Associate Counsel or Senior Associate Counsel - Environmental Law

SALARY

Associate Counsel (Associate Counsel I): $131283 - $154454 annually

Senior Associate Counsel (Associate Counsel II): $144157 - $169593 annually

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home making it one of the largest regions in Canada and the fastest growing with a population thats expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography which is comprised of about 1800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities is as beautiful interesting and diverse as our government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canadas Best Employers by Forbes we offer a collaborative progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13 Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace aligned with our vision to create strong caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health dental and life insurance access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Programand corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - Were committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential participate freely in society and live with respect dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion Diversity Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Senior Counsel is responsible for providing advice on a broad range of legal issues to Regional Council Committees departments corporations boards and related entities on regulatory compliance approvals environmental due diligence environmental assessments land use planning contaminated lands risk management municipal water wastewater excess soil solid waste contracts and general municipal law; and negotiating with external agencies and partners at municipal provincial and federal levels.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

Provides legal and procedural advice to various Regional departments corporations boards and related entities on applicable legislation delivery of Regional services and infrastructure including development construction and governance.
Provides risk management advice and strategies.
Negotiates and prepares agreements and other legal documents for municipal service delivery project implementation and operational requirements of Regional departments corporations boards and related entities.
Attends Committee meetings departmental and cross-departmental meetings as required.
Responds to client enquiries directly and/or resolves difficult or highly sensitive complaints either verbally or in writing.
Prepares Committee and Council Reports and advises Senior Management on legal implications of departmental initiatives.
Supervises staff including recruitment selection hiring assigning work determining training and development needs and conducting performance appraisals.
Maintains current knowledge of developments in the law and their application to Regional responsibilities.
Performs other duties as required to meet Branch and Departmental objectives.

WHAT WE RE LOOKING FOR Successful completion of a University Degree in Law (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.).
Membership in good standing as a Lawyer in the Law Society of Ontario.
Associate Counsel: Minimum of one to three (1-3) years experience providing a broad range of legal services in the area of Environmental Law.
Senior Associate Counsel: Minimum of five (5) years experience providing a broad range of legal services in the area of Environmental Law.
Experience in and familiarity with the public sector would be an asset.
Demonstrated knowledge of legislation guidelines procedures and standards relevant to Environmental Law and a complete understanding of the Regional governmental structure.
Demonstrated knowledge of and ability in corporate core competencies including customer service communication team work initiative/self management and accountability and flexibility/adaptability.
Effective interpersonal and presentation skills to interact with members of Regional Council and staff of Regional departments corporations and boards and other government agencies.
Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications.
Proven analytical and decision making skills.
Ability to exercise appropriate judgement and discretion in dealing with privileged or controversial matters.
Demonstrated political acumen and ability to negotiate facilitate mediate and present information to a varied audience.
Ability to work outside normal business hours as required.