Assistant District Counsel/Senior Assistant District Counsel

Valley Water

Salary: See Position Description

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 01839-U

Location: CA, CA

Department: Office of District Counsel

Closing: 12/10/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Assistant District Counsel: $246,504.54 - $313,004.60 Annually

Senior Assistant District Counsel: $273,884.42 - $347,775.80 Annually

About Valley Water

Valley Water's mission is to provide Santa Clara County and Silicon Valley with safe, clean water. Headquartered in San Jose, CA, with over 900 employees and a budget of $1.1 billion, Valley Water oversees water supply, flood protection, and stream stewardship.

Position Overview

The selected candidate would be hired as Assistant District Counsel or a Senior Assistant District Counsel and there are multiple ways a candidate may develop the skills and experience required to be successful in this role. Depending on the background and experience of the selected candidate, the exact classification will be determined at point of hire. Both the classifications are designated as unclassified/at-will.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on environmental and permitting issues (CEQA/NEPA, ESA/CESA, CWA, etc.) relevant to Valley Water's projects and agreements.
• Draft and review legal documents, including environmental reports, permits, real estate transactions, and ordinances.
• Represent Valley Water in dealings with regulators, legislators, and other external stakeholders.
• Train attorneys and staff on legal processes and practices.
• May manage and supervise junior attorneys or support staff.

Ideal Experience

Assistant District Counsel:

• Minimum of 2 years (5+ preferred) practicing law in California with a focus on environmental law, including CEQA, NEPA, Clean Water Act, Lakebed and Streambed Alteration Agreements, Porter-Cologne, the federal and state Endangered Species Acts, and other environmental laws/regulations is ideal.

Senior Assistant District Counsel:

• Minimum of 6 years (10+ preferred) practicing law in California with experience in environmental law.
• Experience with the California Environmental Quality Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Lakebed and Streambed Alteration Agreements, Porter-Cologne, and the federal and state Endangered Species Acts, and other environmental laws/regulations is ideal.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

• Strong problem-solving skills with a strategic mindset and political acumen.
• Ability to manage complex legal matters with minimal oversight.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to present legal concepts clearly and effectively.
• Experience in litigation, public agency law, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to maintain relationships with federal, state, and local agencies.

Preferred Knowledge

• Environmental and water law, flood risk reduction, and public agency contracting.
• Understanding of government organization, administrative procedures, and public agency operations.

Ideal Training and Education for both roles:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, and graduation from an accredited law school.

Required License or Certificate

• Must be a current member, in good standing, of the California State Bar Association.
• Must have pledged to comply or be willing to pledge to comply to the Santa Clara Bar County Association Code of Professional Conduct.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet the driver's license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

Application Process
Submit an application with a cover letter, resume, and California State Bar Association number by the deadline. Address the following in your cover letter:

• Who is the client of an attorney for a public entity? How would that influence the performance of your duties as the Assistant District Counsel/Senior Assistant District Counsel for the Santa Clara Valley Water District?
• Please describe the top three achievements of your professional legal career and why you are proud of them.
• Tell us about your experience in the following areas:
  • Environmental law (e.g., CEQA/NEPA, ESA/CESA, CWA, Porter-Cologne, LSAAs)
  • Navigating a multilayered regulatory environment
  • Other public agency law

Following the closing date, resumes and cover letters will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above. The most qualified candidates will be invited to Zoom panel interviews with a Valley Water-appointed interview panel. A select group of candidates will be asked to provide references once it is anticipated that they may be recommended as finalists. References will be contacted only following candidate approval. Finalist interviews will be held with a Valley Water executive interview panel.

Please review the job description and apply directly on the website: https://apptrkr.com/5803255

To apply, please visit https://apptrkr.com/5803255

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