General Counsel-WV Conservation Agency-Kanawha Co.

The West Virginia Conservation Agency is seeking a General Counsel to provide legal counsel and services related to the Agency's mission and operations. The role involves drafting regulations, advising leadership on legal matters, and collaborating with external legal entities. This position requires strong analytical, communication, and public speaking skills. It is based in Charleston, WV, and involves a professional office environment with some travel required.
JOB
This job opportunity is not in the classified service and is not covered by the West Virginia Division of Personnel merit system.
If you are interested in this position, you must apply directly to the hiring agency.


HOW TO APPLY: Submit resume to vacancies@wvca.us


GENERAL COUNSEL-WV CONSERVATION AGENCY-KANAWHA CO. This is an at-will position and is not covered under the West Virginia Division of Personnel rules.


Nature of Work:
Under the direction of the Executive Director of the West Virginia Conservation Agency, the candidate serves as legal counsel to the Agency and provides comprehensive legal services on matters related to the Agency’s mission, operations, programs, and policy. The position serves as the Agency’s legal authority in administrative and legal matters and performs related duties as assigned.
Work Environment:
This position functions primarily in a professional office environment and requires the ability to perform detailed analysis, communicate effectively both orally and written to the public, state and federal agencies, and various entities. Periodic travel, including occasional overnight travel, will be required.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Provides legal counsel to the Executive Director and Agency leadership regarding complex legal issues affecting Agency programs, policies, and operations.
Drafts administrative rules and regulations and may conduct administrative hearings.
Provides guidance to Agency staff regarding administrative procedures, court procedures, regulatory compliance, and legal requirements.
Assists in the development and implementation of Agency policies and procedures.
Reviews and provide recommendations regarding administrative rule amendments, proposed legislation, deeds, easements, financial matters, HR/personnel, special projects, and appeals involving contested cases.
Advises executive leadership on the interpretation and application of court decisions, statutes, rules, regulations, and other legal authorities involving complex legal or factual matters.
May collaborate with the Office of the Attorney General and outside legal counsel on legal matters affecting the Agency.
Coordinates legal activities and assignments within the office.
Responds to inquiries, complaints, and requests for information from the public and external stakeholders.
Performs additional duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to analyze complex facts, legal issues, and legal documents.
Ability to conduct administrative hearings and related proceedings.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, government agencies, elected officials, the public, and federal partners.
Ability to explain and clarify legal matters to the State Conservation Committee and Agency leadership.
Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and court decisions.
Knowledge of legal principles, methods, and processes, including administrative rule promulgation, legislative drafting, and the legislative process.
Skilled in public speaking and presenting legal or policy matters in public meetings.
Skilled with thorough knowledge of constitutional law, statutes, court decisions, state and federal laws and regulations, and established Agency policies and procedures.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse educational and professional backgrounds.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION This job opportunity is not in the classified service and is not covered by the West Virginia Division of Personnel merit system. Therefore, interested persons must apply directly to the hiring agency as directed above.