Counsel I - Legal Services Department

I. POSITION OBJECTIVE

This position exists to provide the Company with on-demand legal counsel and legal analysis regarding various federal and state environmental legal matters. Legal matters include all aspects of state and federal environmental laws and regulations. The position will provide expert advice and guidance on state and federal environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act. The position will further help develop Company-wide strategies for federal and state regulatory responses and reports, including permit compliance reporting and state level reporting requirements. The position is expected to have frequent interaction with TCEQ and/or EPA. The position should be familiar with legal compliance surrounding air, water, and waste issues.
The position also assists with day-to-day operations of the legal department as directed by the department manager, including assistance with legal department budget management and assistance with department personnel management as needed. The position will also act to support department manager with other legal matters upon request.

II. MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

• PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE: Provide verbal and written legal advice to Company management and Company personnel as needed in order to effectively minimize Company’s risk and maximize Company’s benefit, specifically regarding federal and state environmental laws and regulations. Prepare and present advice to Company management upon request.
• REGULATORY COMPLIANCE: Monitor relevant regulatory requirements for the Company involving air, water, and waste compliance. Provide frequent reports to department manager on updates to relevant regulatory requirements impacting the Company’s operations and/or business.
• CONTRACT REVIEW: Assist in contract approval process through the review and analysis of non-standard Company contracts presented to Texas Legal Services for review, specifically involving contracting with third-parties engaged in aiding the Company’s environmental compliance efforts. Draft and edit non-standard Company contracts as needed.
• ASSIST WITH LAWSUIT MANAGEMENT: Review and analyze lawsuits filed against the Company in Texas state or federal court, specifically involving environmental claims, including claims involving the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act. Assist with lawsuit resolution through the effective and efficient use of outside counsel. Assist with discovery coordination, document production, and depositions of Company personnel. Prepare litigation status reports to management upon request of department manager.
• CONTROL BUDGET: Assist department manager with operation of legal department within approved annual budget. 
• THM: Promote cleanliness and order through implementation of the Total Housekeeping Maintenance program. Emphasize Nothing Touch Ground program and No Visual Pollution program. Maintain the plant in like new condition.

III. QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school is required.
• Valid license to practice law in the State of Texas.
• Prefer minimum of five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney with prior exposure to environmental law is preferred. Experience working with TCEQ and/or EPA is preferred.