Associate General Counsel (Environmental and Energy)

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on public health and the environment? Join the MWRA team! We deliver some of the nation's highest-quality drinking water to 3 million residents, restored Boston Harbor, and continue to invest in protecting vital public resources. Be part of a mission-driven organization where your work truly makes a difference in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Summary:

Handles all legal issues, providing advice and counsel, and managing staff in the areas of responsibilities described below.

Posting Period: 4/2/2026 to 4/15/2026
Location: Deer Island (Winthrop), MA
Salary: $170,000.00 - $173,000.00 Annually
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Key Responsibilities

• Provides counsel and advice and develops the Authority's response to environmental, health and safety and energy law matters, including representing the Authority before and interacting with applicable state and federal regulatory agencies.
• Provides legal advice and guidance in all areas of federal and state environmental law including clean water, safe drinking water, clean air, hazardous and toxic substances, land and water use and conservation, wetlands, environmental impact review, permitting and common law actions.
• Provides counsel and advice to staff and representation of the Authority regarding the Authority's Toxic Reduction and Control (TRAC) program and regulations, including permitting and enforcement matters. Oversees promulgation or amendments of TRAC's regulations.
• Provides legal guidance, advice and counsel to staff of the Authority's Environmental Quality and Environmental and Regulatory Affairs Departments.
• Manages Law Division review of the issuance of permits under section 8(m) of the Authority's Enabling Act - Chapter 372 of the Acts of 1984. Advises and provides legal counsel regarding direct connections, water supply contracts, expansion initiatives, water and sewer requests from outside the service area and new admissions.
• Drafts, reviews and provides legal advice and counsel for a variety of transactions, contracts and legal agreements involving the Authority.
• Provides counsel and advice in all areas of federal and state energy law and public utility law including renewable and alternative energy (hydro, wind, combined heat & power, solar, etc.), clean energy, Renewable Portfolio Standards and Renewable Energy Certificates, energy projects and initiatives, power purchase agreements, energy efficiency, demand response, conservation and resiliency, climate change, regulated utility contracts, and applicable tariffs.
• Represents the Authority on energy and public utility matters, including those that affect the Authority and arise under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and ISO-New England.
• Drafts, analyzes and reviews legislation and regulations affecting the Authority and advises senior managers about the potential impacts upon the Authority's activities, practices and procedures.
• Researches, interprets and determines the applicability of federal, state and local laws, regulations and case law. Conducts legal research as required.
• Analyzes and develops rules, regulations, and policies, and provides advice on interpretations of the MWRA Enabling Act.
• Apprises the Board of Directors, Executive Director, and General Counsel on issues and developments in areas of responsibility.
• Supervises attorneys and administrative staff involved in the handling of legal issues.
• Assists with responses to public records requests as needed.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and J.D. from accredited law school; and
• At least seven (7) to ten (10) years of legal experience in the legal areas of environmental, energy, public utility, contract and health and safety law; and
• At least three years of managerial or supervisory experience, public sector experience preferred.
• Admittance in good standing to the bar to practice law in Massachusetts.
• A valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
• This position has been designated as essential in instances where the MWRA Executive Director requires essential personnel to report to work such as inclement weather or other emergencies.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Strong understanding of and knowledge in the legal areas of environmental, energy, public utility, health, safety and contract law.
• Strong supervisory skills as acquired through managerial or supervisory experience are preferred.
• Knowledge and experience in public records law preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and writing skills.

Tools and Equipment Used

Office machines as normally associated, with the use of telephone, personal computer including word processing and other software, and multi-function office machines (copy, fax, scan, etc.).

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, including office equipment, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk.
There are no requirements that weight be lifted or force be exerted in the performance of this job. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually a moderately quiet office setting.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of the General Counsel.
Exercises direct supervision of Senior Staff Counsel and administrative staff.

Other Position Information
PCR: 7110037
Division: Law
Department: Law
Union/Grade: Non-Union/Grade 15

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.