Senior Attorney (NYS HELPS)

Duties Description

The New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is seeking a Senior Attorney to serve as the Records Access Officer responsible for overseeing the management of Freedom of Information Law requests, including substantive legal review of FOIL exemptions applicable to records and advising staff on records management practices. Under the supervision of the Supervising Attorney and General Counsel, the Senior Attorney will also provide legal services, advice and counsel to the Marine Services Bureau and Snowmobile Unit in support of implementation of ORPHP’s responsibilities under the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law and Navigation Law. Additionally, the Senior Attorney, in consultation with program staff and other staff attorneys, will be responsible for preparing rules, and regulations to implement agency program requirements. The Senior Attorney may be called upon to assist with the agency’s Legislative agenda, including the drafting and reviewing of bills and perform related duties as requested by the Supervising Attorney.

Familiarity with the Freedom of Information Law, the State Administrative Procedure Act and the Navigation Law is preferred, but not required.

The Senior Attorney 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 and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources. Through the rulemaking process and the processing of FOIL requests, this position allows for the incumbent to be introduced to the varied programs and services the agency provides and the legal issues that arise.

Telecommuting and compressed work schedules are available.

Minimum Qualifications

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.

At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

NON-COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Admission to the NYS bar and two years of post-licensure professional legal experience.

COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Must be reachable on the appropriate New York State Civil Service eligible list.

70.1/52.6 TRANSFER QUALIFICATIONS:
One year of permanent or contingent permanent in an eligible title for transfer determined to be similar by Civil Service. For transfers, a list of approved titles is available through Civil Service GOT-IT at https://careermobilityoffice.cs.ny.gov/cmo/gotit/. The GOT-IT site will inform you if your title is transferrable.

It is essential that candidates clearly and concisely indicate exactly how they meet the above minimum qualifications in their resume/email submission. Failure to show how you meet the minimum qualifications above may result in disqualification and removal from consideration.
NOTE: Admission to the New York State Bar and current registration to practice law in New York State is required for continued employment. Disbarment or loss of registration shall result in termination or suspension of employment.
This position may be designated 55 b/c and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility.

* *WHEN APPLYING, PLEASE ADVISE HOW YOU MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS* *

Additional Comments

BENEFITS:
Generous benefits package, worth approximately 65% of salary, including:
Paid Time Off:
• PEF: 44 days - 13 Vacation days, 13 Sick days, and 5 Personal Leave days, 13 Holidays.
Health Care Benefits:
• Eligible employees and dependents can pick from a variety of affordable health insurance programs.
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
Additional Benefits:
• New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) Membership
• NYS Deferred Compensation
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Paid Parental Leave

Learn more about our benefits for permanent state employees, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Closing Date/Time: 02/20/25

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• New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

• 518-474-0453

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