Divisional Deputy City Solicitor - Regulatory Law Unit – Environmental Division

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest. Our lawyers help chart the course for the City in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and development. The Regulatory Law Unit of the Law Department represents the City and its officials in a wide variety of utility, transportation, environmental and sustainability matters. 

The Environmental Division of the Regulatory Law Unit provides environmental counsel to all City departments and agencies regarding the applicability and enforcement of, and compliance with, federal, state, and local environmental laws. The Environmental Division largely does work involving brownfields and air, but also provides counsel to all departments and agencies regarding sustainability, environmental justice, solid waste, Act 2, RCRA, HSCA, the NJ Spill Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Streams Law, and NEPA, among others.

The Environmental Division primarily acts as in-house counsel to the Department of Health’s Air Management Services (AMS) Division, which includes regulatory counseling regarding the Clean Air Act, the Air Pollution Control Act, the City’s Air Management Code and attendant regulations, and Title 6 of the Health Code on asbestos. The Division supports AMS in enforcement in state and federal courts of the same authorities and drafting of settlement agreements. Additionally, the Environmental Division negotiates agreements with PADEP and EPA and provides general counseling on all air pollution regulatory and programmatic issues.

Job Description

The Divisional Deputy City Solicitor of the Environmental Division is the supervising attorney within the Division and works directly with the Director of Air Management Services, the Commissioner of the Health Department, and senior management teams in various City departments to support the City’s air pollution control program and other key environmental and sustainability initiatives.  The Division currently has two other attorneys.  The ideal candidate will have at least eight years of legal experience including prior management experience and significant experience with and knowledgeable of legal issues arising under federal, state, and local environmental laws.  Strong research and drafting skills are required, as well as an ability to independently manage a large number of complex matters and communicate and work closely with a diverse group of City clients and federal and state environmental agencies.

Essential Functions

In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Supervising and managing other attorneys in the Division, support staff, and outside counsel
• Coordinating all legal matters involving the Air Management Services (AMS) and the Air Pollution Control Board
• Advising and representing AMS in compliance and enforcement matters
• Advising AMS regarding air emission permits and licenses
• Advising various agencies and departments on Brownfield and Act 2 cleanup and redevelopment matters
• Advising AMS and various other agencies and departments on Environmental Justice issues
• Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating enforcement settlements, small contracts, grant agreements, access agreements, and certain permits
• Advising on and handling compliance matters under a wide range of local, state, and federal environmental laws regulating municipal functions such as underground tanks and waste disposal.
• Tracking and advising on relevant environmental laws and regulations that affect AMS and various City operating departments
• Assisting other City Departments o