Deputy General Counsel

Overview

Under the general direction of the Executive Director, the Counsel: (1) provides legal advice to the Agency Chairperson, members, Executive Director; (2) is the director of the Agency’s legal staff and supervises legal advice to the public; and (3) is a direct liaison with the Governor’s Counsel. During Agency meetings the Counsel sits with the Agency Chair and Executive Director at the table for Agency Board deliberations.

The Counsel exercises delegated responsibilities set forth in the Agency’s Delegation Resolution, which assigns management roles for the Agency’s Executive Director, Counsel, and Deputy Directors for Planning and Regulatory Affairs. The Counsel advises the Agency in the development of policies and practices in connection with the administration and enforcement of the Adirondack Park Act including the Adirondack Park Land Use and Development Plan, and the statewide Freshwater Wetlands Act and Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers System Act as these laws pertain to the Adirondack Park.

The Counsel must also advise the Agency in all legal aspects relative to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan and its implementation.

• Counsel participates in the formulation and carrying out of staff level policies and practices, including but not limited to the following:
• Provide legal services and advice to the Agency’s regulatory, local planning assistance, state land, and Park planning programs.
• Prepare all proposed rules and regulations required in the administration and enforcement of the laws charged to the Agency and supervise legal staff in the conduct of all public hearings required for their promulgation.
• Interpret the Agency’s laws, rules and regulations, and prepare opinions for the Agency members as required.
• Oversee responses to inquiries from landowners and developers regarding the Agency’s jurisdiction over land use and development within the Adirondack Park.
• Provide legal oversight in planning, zoning, and other land use controls to the Adirondack Park’s 101 local governments.
• Provide and prepare legislation relative to all Agency programs and communicate potential actions to the Governor’s Legislative Secretary. Serve as the Agency’s liaison to the Attorney General’s office, the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, and other agencies as directed by the Board or the Executive Director.
• Review and analyze pending state and federal legislation as it might affect Agency programs.
• Negotiate, prepare, and process third-party contracts and provide day-to-day legal services.
• Organize and conduct legal workshops throughout the Adirondack Park with lawyers, bankers, real estate brokers, etc., to explain and keep the public current relative to Agency laws and regulations.

• $127,507 - $160,911/year

Law degree from an accredited law school; admission to, and member in good standing of, the New York State Bar; and six years of relevant post-bar experience.

The Adirondack Park Agency benefits from a Counsel who has a comprehensive understanding of land use and environmental law, including the Adirondack Park Agency statutes. Counsel should understand litigation risks associated with permitting and administrative decision-making. Counsel should be familiar with New York State and national environmental and municipal law advocates and their strategic direction.

Telework may be available 5 out of 10 days per pay period.

If you feel you meet the minimum qualifications and Agency operating needs and are interested in being considered for this vacancy, please submit your resume, cover letter demonstrating how you meet the stated minimum qualifications, and references. Please submit your application materials to Human Resources.gov. Be sure to include Vacancy # on your resume and also in the subject line of the email.

It is the responsibility of each applicant to accurately describe their experience and demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications.

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Note: The following job postings are included for reference and are not part of this vacancy:
Cyber Incident Response Associate Attorney — Wilson Elser, Associate General Counsel — Orchard, Assistant District Attorney — Allegany County.