TCEQ - Licensed Attorney - Deputy Director Environmental Law

Job Title: Licensed Attorney - Deputy Director Environmental Law )

TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Texas - Austin

Headquarters (582-HQAUS) 12100 Park 35 Circle Austin 78753

Management, Regular Employment

State Job Code: 1625 | Salary Admin Plan: B | Grade: 31

$12,472.00 - $17,370.75 (Monthly)

1

Exempt

Posted:
Feb 13, 2026
Closing:
Apr 4, 2026

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) strives to protect our state's public health and natural resources consistent with sustainable economic development. Our goal is clean air, clean water, and the safe management of waste.

This position leads the Environmental Law Division as a division within the Office of Legal Services. The division primarily supports the offices of Air, Waste, and Water, providing legal counsel to the agency in all areas of permitting and rule making, and representing the executive director in contested permitting matters in accordance with state law and agency rules regarding participation in hearings.

The division’s functions also include legal support related to federal program delegation, interpretation of environmental statutes and rules, and support for the Office of the Attorney General in state and federal court litigation.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

• Licensed to practice law in Texas, active and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Ten years or more of experience practicing environmental law.
• Five years or more of experience with TCEQ environmental permitting and/or related proceedings.
• Five or more years of experience counseling clients before regulatory agencies, or representing regulatory agencies, such as TCEQ.
• Ten or more years of experience preparing filings for, and participating in, administrative, state/federal civil, and/or appellate court hearings.

• Lead, administer and direct the resources, operations, and output of Environmental Law Division. Direct the division budget and strategic planning to maximize division resources.
• Provide highly developed leadership ensuring Senior Attorneys understand performance measures that apply to their work and the staff they supervise. Oversee staff development.
• Provide complex legal advice to TCEQ commissioners, executives, management, and staff.
• Coordinate with the Office of the Texas Attorney General and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on civil matters and serve as a liaison with federal and state agencies on environmental issues.
• Testify, present before, and meet with local, state, and federal governmental bodies, legislators, and other associations concerning agency environmental policies and procedures.
• Participate in preparing and presenting, as appropriate, agenda items before the Commission. Coordinate with the division Senior Attorneys on litigation strategy for contested permitting matters.
• Monitor and evaluate state and federal regulatory, statutory, and judicial developments and assess their effect on agency environmental programs.
• Certify compliance with Administrative Procedures Act rule making requirements.

Please Note: Employees in this classification series may research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure, including but not limited to a communication infrastructure system, cybersecurity system, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment system, or water treatment facility. See Tex. Business & Commerce Code Section 117.001(2). Accordingly, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a requirement to be hired for and to continue to be employed with TCEQ.

TRANSCRIPT / COLLEGE HOURS or COURSE WORK:
See instructions on how to attach documents. A copy of your official college transcript or evaluation of foreign credentials in CAPPS is required if needed to meet the qualifications listed above.

Standard business hours are M-F, 8:00 a.m.

- 5:00 p.m.

• Optional 401(k) and 457 plans
• Insurance:
  Health, Vision, Dental, and optional FSA
• Paid day(s) off from work on national holidays and holidays that the state observes
• Professional development opportunities
• Longevity pay based on your number of years working for the state
• Wellness Program and Activities
• Onsite Nurse Practitioner in HQ
• Work-Life Balance

TCEQ will conduct a criminal history records search, driving history (if required for the job) on candidates offered employment.

In compliance with ADA, if you need any special accommodations during the employment process, please contact HRSS for assistance at .

M.O.S. codes can be found at: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). System/Job Description s. Please click the hyperlink under ‘Occupational Category’ for the respective Class Title.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is an Equal Opportunity Employer.