Vice President – Environmental Law & Regulatory Compliance, San Antonio Water System

Under general direction of the Senior Vice President-Chief Legal & Ethics Officer (SVP-CLEO), the counsel for environmental law & regulatory compliance provides strategic and tactical oversight, develops and implements legal and business strategies consistent with the strategic plan, long-range water resource plans, and plans for the development and construction of water supplies facilities for the System, in conformance with local, state and federal law, court decisions, and administrative rules and regulations. Counsel for environmental law & regulatory compliance focuses on unique and challenging issues related to environmental compliance and networks with state and federal regulators.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides legal counsel and advice to the SVP-CLEO, SAWS’ Board of Trustees, President/CEO, Executive Management, and staff within related specialty.

• Maintains current knowledge and understanding of regulatory and policy developments, advises the SVP-CLEO of potential impacts and develops compliance strategies.

• Represents the organization in enforcement actions, including appearing before relevant agencies.

• Provides management and supervision to in-house counsel and retains and manages outside counsel.

• Performs, plans, and assigns the legal services of the System related to the specialties, which may include drafting of ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents, and supervises litigation as necessary.

• Prepares legal opinions for the System and/or its Board of Trustees; attends various governing board meetings to advise on legal issues and questions.

• Plans and evaluates performance of assigned staff and legal consultants; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; takes disciplinary action to address performance deficiencies in accordance with the System’s personnel policies.

• Advises the SVP-CLEO on the status of litigation on a regular basis and provides the SVP-CLEO with the various legal strategies for management of that litigation. Implements the decisions of the SVP-CLEO, President/CEO and the Board of Trustees regarding litigation.

• Provides legal representation, advice, and opinions in managing and resolving disputes that may lead to litigation.

• Provides direct legal support to the System’s legislative affairs team.

• Attends Board of Trustee meetings and counsels and advises the Board regarding environmental and compliance related legal matters affecting the System.

• Evaluates and promotes the use of new technology to enhance quality and efficiency of services provided.

• Forecasts, allocates, and monitors the human, physical and financial resources for the Group.

• Leads, selects, and develops, a team of professionals charged with executing business strategy and maintaining operational integrity.

• Trains and mentors employees and facilitates interdepartmental teamwork.