Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING

Position Number:  00115878

Description Activated On:  12/15/2023 8:15:19 AM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. 

 This position is responsible for performing legal work at the full professional performance level within the PA Fish and Boat Commission under the general direction of the agency’s Chief Counsel.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

This position serves as Assistant Counsel for the PA Fish and Boat Commission. This role has responsibility for rendering legal advice to Commission members and staff and providing a full range of legal services, including litigation, the preparation and review of contracts, leases, deeds and other documents; the conduct of research in rendering legal opinions; preparing and reviewing materials for proposed legislation; and the formulation of agency rules and regulations.

Specific duties include:
Providing legal advice and assistance to Commissioners and Commission employees, particularly bureau directors and division chiefs, regarding legal questions, problems and concerns relating to the agency’s operations.
Drafting and reviewing Commission rules and regulations.
Drafting and reviewing legislation pertaining to agency operations.
Representing the agency in hearings before administrative boards and the courts on the full range of administrative, civil and/or criminal proceedings.
Advising agency personnel regarding the relicensing of hydroelectric facilities in the Commonwealth and representing the agency before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
In conjunction with the Bureau of Law Enforcement, working with district attorneys and courts throughout the Commonwealth to prosecute violators of laws under the agency’s jurisdiction.
Preparing and reviewing contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding and other legal documents for the agency. Reviews and approves agency contracts for legality and form.
Providing briefing and training sessions to agency law enforcement personnel on the application and interpretation of laws and regulations, legal rights and responsibilities, rules of evidence, and courtroom proceedings.
Advising agency personnel relating to matters involving the licensing and registration functions of the agency.
Providing support and guidance to agency grant programs.
Serves as the Commission's Open Records Officer regarding requests under the Right-to-Know Law.
As directed by the Chief Counsel, attending Commission and Boating Advisory Board meetings and other proceedings that pertain to the agency’s operations.
Providing liaison with the Office of the Attorney General and other Commonwealth agencies on legal matters relating to the Commission’s operations, programs and activities.
Other duties as assigned by the Chief Counsel.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

Provides legal advice and guidance directly to agency head and staff.
Researches complex legal issues and makes recommendations to Chief Counsel.
Drafts contracts, including cooperative agreements, grant agreements, real estate documents, etc.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:



Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   Certificate of Admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
 
2.   N/A
 
3.   N/A
 
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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
 
 1. Knowledge of common law and state and federal laws.
 2. Knowledge of the judicial procedures and of the rules of evidence.
 3. Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research.
 4. Knowledge of the methods and practices of pleading civil or criminal cases in court.
 5. Analyzing and organizing facts, evidence and precedents in moderately complex cases and presenting them.
 6. Analyzing legal documents and instruments.
 7. Dealing tactfully and effectively with officials, employees and general public.
 8. Drafting legal documents and proposed regulations and legislation.
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