ABOUT THIS RECRUITMENTOur attorneys face some of the most challenging, cutting-edge legal issues in the environmental field. As such, we are seeking exceptional, motivated candidates to fill multiple vacancies in our Legal office. The vacancies may be filled at either level listed below, depending on the qualifications of the selected candidates. SENIOR DEPUTY DISTRICT COUNSEL ($139,014 to $188,422 Annual base salary)Performs difficult and complex legal work representing South Coast AQMD in cases involving civil law; supervises Deputy District Counsels I/II and support personnel; drafts rules and legal documents; prepares formal opinions; and does other work as required.PRINCIPAL DEPUTY DISTRICT COUNSEL ($145,512 to $197,228 Annual base salary)Assists in handling the most sensitive, controversial, or complex legal matters encountered in the Legal Office, as well as assisting in the day-to day direction of attorneys and support staff. A Principal Deputy District Counsel may act for the General Counsel or Chief Deputy Counsel in his/her absence.EXAMPLE OF DUTIESSENIOR DEPUTY DISTRICT COUNSEL:Represents South Coast AQMD in difficult and complex administrative proceedings, both quasi-judicial and quasi-legislative, including background investigation matters and interviewing witnesses.Represents South Coast AQMD before the Superior Court, and State and federal agencies.Supervises Deputy District Counsels and support personnel; directs investigative personnel in developing and preparing civil and criminal cases for prosecution.Interprets South Coast AQMD rules and regulations and prepares both oral and written advisory material for South Coast AQMD management and staff.Drafts and reviews, for form and content, South Coast AQMD rules, permits, contracts, leases and other legal documents.Confers with and counsels all South Coast AQMD management and staff on legal matters pertaining to the South Coast AQMD operations and obligations.Prepares formal opinions, pleadings and other papers in connection with South Coast AQMD litigation.Conducts legal research, prepares and litigates cases on South Coast AQMD's behalf, before South Coast AQMD Hearing Board, State and federal courts, and State and federal administrative boards and commissions.Assists in the drafting of leases, contracts and other legal instruments.When designated, may act for the Principal Deputy District Counsel in the absence of the incumbent. PRINCIPAL DEPUTY DISTRICT COUNSEL:Assists in the role of legal advisor to South Coast AQMD's Board, Executive Officer, and staff on all legal issues affecting the operations of South Coast AQMD. In the Legal Office, assists in the representation of South Coast AQMD in civil and administrative cases pertaining to enforcement of South Coast AQMD air quality regulations and rules.Researches and prepares drafts of legislation, rules, and formal or informal opinions for South Coast AQMD's Board, Hearing Board, Executive Officer, or other staff, on legal matters affecting their respective functions and operations; directs the preparation of and reviews opinions or cases prepared by legal staff; and participates in the most difficult or complex civil or criminal air quality hearings or cases.Assists in representing South Coast AQMD in matters before the Hearing Board, in civil or criminal litigation before the courts, in appearances before other public agencies and legislative bodies, and provides interpretations and advice on complex legal issues involving South Coast AQMD's rules, regulations, and operations.Assists in the day-to-day direction of legal and support staff, including review of work, and providing technical supervision to attorneys.MINIMUM AND DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONSDESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONSIn addition to the Minimum Qualifications which follow, the most competitively qualified candidates will possess: Knowledge and/or experience that is directly transferable to South Coast AQMD’s operations.Exceptional leadership, supervisory, oral presentation, negotiation, and written communication skills.Significant civil or criminal trial experience, particularly involving prosecution or defense of environmental matters, administrative hearings, and/or handling other environmental litigation.Experience working effectively across office or departmental lines to elicit cooperation and accomplish program goals.Ability to interact with a wide variety of stakeholders and establish a credible presence when representing agency programs and policies. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Active membership in the State Bar Association of California and admission to practice law in all courts of California is REQUIRED for both levels in this classification series. Note: If you have recently taken the CA Bar exam and are awaiting results, you may be conditionally qualified pending results. If this applies to you, please indicate so on the supplemental questionnaire. SENIOR DEPUTY DISTRICT COUNSEL: EXPERIENCE: Either two years of experience in the class or Deputy District Counsel II -OR- two years as an attorney representing individuals, organizations, or government in hearings and court proceedings involving governmental regulations, environmental or administrative law. KNOWLEDGE OF: Legal principles; the rules of evidence; the conduct of court proceedings; duties, powers and limitations of governmental agencies; principles of civil and criminal law and their application to governmental agencies in general and South Coast AQMD in particular; methods, procedures and practices used in the conduct of civil and criminal litigation, the preparation of legal instruments; supervisory principles and practices; environmental law, administrative agency practice, and writ practice is highly desirable. ABILITY TO: Represent South Coast AQMD in hearings and civil cases and before administrative agencies of government; draw up legal documents; advise legal and non-legal staff on legal issues, opinions and practices pertaining to hearings, civil and criminal cases; gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal action; correlate findings and prepare cases; examine and cross-examine witnesses; plan, organize, coordinate and supervise the work of assigned personnel. PRINCIPAL DEPUTY DISTRICT COUNSEL: EXPERIENCE: One year of experience as a Senior Deputy District Counsel - OR - Four years of progressively responsible experience as an attorney representing individuals, organizations, or government in hearings and court proceedings involving governmental regulations, environmental, or administrative law. KNOWLEDGE OF: Legal principles; rules of evidence; conduct of court proceedings; duties, powers and limitations of governmental agencies; principles of civil law and their application to governmental agencies; the policies, rules, and regulations governing South Coast AQMD; legal research methods; and principles and practices of supervision and caseload management. ABILITY TO: Represent South Coast AQMD in hearings, court cases, and before administrative agencies of government; advise legal and non-legal staff on legal issues, opinions, and practices pertaining to hearings, civil or administrative cases; perform research and gather information or evidence upon which to make recommendations, formulate opinions or initiate legal action and formulate defense; communicate clearly, diplomatically and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective relationships with all those encountered in the course of work. LICENSE: Possession of a valid California Class "C" Driver License may be required.