Deputy Attorney General I-V Dept of Natural Resources & Environmental Control

The State of Delaware is hiring a Deputy Attorney General I-V for the Civil Division's Environmental Unit. This position involves providing legal support to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, focusing on environmental law enforcement and litigation. The role offers a hybrid work environment, a 37.5 hour work week, generous benefits, and a supportive workplace. Preferred qualifications include experience in litigation and environmental law.
Introduction

Delaware’s Attorney General, the State’s chief law enforcement officer, has a broad responsibility to combat crime, uphold civil rights, safeguard families, provide legal services to entirety of state government, and fight fraud.

In the Civil Division, approximately 80 attorneys provide legal support to the executive branch agencies in the form of general counsel advice, administrative hearing prosecutions, board representation, and all stages of civil litigation.

Attorneys in the Civil Division enjoy a 37.5 hour work week with true work/life balance including: a hybrid work environment, no billable hours, generous paid time off, affordable benefits plans, free trainings and CLE, 12 weeks paid parental leave, exclusive public service student loan forgiveness programs, pension eligibility, and a supportive collaborative work environment.

Summary Statement

The Department of Justice is seeking a Deputy Attorney General (DAG) for the Civil Division, to serve in the Environmental Unit in New Castle County or in Kent County. The Environmental Unit offers advice on a full range of legal issues to Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), which includes the following Divisions: Waste & Hazardous Substances; Fish & Wildlife; Parks & Recreation; Watershed Stewardship; Water; Climate, Coastal & Energy; and the Environmental Crimes Unit. Representation includes enforcement of environmental laws and permit violations through administrative actions and litigation.

Career Ladder

The Deputy Attorney General (DAG) career steps and salaries are based on experience, skills and the number of years barred.

Salary:

Pay Grade A12 DAG I Salary Range $75,684/min $83,252/max

Pay Grade A14 DAG II Salary Range $87,822/min $92,106/max

Pay Grade A16 DAG III Salary Range $96,997/min $99,129/max

Pay Grade A18 DAG IV Salary Range $106,626/min $108,737/max

Pay Grade A20 DAG V Salary Range $118,238/min $122,920/max

Preferred Qualification

Applicants who do not possess the preferred qualification will still be eligible to compete for this position if job requirements are met.
• Experience in litigation and administrative law, including regulatory practice.
• Background in natural resources law and environmental issues.

Essential Functions

This Deputy Attorney General works within the Department of Justice’s Environmental Unit and serves as one of the DAGs assigned to represent the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), with a particular focus upon hazardous waste enforcement and litigation. This DAG will: enforce environmental laws and permit violations through administrative actions and litigation; defend DNREC before administrative boards and Delaware Courts; review documents, permits and contracts; review legislation and regulations; and advise in areas such as human relations and risk management.

The DAG will have other duties related to the Environmental Unit, as well as handling additional assignments as directed by the State Solicitor, Deputy State Solicitor, Unit Head, or Assistant Unit Head.

Job Requirements

The DAG should be able to take a proactive approach to assisting its agency clients; therefore, a successful candidate should have the ability to work with State agencies to identify potential issues and assist State agencies to address such issues to minimize or avoid future legal action. The DAG should be able to work independently, meet deadlines, communicate clearly with client agencies, and should have demonstrated legal ability and a thorough knowledge of relevant laws and court rules. Membership in the Delaware Bar is not required, but applicant must be eligible for limited admission pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 55.

Additional Posting Information
• Please be sure to upload a recent copy of your resume, as you complete the application process for this posting.
• This position is exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System.
• This posting may close before 7/27/2025 upon filling the vacant position.

Conditions of Hire
• Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.
• Direct deposit of paychecks is required as a condition of hire.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• This position is part of a job classification that is represented by an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization), as elected by employees in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapters 13 and 16. While this position is now covered under a bargaining unit, a collective bargaining agreement is currently under negotiation, and terms and conditions of employment may be subject to change upon its ratification.

Benefits

Department of Justice Benefits Include:
• May be eligible Loan forgiveness (State and Federal).
• State of Delaware healthcare plan.
• State of Delaware pension plan.
• Over 4 weeks of vacation per year.
• 3 weeks of paid sick leave per year.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.