Administrative General Counsel

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

We are looking for results‑oriented, driven individuals with a thirst for problem solving. At Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) our mission is to protect and enhance public health and the environment in Arizona. Through consistent, science‑based environmental regulation; and clear, equitable engagement and communication; with integrity, respect and the highest standards of effectiveness and efficiency. Because Arizonans treasure the unique environment of our state and its essential role in sustaining well‑being and economic vitality, today and for future generations.

We are currently looking for employees who are committed to our Agency, passionate to excel in their career and engaged in our mission. Only this caliber of employee will be successful in driving our Agency towards accomplishing our mission.

Address: 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $125,000 - $135,000

Grade: 1

Closing Date:
Open Until Closed

We are seeking a strategic and experienced legal professional to serve as our Administrative General Counsel. The Administrative General Counsel leads the Office of Administrative Counsel (OAC) which oversees and conducts administrative legal functions for the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. The position reports to the Department Director and is a member of the Executive Leadership Team. The position also supervises the separate unit of the Records Management Center.

This pivotal role supports the Department’s mission to protect public health and the environment and also ensures the Department operates with legal integrity.

This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (3 days per week in the office/hoteling).

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

• Administrative Legal Work: Execute departmental legal functions, including drafting and filing contracts, delegations, and policies; reviewing and drafting legislation; tracking statutory and regulatory compliance; overseeing and conducting rule making; managing Title 41 administrative appeals; serving as the Department’s database module owner for licensing, compliance, and permitting; acting as the primary liaison to the AGO to request and implement legal advice; and providing mission‑critical legal support to various departmental units.
• Strategic Leadership & Personnel Management: Lead a team of 15, including attorneys and support staff within the OAC. Oversee the Records Management Center, a separate unit with its own unit manager. Serve as a core member of the executive leadership team to support the Department Director’s objectives.
• Compliance & Enforcement Strategy: Implement the Department’s Compliance and Enforcement Policy by designing standard work and metrics, and assisting staff in the implementation of law and policy. Oversee and assist with executing the compliance pipeline for complaints, inspections, violations, administrative orders, and case referrals and litigation at the Attorney General’s Office (AGO).
• Records Management Oversight: Direct the ADEQ Records Management Center in processing approximately 5,000 annual requests, ensuring high‑level legal review for subpoenas, media inquiries, and public records requests.
• Training & Mentorship: Lead knowledge transfer initiatives and the execution of a substantial training regimen for staff regarding permitting, compliance and enforcement, public records, databases, and the execution of the various departmental legal functions. Other duties as assigned as related to the position (typically 5% - 10%).

• Comprehensive knowledge of Arizona and federal…