Managing AAG 1 - Environmental Protection Division, Seattle

Full Job Description

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov.

Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

All employees and volunteers of the Washington State Attorney General's Office serve a crucial role in the protection of the state, its people and resources, thereby providing an incomparable degree of job satisfaction. The AGO is composed of diverse, collegial and supremely talented legal professionals who are resolute in their commitment to public service and share the common goal of advancing the public interest. For more information about the AGO, we encourage you to review the Office's Annual Report which can be found HERE.

The Office appreciates the benefits of a healthy life-work balance as well as a respectful, inclusive and diverse workplace.

Successful candidates will join an Office in which every person is committed to providing exceptional legal services and where individual professional development is encouraged and supported.

The exceptional benefits of joining the AGO include:

• A competitive benefit package that includes affordable medical plan options, dental benefits and retirement plans
• Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, Military and Civil Leave and Paid Holidays
• Transparent salary schedule - MAAG 1 salaries are set between $86,328 and $161,700. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA

• The AGO will pay the general bar dues of someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31st per Article 10.8 of the AWAAG CBA

• Flex schedules and telecommuting options
• A formal AAG mentoring program that complements the AGO's inherently collegial and supportive environment
• Health and wellness program
• Training and career development program that is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide

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The Environmental Protection Division of the WA State Attorney General’s Office seeks to fill a Managing AAG 1 position to supervise its growing environmental criminal enforcement program.

The attorney hired to fill this role will be responsible for supervising three members of a larger team consisting of seven prosecutors and one criminal investigator in investigating, evaluating, and prosecuting serious violations of state environmental law.

Areas of enforcement include illegal dumping, habitat destruction, disposal of hazardous and solid waste, illegal removal or disposal of asbestos, animal cruelty, and fish and wildlife crimes including unlawful trafficking in endangered species. Attorneys in our unit prosecute cases such as State v. Electron Hydro, State v. Perez, State v. Boss, State v. Smith, and State v. Pillon. This position will work with partners across a wide variety of local, state, and federal agencies, including the Department of Ecology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Requirements

Duties typical of attorneys within the Division include:

• Directing and assisting in investigations and case development;
• Developing creative litigation strategies to address complex legal issues;
• Negotiating with defense counsel on potential plea agreements;
• Drafting pleadings, motions and memoranda from initial filing through post-judgment proceedings;
• Conducting all aspects of discovery;
• Appearing for pre-trial hearings, trying cases to jury or bench, and participating in post-trial proceedings including any appeals;
• Developing and fostering working relationships with local, state, and federal partners; and
• Representing the AGO in public settings on matters that may be of a sensitive or high profile nature.

As a member of the Division and AGO’s management, this Managing AAG position’s duties will also include:

• Supervising environmental criminal prosecution and investigation;
• Mentoring and coaching attorneys and investigators;
• Listening and communicating effectively both internally and externally;
• Managing and evaluating the performance of attorneys and investigators;
• Actively participating in division leadership; and
• Development and implementation of operational processes.

This position may require occasional travel, including overnight trips.

The Environmental Protection Division is based in downtown Seattle, WA, but we will consider other work assignments if available at other Washington Attorney General’s Office locations.

The AGO provides some flexibility with respect to schedules and telecommuting, consistent with the needs of the Office.

Qualifications

In addition to meeting the qualifications to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the preferred candidate will have:

• Seven or more years of criminal prosecution experience (ten years or more are preferred);
• Three or more years of experience in environmental or complex criminal enforcement;
• Experience directing environmental or complex investigations;
• Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and collaboration and promote a positive work environment that recognizes and respects all employees;
• Ability to maintain productive working relationships across the division, agency, and with other state agencies and stakeholders;
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor attorneys and professional staff;
• Strong analytical, research, organizational, and writing skills;
• Excellent judgment;
• Experience successfully handling multiple time-sensitive assignments; and
• Commitment to help create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce and culture that encourages and celebrates difference.

Highly desired qualifications include:

• Ten or more years of complex criminal prosecution experience;
• Familiarity with Washington environmental criminal law;
• Familiarity with district and superior courts in Washington;
• Experience managing a team;
• Experience working with underrepresented or ethnically diverse communities or groups; and
• An ability to read, write or speak a second language.

Attorneys who lack the above-listed experience, but who have other experience that they believe would be relevant to the Division’s work are also encouraged to apply.

The Division may waive the need for significant litigation experience for attorneys who have significant experience in the fields of environmental policy and/or experience serving traditionally marginalized communities.

NOTE! The applicants selected will be required to submit to and pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check conducted by the Washington State Patrol, Criminal Records Division.

The incumbent will submit to additional background checks as a condition of employment every five (5) years thereafter.

Applicants must have graduated from a law school accredited by the ABA or completed the WSBA's Rule 6 Law Clerk Program and; be licensed to practice law in Washington State.

(Applicants who meet the other stated qualifications and are actively pursuing admission will also be considered.) The AGO seeks applicants who are committed to public service as demonstrated by an applicant's background, talents, attitude, and enthusiasm for public law practice.

The AGO greatly encourages, celebrates and values diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfill its mission of providing excellent, independent and ethical legal services to the State of Washington and protecting the rights of its people.

Additional Information

This Managing Assistant Attorney General 1 position is represented by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General (AWAAG) / Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO.

MAAG1 salaries are set between $86,328 and $161,700. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA.

Positions located in King County are eligible for 5% King County Assignment Pay.

A competitive state benefits package is also offered which includes a choice of medical/dental insurance plans, retirement, life and basic long-term disability insurance.

In addition, there are non-financial benefits that include working in a collaborative and supportive work environment where professional development and work-life balance are highly valued.

The health, safety and professional satisfaction of all AGO staff and volunteers is critical to fulfilling the mission of the AGO to provide exceptional legal services.

Complementing and fostering this goal is a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, as evidenced in the AGO's environmental policies.

Interested applicants must apply by hitting the "apply" button above. In addition to the on-line application, one must upload, via the system, preferably as PDFs:

• A letter of interest;
• Resume;
• Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable) showing date law degree was conferred; and
• Writing sample (10 pages or less).

If you have questions about this position and/or wish to learn more about it before applying, please contact Section Chief Brad Roberts at 206 389-2098 or brad.roberts1@atg.wa.gov.

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Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment.

Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO.

The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov.

Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.