Who We Are: The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts' environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. ??Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition. Who We Are as an Employer: At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents. Description: The Labor Relations ("LR") section of the EEA Office of General Counsel ("EEA Legal") advises the Secretary, management of all EEA agencies, and EEA's Human Resources department ("HR") with regard to all aspects of labor and employment issues affecting the secretariat, including collective bargaining, investigations, arbitration, and litigation relating to labor and employment issues. Additionally, LR serves as management's representative at monthly labor-management committee meetings and midterm bargaining. The Associate General Counsel position ("AGC") sits in the LR section of the EEA Legal and provides employment and labor relations legal services to all agencies within EEA. Responsibilities Include but are not limited to: Representing EEA agencies before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination ("MCAD") and Civil Service Commission. Works in partnership with EEA HR to ensure that SHRPs, Employee Relations, and management decisions align with organizational needs and meet our obligations under the collective bargaining agreements and applicable labor and employment laws. Providing expert consultation on employment investigations and collective bargaining. Consulting with agency clients and providing legal advice. Assisting with policy development and drafting of legislation. Researching and drafting legal memos. Assisting investigators with ongoing investigations. Providing legal support to collective bargaining. Providing assistance to the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsels as directed. Assisting HRD labor counsel in preparing matters for arbitration and hearings before the Department of Labor Relations. Leading monthly labor-management committees and represents agencies in mid-term bargaining. Advising clients on progressive discipline and obligations under MGL c. 150e. Performing other duties as assigned. Qualifications Required at Hire: Applicants must be a licensed attorney or pending bar admission at the time of hire. Preferred Skills and Qualifications: At least five years of experience as a licensed attorney, preferably in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, working in the labor and employment specialty, with thorough knowledge of federal, state, and, where applicable, local laws, rules, and regulation pertaining to labor and employment. Knowledge of litigation preparation, representation, negotiation, advocacy and writing effective legal briefs and memoranda. Knowledge of collective bargaining procedures. Knowledge of arbitration procedures. Ability to conduct hearings. Ability to interpret rules, regulations, and statutes. Ability to use Westlaw database and other research tools. Ability to analyze facts and evidence as to obtain a clear and well-developed concept of the issues. Ability to express and present ideas orally and in writing in a clear and effective manner. Ability to effectively mediate complex and highly charged employment disputes. Ability to manage a variety of issues / projects in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Superior client-relations skills. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, professional internship, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below. Applicants must be a licensed attorney or pending bar admission at the time of hire. Substitutions: I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience. II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience. IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required experience. Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Job: Legal ServicesOrganization: Exec Office Of Energy and Environmental Affairs Title: Associate General Counsel, Labor Relations Location: Massachusetts-Boston-100 Cambridge Street Requisition ID: 250005YY
