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Job Description
Duties Description
The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is seeking a highly collaborative individual to serve as an Associate Counsel. Duties include but are not limited to:
• Provide legal support and advice to the Human Resources, Health and Safety and Labor Relations Bureaus of the Office.
• Draft, review, edit and advise on the development of policies involving all areas of employment including reasonable accommodation, human rights, and family leave.
• Respond to EEOC and Human Rights complaints on behalf of the Office, and liaison with the Office of Employee Relations on discrimination investigations.
• Represent the agency in administrative hearings, such as arbitration hearings related to employee discipline, interview and prepare witnesses, present evidence, draft briefs and motions.
• Serve as liaison with the claim and litigation bureaus of the Office of the Attorney General and function as the Chief Legal Hold Compliance and e-discovery officer.
• Prepare periodic reports on pending cases and maintain the agency’s litigation docket.
In this role the Associate Counsel will advise staff on health and safety issues, particularly those that may result in negligence claims against the State. This may require periodic travel to state parks and other sites related to litigation matters or to provide training to staff on related topics. Due to the small size of the office and diversity of issues that arise, the Associate Counsel may handle other work as necessary.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must have been admitted to the New York State Bar and must have had four years of experience in the practice of law subsequent to admission to the Bar.
Additional Comments
Operating Needs:
The Associate Counsel will join a small, but collaborative legal office committed to serving agency staff in the mission of providing safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources. This position requires the candidate to both work independently and as part of a team; possess sound judgment and a high degree of confidentiality, strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities at one time.
Preferred candidate will have minimum of 5 years of legal experience in administrative or civil litigation, preferably with experience in employment law, labor relations or health and safety. The candidate must have experience drafting and reviewing legal documents, strong verbal and written communication skills, and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Closing Date/Time: 02/21/25 -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
Show moreThe mission of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.
From the shores of Long Island to the mighty Niagara Falls, New York's 180 state parks offer countless opportunities to explore your natural environment, escape from the grind of the everyday and experience exciting new adventures. Beaches, boat launches, hiking trails, campsites, and golf courses all await you!
New York's state parks... With all there is to see and do, how will you spend your time?
NEW YORK STATE IS KNOCKING IT OUT OF THE PARKS!
Come work with us, and...
- Be a part of the premier park system in the United States - with more than 250 state parks, historic sites, golf courses, swimming pools, beaches, campgrounds, marinas, trails, and museums and nature centers.
- Work in some of the most beautiful, scenic, and historic places New York State has to offer.
- Make a tangible impact on your community. Parks are for everyone, and all are welcome here: People of every age, ability, color, or creed belong here – without exceptions – yourself included! People of every kind come visit us in order to have experiences – and at OPRHP, we get to be part of these special times in truly meaningful ways. See how you can make a difference as a part of Team OPRHP!
State parks and historic sites are staffed by a core of permanent employees who work year-round to maintain these precious resources. During the peak of our operating season (May through September) the permanent staff is supplemented by several thousand seasonal employees who work to ensure that our patrons have a positive and safe experience when visiting our sites.
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