligible : Yes
• Full/Part Time : Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted : 05/12/2025
• Closing Date : 06/10/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
• Division/Unit : Operations Division / Legal Services Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : No
• Salary Range: $37.98 - $56.50 / hourly; $79,302 - $117,972 / annually
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job. At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

This posting will be used to fill three Associate General Counsel positions that provide legal advice to MPCA's environmental programs. These positions will each focus on an area of expertise (Data Practices, Legislation or Litigation). The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ("Agency") regulates environmental pollution through the authority of state and federal statutes, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA, CERCLA/MERLA, MEPA, and other state and federal laws and rules. The agency's Legal Services Unit (LSU) provides legal support to state environmental programs that issue permits, conduct compliance and enforcement, and oversee investigation and remediation of contaminated sites. As an Associate General Counsel at the agency, the position will advise leadership and staff and ensure that environmental programs and policies are administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations; research and interpret federal and state laws, regulations, and court cases; analyze laws, regulations, literature and reports in order to develop and provide guidance for programs and procedures of the agency; develop and conduct technical training on legal matters and policies as needed; and assist with agency rulemaking. In this position, the incumbent will also provide legal support on Data Practices, Legislation or Litigation across environmental programs and divisions and will perform other duties as assigned by the General Counsel.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor Degree with two years of experience in the practice of law with working knowledge of administrative or regulatory law.
• Current license and in good standing to practice law in the State of Minnesota prior to appointment OR the active pursuit of licensure with the requirement that licensure be obtained within six (6) months from start date to achieve permanent employee status.
• General knowledge of environmental laws and statutes, governmental organization, and legislative process.
• General knowledge of Minnesota Data Practices Act, Federal Freedom of Information Act, or other state law equivalents.
• General knowledge of records or document management and of Minnesota official records laws or other state law equivalents.
• Experience with or ability to develop, review, and analyze proposed legislation.
• Communication skills to work effectively with a wide range of people, including technical and scientific staff, and the ability to understand scientific and technical information and data.
• Analytical, research and writing skills, and experience drafting legal memoranda and other legal documents.
• Self‑motivated with ability to work collaboratively with other lawyers and program staff and to independently research and resolve legal and policy issues as they arise.
• The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the application of federal and state environmental laws and regulations applicable to the work of the Agency.
• Experience with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Federal Freedom of Information Act, or other state law equivalents.
• Experience or knowledge of the legislative process as well as developing, reviewing, and analyzing proposed legislation and legislative policy.
• Experience with management of large volumes of documents and records.
• Experience with development of or participating in training programs.
• Experience with state and/or federal court litigation.
• Experience with the Administrative Procedure Act and administrative process as it pertains to public participation, public hearing requirements and all other legal requirements.

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being

Support to Help You Reach Your Career Goals

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for Work/Life Support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Contact

Contact Patty Atchison at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Equal Opportunity Employers

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourage persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io and let us know the support you need.