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    Governor's Office of General Counsel

    Attorney Vacancy

    Assistant Counsel
    (Attorney 1, 2, or 3 Non-Supervisory)

    Office of Chief Counsel
    Department of Environmental Protection
    (Harrisburg, Central Office)

     

    The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) seeks licensed attorneys to work as Assistant Counsel in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Office of Chief Counsel’s Bureau of Regulatory Counsel (BRC). These positions will be classified as either an Attorney, 1, 2, or 3 Non-Supervisory level depending on the level of relevant experience possessed by the successful applicants. While based in Harrisburg, these positions are eligible for a hybrid remote/in-office schedule of three days onsite at the discretion of the General Counsel. 

     

    What You'll Do:

    DEP’s Bureau of Regulatory Counsel (BRC) plays a central role in safeguarding Pennsylvania’s environment by overseeing and administering both state and federal environmental laws across the Commonwealth. Attorneys in BRC serve as trusted legal advisors to DEP’s environmental programs, including Clean Water, Waterways and Wetlands, Safe Drinking Water, Environmental Cleanup, Waste Management, Air Quality, and Radiation Protection.

    BRC attorneys draft and interpret regulations arising from Pennsylvania’s environmental statutes, review permitting actions, and provide practical legal guidance to DEP’s Central Office and Regional Offices on complex program implementation issues. They also represent DEP before the Environmental Quality Board and the Independent Regulatory Review Commission, and, as needed, in state and federal courts. In addition, counsel review program responses to requests made under Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law.

    This work is highly collaborative and interdisciplinary, requiring close coordination with DEP’s management and technical experts, including geologists, engineers, chemists, and biologists

     

    What We’re Looking For:

    The successful candidate for this position will have demonstrated: (1) solid legal research, analysis and reasoning capabilities; (2) superior inter-personal and communication skills, especially oral and written advocacy; (3) an ability to identify and resolve complicated and sensitive problems creatively and with professional discretion; (4) an ability and willingness to handle a wide variety of complex legal matters both independently and as part of a team; and (5) an ability to interact and function effectively within both the greater legal community and a governmental organization.

    Preferred candidates will have some knowledge of environmental law and will be comfortable learning and engaging with scientific and technical concepts to deliver sound legal advice and to effectively represent DEP in public and regulatory forums. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to foster trust and respect and to create friendly and collaborative internal working relationships with Commonwealth clients are a must. This position requires the exercise of confidentiality and independent judgment.

     

    Why Join OGC?

    Working as an attorney with the OGC offers a unique and fulfilling career opportunity where you can make a significant impact on the people of Pennsylvania. Employees enjoy a dynamic and supportive work environment that fosters professional growth and development. This role not only allows you to contribute to the public good but also provides ample opportunities to hone your legal skills in a collaborative setting.

    In addition to meaningful work, the OGC offers: 

    • Competitive Benefits Package:  Top-tier health care options, retirement plans, and generous paid time off.

    • Work-Life Balance:  Excel in your career while having the time to enjoy your personal life.  

    • Continuous Learning:  A supportive culture that fosters ongoing professional development and advancement.  

    Joining our team means being part of a respected institution dedicated to legal excellence and public service. To learn more about OGC’s mission and what it is like to be part of the OGC team, visit https://www.ogc.pa.gov and select Careers with OGC.

     

    Qualifications:

    • Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school. 
    •  Active membership in good standing with the Pennsylvania Bar.  

    To Apply:

    Send a letter of interest, resume, and writing sample  by February 16,  2026, to ogchiring@pa.gov, directed to Derek Riker, Deputy Chief of Staff, 30 North 3rd Street, Suite 200, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101. 

    OGC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.  The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.  

    Joining our team means being part of a respected institution dedicated to legal excellence and public service. To learn more about OGC’s mission and what it is like to be part of the OGC team, visit our website, at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/ogc/ogc-careers-home.html.