Description
Overview
The Vermont Land Use Review Board, formerly the Natural Resources Board, has an immediate opening for an exempt, full-time staff attorney to join the Board's legal team at a pivotal time as the Board transitions to a system of location-based land use regulation.
The Land Use Review Board is a state governmental entity that oversees the administration of Act 250, Vermont's land use and development law. Act 250 was enacted by the Vermont legislature in 1970 to protect the environment in balance with sustainable development. The law establishes standards and priorities for environmental and aesthetic protections through a statewide land use permitting program implemented by regional district environmental commissions. It was substantially updated by Act 181 of 2024 (“An act relating to community resilience and biodiversity protection through land use”), which puts in place a new 5-member, full-time professional board and reorganizes how Act 250 is implemented to help address the state's housing crisis while bolstering environmental protections in critical natural resources areas in the face of climate change.
The Staff Attorney reports to the General Counsel and will work closely with the Associate General Counsel, regional district environmental commissions and coordinators, Board compliance and enforcement staff, and other state agencies and employees. Representative responsibilities include providing legal counsel (directly or through the General Counsel or Associate General Counsel) to the Board, Board staff, and to the nine district environmental commissions in permitting proceedings throughout the state; fairly and equitably enforcing Act 250 permits through administrative action and before the Environmental Division of Vermont Superior Court; representing the Board in Act 250 permit appeals before the Environmental Division; participating in rule-making proceedings; performing research and providing written guidance to the Board and staff regarding obligations under the Public Records Act and Open Meetings laws; and providing substantive input on pending legislation.
This dynamic position requires balancing long-term projects with arising issues that require a more immediate response, so candidates must be effective time managers and experienced at balancing multiple projects and shifting priorities. The successful candidate will be a team player with excellent oral and written communication skills who can work effectively with diverse stakeholders through a variety of communication mediums. Environmental, land use, and/or other administrative law experience is desired. Three or more years of relevant legal experience, including litigation and administrative law experience, is preferred. The individual must be a member of the Vermont bar in good standing (or eligible to waive in). Salary and benefits will be based on the State of Vermont Attorney Pay Plan and the individual's qualifications and experience.
The position is based out of the Board's historic office building in Montpelier, with opportunities for telework and hybrid work arrangements. At the time of this posting, Board staff are primarily working remotely, with some in-person meetings.
Please apply by submitting a letter of interest, resume, references, and a writing sample to SuccessFactors. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
This position, Staff Attorney - Land Use Review Board (Job Requisition #51143), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Madeline.Cotter@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Minimum Qualifications
Environmental, land use, and/or other administrative law experience is desired. Three or more years of relevant legal experience, including litigation and administrative law experience, is preferred. The individual must be a member of the Vermont bar in good standing (or eligible to waive in). Salary and benefits will be based on the State of Vermont Attorney Pay Plan and the individual's qualifications and experience.
Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.Apply on company website
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