Associate Counsel
Interested applicants should submit cover letter, resume, and one representative writing sample to Jason Turner (jturner@crwcd.org).
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis after July 31. Position will be open until filled.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Based out of our office in beautiful Glenwood Springs, CO.
- Serves as an experienced associate-level legal officer for the organization. Performs professional legal work in support of the organization’s legal matters, and researches and analyzes issues of concern to the organization.
- Prepares and files briefs, motions, and other pleadings in litigation matters and represents the organization in the litigation of water rights and other matters.
- Works with District staff to draft and implement contracts.
- Helps advise the River District’s board of directors and staff in areas of water law, contracts, real property, employment issues, water quality, and environmental regulation.
- Advises management about legal issues affecting the organization’s governance and its substantive initiatives and positions. May work directly with board members on assigned issues and legal matters.
- Participates in the negotiation of complex agreements, litigation settlements, contracts, federal and state legislative and administrative issues.
- Position will typically involve significant travel throughout the District’s 15-county territory and occasional travel within and outside the state of Colorado.
- Reports to the organization’s General Counsel and Senior Counsel.
The salary range for the position is $108,097-$156,740.
Comprehensive Benefits .pdf
TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Licensed attorney with three or more years’ experience in water law, governmental law, environmental law, contracts and civil litigation. A strong understanding of Colorado and West Slope water issues is preferred. Colorado Bar Admission required.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
In addition to the educational and experience requirements, the following skills are essential to the job:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to communicate succinctly, effectively, and professionally.
- Independent, self-starter with ability to manage multiple priorities and work well with the organization’s staff in a sometimes-demanding work environment.
- Ability to work seamlessly with the organization’s board of directors and staff. Skillful advocacy and partnership with policy, legal, and technical representatives of federal, state, and local governmental entities, as well as private organizations and individual constituents.
- Knowledge of Colorado water law, geography, hydrology, and water administration.
- Able to work collaboratively with River District constituents and other entities on complex issues.
- Ability to successfully oversee and achieve multiple projects while prioritizing a complex and varied workload.
- Must possess proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Suite.
ADDITIONAL PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Knowledge of federal permitting issues such as NEPA, FERC, etc.
- Experience working with technical professionals. Understanding of engineering principles is preferred.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Perform legal and factual research and analysis concerning water rights and water quality issues, environmental statutes and regulations affecting water use, real property, contracts, employment issues, municipal governance and finance, and other matters. Prepare memoranda, correspondence, contracts, pleadings, and other documents concerning such issues.
- Provide legal representation of the District regarding various legal and policy initiatives associated with the District’s policies.
- Participate in litigation, including depositions, court hearings, discovery, trials, appeals, and administrative hearings and rule makings.
- Prepare for and participate in meetings and negotiations concerning District legal and policy matters, including Board and Committee meetings, to discuss matters with client directors and staff and with aligned and opposing parties and members of the public.
- Negotiate, draft, and implement various contracts, including consultant contracts, grant contracts, construction contracts, federal pass-through contracts, agreements with other state agencies, property arrangements, etc.
- Provide leadership, guidance and direction to District Paralegal and/or outside consultants in carrying out assigned duties as directed by General Counsel or Senior Counsel.
- Participate in continuation of professional education activities to keep informed of legal trends, decisions, and related matters and to maintain license requirements.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Perform other work-related duties as assigned by General Counsel or Senior Counsel.
