Counsel I - Associate General Counsel

The Department of Conservation and Recreation's mission is to protect, promote and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural and recreational resources for the well-being of all. The DCR is steward to one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation, which includes more than 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails, golf courses and parkways.  DCR strives to be an exemplary leader in conservation and recreation. DCR's staff is passionate, dedicated, and continuously employs best practices that are informed by expertise, and creates a sense of place through carrying out the mission.

DCR's Office of General Counsel is comprised of a team of attorneys and legal support staff, the Land Protection Program, and the Office of Long-Term Permits and Leases. The OGC supports the Department in all its core functions, doing everything from advising DCR staff on a range of legal matters; reviewing and analyzing proposed and current legislation and regulations; working with private landowners and partners on land acquisition projects; maintaining the agency's vast land records collection; managing public records requests; assisting in the review and implementation of policies; managing long-term permits and leases on Department property; drafting agreements; supporting the Department's administration, finance, and contract/procurement programs; and much more.  Given the broad mission and activities of the agency, the Office of General Counsel serves the Department by providing legal services on a wide range of issues that concern the Department and its more than 1000 employees. 

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for two positions of Counsel I- Associate General Counsel, located at 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA.  Please submit a cover letter and resume as part of the application process.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Counsel I (Associate General Counsel) is responsible for providing legal advice and support to DCR staff. The position works on a variety of complex legal matters concerning, among other things, contracts and procurement; review, drafting, and promulgation of regulations; public records requests; and land use issues. This position will work on and support other legal matters within DCR.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide legal counsel to DCR's administration, finance, and contract/procurement programs.
2. Review contracts to ensure compliance with bid specifications and state procurement laws and regulations.
3. Draft, review, and analyze proposed and current legislation and regulations.
4. Coordinate with DCR staff, and staff from the Secretary of the Commonwealth and other agencies as necessary to review and promulgate regulations.
5. Draft licenses, permits, and leases for use of Department property.
6. Negotiate and draft permits, memoranda of agreements, and other agreements.
7. Provide legal advice and support to Department staff in connection with permitting activities associated with Department activities and projects, issues pertaining to the Department's compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, including environmental statutes and regulations.
8. Review document productions for public records requests.
9. Conduct land acquisition transactions. Coordinate with staff from DCR and other agencies to complete transactions in a timely manner.
10. Provide legal services to the watershed and park land acquisition programs in the areas of park land acquisition and open space land disposition.
11. Act as liaison to the Office of the Attorney General in litigation matters as assigned.
12. Conduct legal research, analyze legal issues, and advise DCR staff on a range of legal matters.
13. Assist in the development and review of policies for the Department 
14. Manage and monitor individual cases, assignments, and projects to ensure timely resolution of matters.
15. Respond to inquiries and correspondence from agency staff and the public. 
16. Handle other issues or matters as assigned by the Deputy General Counsel or General Counsel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1.   Knowledge of theory, principles, and practice of law.

2.   Knowledge of procedures followed in courtroom and administrative proceedings.

3.   Knowledge of the methods and ability to conduct legal research and technical report writing.

4.   Ability to read and interpret legal documents and apply the law, rules, and regulations governing agency operations.

5.   Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment.

6.   Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of people, both within and outside the agency.

7.   Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to clearly and concisely express thoughts and develop ideas in a logical manner.

8.   Ability to conduct research using both paper records and on-line tools.

9.   Ability to manage tracking applications (e.g., databases, spreadsheets) and produce written documents.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: 

Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and some experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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 basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.