Counsel - Legal Services Dept

      I.    POSITION OBJECTIVE  This position exists to provide the Company with on-demand legal counsel and legal analysis, with an emphasis on various federal and state environmental legal matters. The position will provide expert advice and guidance on state and federal environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act. The position will further help develop Company-wide strategies for federal and state regulatory responses and reports, including permit compliance reporting and state level reporting requirements. The position is expected to have frequent interaction with TCEQ and/or EPA. The position should be familiar with legal compliance surrounding air, water, and waste issues.The position also assists with other legal matters affecting the company, including litigation and transaction matters, as well as day-to-day operations of the legal department as directed by the department manager, including assistance with legal department budget management and assistance with department personnel management as needed.    II.    MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY  PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE: Provide verbal and written legal advice to Company management and Company personnel as needed in order to effectively minimize Company’s risk and maximize Company’s benefit, specifically regarding federal and state environmental laws and regulations. Prepare and present advice to Company management upon request. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE: Monitor relevant regulatory requirements for the Company involving air, water, and waste compliance. Provide frequent reports to department manager on updates to relevant regulatory requirements impacting the Company’s operations and/or business. CONTRACT REVIEW: Assist in contract approval process through the review and analysis of non-standard Company contracts presented to Texas Legal Services for review, specifically involving contracting with third-parties engaged in aiding the Company’s environmental compliance efforts. Draft and edit non-standard Company contracts as needed. ASSIST WITH LAWSUIT MANAGEMENT: Review and analyze lawsuits filed against the Company in Texas state or federal court, specifically involving environmental claims, including claims involving the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act. Assist with lawsuit resolution through the effective and efficient use of outside counsel. Assist with discovery coordination, document production, and depositions of Company personnel. Prepare litigation status reports to management upon request of department manager. CONTROL BUDGET: Assist department manager with operation of legal department within approved annual budget.  THM: Promote cleanliness and order through implementation of the Total Housekeeping Maintenance program. Emphasize Nothing Touch Ground program and No Visual Pollution program. Maintain the plant in like new condition.   III.    QUALIFICATIONS Education Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school is required Previous Related Experience Required  Prefer minimum of five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney with prior exposure to environmental law is preferred. Experience working with TCEQ and/or EPA is preferred Technical Skills Required to Perform This Job  Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations.  Strong interpersonal and communication skills.  Ability to perform risk/benefits analysis of legal issues and make recommendations.