Attorney Vacancy

Governor’s Office of General Counsel

Assistant Counsel (3 or 4 Supervisory)
Bureau of Regulatory Counsel
Department of Environmental Protection
Office of Chief Counsel – Harrisburg

The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel seeks a licensed attorney to work as an Assistant Counsel in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Office of Chief Counsel’s Bureau of Regulatory Counsel in Harrisburg. The position will be classified as either an Attorney 3 Supervisory or 4 Supervisory depending on the level of relevant experience possessed by the successful applicant. This position is eligible for part-time telework with an in-office requirement of three business days per week.

What You’ll Do

The Bureau of Regulatory Counsel is responsible for the Commonwealth’s environmental oversight and administration of both state and federal environmental laws throughout the Commonwealth.  Attorneys within this office provide counseling and regulatory services for DEP’s environmental programs, including Clean Water, Waterways and Wetlands, Safe Drinking Water, Environmental Cleanup, Waste Management, Air Quality, Mining, Oil and Gas, Energy, and Radiation Protection.

The attorneys draft regulations arising from Pennsylvania’s environmental statutes, review permitting actions, and counsel DEP on legal issues pertaining to program implementation. Attorneys also represent DEP before the Environmental Quality Board and Independent Regulatory Review Commission and on occasion before state or federal courts. Counsel also review responses generated by the programs for Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law requests.

The work requires close coordination with DEP’s management and technical staff, including geologists, engineers, chemists and biologists. Applicants must be comfortable with learning aspects of these scientific disciplines as necessary to provide sound counseling service and to effectively represent DEP in public settings.

Who We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate brings:

• Sharp legal thinking — strong research, analysis, and sound judgment
• Standout communication skills — clear, persuasive writing and confident oral advocacy
• Creative problem-solving — the ability to navigate complex, sensitive issues with discretion
• Versatility and ownership — comfort handling a wide range of legal matters, both independently and collaboratively
• Professional presence — the ability to work effectively within a governmental organization and the broader legal community

Preferred candidates will have some knowledge of environmental law, as well as regulatory exposure. 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.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Hold a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school
• Be admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in good standing
•  Have a minimum of 5 years’ professional legal experience.

Why Join OGC

At OGC, you are not simply reviewing contracts. You are helping shape the economic engine of the Commonwealth.

• Purpose-Driven Practice
  • Support programs that expand opportunity and strengthen communities statewide.
• Professional Growth
  • Work alongside experienced government attorneys on complex, high-visibility initiatives.
• Stability with Impact
  • Public service with real influence on policy, regulation, and economic development.
• Comprehensive Benefits
  • Competitive salary
  •  Generous paid leave
  •  Excellent health benefits
  • Retirement plans

To learn more about OGC visit: https://www.ogc.pa.gov and select Careers with OGC.