Staff Attorney

At Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO), we pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer. Our employees and customers come from all walks of life and our goal is to celebrate the diverse and inclusive community each person creates.
The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) is seeking a knowledgeable and mission‑driven Staff Attorney to provide comprehensive legal support across the agency. This role reports directly to the Director of Legal Affairs and serves as a legal resource to all departments on matters involving operations, fees, planning, regulatory compliance, contracts, policy development, and environmental and local government law.
The Staff Attorney plays a key role in statutory interpretation, contract analysis and negotiation support, litigation oversight, enforcement and settlement assessment, and legal guidance for the preparation, interpretation, and implementation of the Solid Waste Management Plan. This position also supports public governance activities and represents SWACO in a wide range of legal and regulatory matters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Staff Attorney's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Interpreting and applying Ohio local government law, including statutes governing solid waste districts
Interpreting and applying environmental laws, rules, and regulations affecting SWACO operations and facilities
Preparing, reviewing, and assisting in the negotiation of contracts and providing legal guidance on contract‑related matters
Developing, interpreting, and implementing policies, procedures, and resolutions for SWACO departments
Providing legal interpretation of rules and laws governing public employees and officials
Responding to legal inquiries from employees, management, and the public
Supporting the Director of Legal Affairs on litigation and administrative matters, including evaluating claims and making disposition recommendations
Coordinating with and supporting outside legal counsel
Preparing legal opinions and assisting with litigation briefs, memoranda, and pleadings
Researching, analyzing, and communicating legal decisions affecting civil, administrative, environmental, and employment law matters
Proactively identifying legal risks and engaging in preventive law through trend analysis and legal forecasting
Attending public meetings and Board of Trustees meetings, as required
Performing other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
Admission to and member in good standing of the State of Ohio Bar
Three to five years of experience in local government law and environmental law is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Successful candidates will demonstrate:

Knowledge of Ohio statutes relating to political subdivisions, local government, and solid waste management
Understanding of laws governing procurement, contracting, labor and employment, land use, and environmental regulation
Familiarity with modern policies and practices in municipal and local government law and public administration
Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and sound judgment
Knowledge of landfill operations, recycling technologies, waste reduction and diversion, and solid waste transfer practices
Strong analytical skills with the ability to read and interpret highly complex legal documents
Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries, complaints, and issues
Strong presentation and communication skills, including the ability to explain complex or controversial legal matters to senior leadership, public groups, and the SWACO Board of Trustees
Proven ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents, briefs, and memoranda
Strong project management skills, with the ability to carry assignments through to completion
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with employees, SWACO officials, courts, and the public
Proficiency in the use of computers and legal software for word processing and research
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds
Valid Ohio driver's license
License to practice law in Ohio courts and in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division

Physical Requirements

Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and use fingers for standard office tasks
Occasionally required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds
Specific vision abilities include near vision, far vision, corrected vision, and the ability to adjust focus

Working Conditions

Office environment with minimal exposure to heat, cold, noise, and dust