Assistant Attorney General Environmental Regulatory and Litigation

Assistant Attorney General - Environmental Regulatory and Litigation

FT / PT Status Full-Time
Salary $58.44 - $87.04 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office In-Office / On-Site

Recruiter Etta Adkins
Application Deadline 7/31/2026

Key Responsibilities

Environmental Regulatory and Litigation Role Supporting UtahDepartment of Environmental Quality

This recruitment will be open until filled. Applications will be reviewed weekly.

The Environment Section of the Environment Health and Human Services Division of the Utah Attorney Generals Office is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as regulatory counsel for the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Civil litigation experience preferred but not required. The primary responsibilities include regulatory support for permitting enforcement and rulemaking matters. Enforcement and permitting matters include administrative and civil litigation work including appellate support. Candidates must have at least three years of full-time law practice experience and must be members or eligible for membership in the Utah State Bar with admission or eligibility for admission to practice in Utah state and federal courts.

A strong background in administrative and appellate litigation regulatory experienceparticularly in environmental lawand technical or scientific expertise are preferred. Excellent written and oral communication skills legal research abilities and a demonstrated interest or prior experience in environmental energy and natural resources law are highly valued. The attorney will collaborate with scientists engineers enforcement specialists and other professionals on interdisciplinary teams.

DEQ administers programs under Utah Code Title 19 including EPA primacy and state-based environmental programs such as Water Quality Air Quality Solid and Hazardous Waste Drinking Water Petroleum Storage Tanks Site Investigation and Remediation as well as Agreement State Programs (Uranium Recovery Radioactive Waste/Materials) with the NRC. The Environment Section is responsible for all DEQ litigation and regulatory support and offers a collegial collaborative atmosphere with flexible hybrid work options at its Salt Lake City location.

• Conduct legal research and analysis evaluate evidence interview witnesses and draft legal documents for DEQ civil enforcement.
• Assist in assessment and recovery of civil penalties through litigation or settlement.
• File civil actions to enforce administrative orders; represent DEQ in district court reviews.
• Collaborate on joint enforcement activities with EPA where jurisdiction overlaps.
• Represent DEQ in contested permitting matters and administrative appeals.
• Support DEQ in federal court cases including circuit court litigation and amicus briefs related to Clean Air Act and Radiation Control Act.
• Respond to hazardous materials releases support DEQ in emergency situations investigations Superfund voluntary cleanup petroleum storage tanks and cost recovery.
• Assist with administrative rulemaking and preparing for appeals under Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.
• Work with EPA and NRC to ensure federal program compliance including issuing opinion letters.
• Support DEQ in nationwide EPA enforcement litigation matters.
• Limited travel including overnight stays may be required.

Applicants must submit a cover letter describing their interest in the position resume (including relevant accomplishments work experience class rank and G.P.A.) contact details three references unofficial law school transcript and a substantive writing sample. A security background check is required. Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted. The Utah Office of the Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• A Juris Doctorate degree is required.
• Active membership in the Utah State Bar where mandated by statute.
• Ability to travel as needed for the position.
• Must successfully complete a background investigation prior to final employment offer.
• Comfortable working in a typical office environment including safe use of office equipment and adherence to fire regulations.
• Capable of sitting for extended periods with occasional walking standing bending carrying light items or driving; no special physical demands are required.
• Salary determined by experience level based on initial Bar admittance year and years actively practicing law; annual salary ranges by grade level are provided.

Supplemental Information:

• A Juris Doctorate is required.
• Risks found in the typical office setting which is adequately lighted heated and ventilated e.g. safe use of office equipment avoiding trips and falls observing fire regulations etc.
• Typically the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile etc.
• A conditional offer of employment will be made pending a satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
• Must be able to travel as required.
• Active membership in the Utah State Bar required by the end of the probationary period.
• Attorneys are hired at a salary consistent with their experience-level-peers in non-supervisory positions. For the purpose of starting salary calculation experience level is based on initial Bar admittance year less any years not practicing law. Annual salary ranges for each grade level are outlined below:

Grade Level Bar Year Approximate Salary
2023-2025 $121500
2020-2022 $127700
2016-2019 $134300
2015-Prior $140900 - $180000(Depending on Experience)

About the Role

Location
240 N 1950 W
Salt Lake City Utah 84116
United States
Background Check Required You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Schedule Code AG - Employees at the Attorney Generals Office

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah we believe hard work is important but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation strong work ethics and mutual support.

The Utah Attorney Generals Office

If you are looking to make a meaningful impact while workingin a dynamic fast-paced legal environment the Attorney Generals Officeoffers a unique opportunity. As counselors protectors and stewards theOffice plays a vital role in defending both the U.S. and Utah constitutionsprotecting residents and preserving the resources that make Utah contribute to upholding justice advising state agencies andsafeguarding the rights and interests of Utahs citizens. With responsibilitiesranging from prosecuting corporate misconduct to enforcing public lands policyand supporting childrens justice initiatives your work here will be bothdiverse and rewarding. Join a team dedicated to serving the public andadvancing the cause of justice in Utah.

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race color ancestry religion sex national origin sexual orientation age citizenship marital status disability gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations please contact .

Required Experience:

Junior IC