🚀 Assistant Attorney General - Ecology Division, Environmental Quality Section, Olympia

Overview

The Ecology Division seeks an attorney with a passion for public service and a strong interest in environmental law to serve as an Assistant Attorney General in our Environmental Quality Section. Our Division is located in Olympia and consists of 30 attorneys and 13 professional staff. We value collaboration and teamwork, diversity, flexibility, transparency, and collegiality. This position primarily provides legal support to the Department of Ecology (Ecology).

The position is located in Olympia, Washington. Olympia is a diverse, affordable and safe community. Living and working in Olympia offers opportunities to pursue a rewarding career while living in a vibrant area. Olympia is situated between Seattle and Portland, with access to outdoor activities and amenities. Families and individuals will benefit from Olympia’s schools and community institutions.

Responsibilities

• Represent Ecology in hearings before the Pollution Control Hearings Board and Shorelines Hearings Board related to Ecology’s implementation of state and federal clean water laws, shoreline management, and spills response and preparedness laws, and handle related appeals.
• Represent Ecology in state and federal court on a variety of issues, including multi-state lawsuits involving water quality regulation.
• Advise Ecology on implementation issues under state and federal clean water, shoreline management, and spills response and preparedness statutes and regulations, including rulemaking issues.
• Provide advice to Ecology’s property acquisition workgroup (real property law issues).
• Provide advice to Ecology on Public Records Act implementation and compliance.
• Provide advice and representation to Ecology on a variety of other environmental and land use matters, such as proposed legislation, grants and acquisitions, compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act, and compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
• Work in a team setting and communicate effectively with a wide variety of individuals (opposing counsel, engineers, biologists, businesses, local governments, federal agencies, community organizations, and Tribes).

Qualifications

• Graduation from a law school accredited by the ABA or completion of the WSBA Rule 6 Law Clerk Program and be licensed to practice law in Washington State. Applicants who meet other qualifications and are actively pursuing admission will be considered.
• Established civil litigation experience (including discovery, motions practice, and trial practice) and expertise in water quality regulation is a plus.
• Willingness to learn about technical subject matter and interact with clients from diverse science and engineering backgrounds.
• Excellent writing, interpersonal, and communication skills; interest in supporting professional growth of colleagues.

In addition to these requirements, the AGO seeks applicants committed to public service and diversity, with an inclusive environment that strengthens community relations and mission delivery.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: AAG salaries set between $82,212 and $153,996 (exact amount per Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA).
• Medical, dental, retirement, and other standard benefits; health and wellness programs; and professional development opportunities.
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options.
• Formal mentoring program and a supportive work environment.

Application Process

Interested applicants must apply online. In addition to the online application, please upload (preferably as PDFs):

• A letter of interest;
• Resume;
• Law school transcript (unofficial copy acceptable);
• Writing sample (10 pages or less).

For questions about this position, contact Carol Carney at or .

EEO and Accommodation: The Washington State Office of the Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, veteran or military status, disability, or the use of a service animal. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at For hearing impairment accommodations, contact the Washington Relay Service at or

The AGO does not use the E-Verify system and does not participate in STEM OPT Post-Completion programs. For more information, see