Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.   Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

Description:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s mission is to protect, promote and enhance our commonwealth of natural, cultural and recreational resources for the wellbeing of all. The DCR is steward to one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation which includes more than 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails, golf courses and parkways. DCR strives to be an exemplary leader in conservation and recreation. DCR’s staff is passionate, dedicated, and continuously employs best practices that are informed by expertise, and creates a sense of place through carrying out the mission.

Job Opening:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation, seeks applicants for a Paralegal Specialist to perform the following duties:

Please submit a cover letter and resume as part of the application process.

Comprised of a team of attorneys and legal support staff, the Land Protection Program, and the Office of Long-Term Permits and Leases, the Office of General Counsel supports the Department in all its core functions. The OGC team does everything from advising DCR staff on a range of legal matters; reviewing and analyzing proposed and current legislation and regulations; working with private landowners and partners on land acquisition projects; maintaining the agency’s vast land records collection; managing public records requests; assisting in the review and implementation of policies; managing long-term permits and leases on Department property; drafting agreements; supporting the Department’s administration, finance, and contract/procurement programs; and much more. Given the broad mission and activities of the agency, the Office of General Counsel serves the Department by providing legal services on a wide range of issues that concern the Department and its more than 1000 employees.

General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

Coordinate and monitor assigned Office of General Counsel activities; research and analyze law sources; prepare legal documents; prepare materials for real estate transactions; support the investigation of tort claims; review and analyze data and information concerning agency programs; build and maintain relationships with various staff, departments, and agencies; and perform related work as required. The basic purpose of the work is to provide legal assistance to state attorneys and other staff within the Office of General Counsel.

Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

A. Prepare legal documents for review and approval by department counsel.

B. Perform related duties such as developing tracking systems; preparing correspondence; and scheduling meetings, interviews, and other appointments.

C. Research and analyze statutes, judicial decisions, regulations, opinions, determinations, and rulings and prepare legal digests detailing the points of law involved.

D. Prepare materials in support of litigation, in consultation with Attorney General’s Office.

E. Support land acquisitions, including by sending and tracking municipal and central register notices; preparing closing memoranda, land transmittal forms, compiling closing packages/binders, closing out files.

F. Process applications for permits, licenses, and other department approvals, including drafting permits and licenses using approved templates; reviewing edited documents; communication with proposed permittees/licensees/lessees.

G. Within required time frames, investigate and make recommendations pertaining to liability claims presented against the department, such as by:

a. Obtaining information from department staff, insurance agents and claimants; and assessing and analyzing claim information.

b. Assisting the Office of the Attorney General in the defense of claims filed against the department.

c. Occasionally supporting on-site investigation (this includes interviewing witness and staff) of major incidents.

d. Occasionally attending trials or depositions.

e. Facilitating responses to requests and inquiries concerning interpretation of agency laws, rules and regulations.

f. Responding and/or appearing as Keeper of Records on department issues.

g. Aiding in the development of new or revised department policies or directives.

H. Assist with management of real estate records.

I. Support land dispositions, including preparing property transfer forms and all relevant information and input from department staff and signatures.

J. Assist Office of General Counsel in library projects, including managing subscriptions.

K. Handle constituent calls and correspondence for information concerning legal department matters.

L. Coordinate and monitor assigned program activities to ensure effective operations and compliance with established standards.

M. Maintain and update real estate transaction reports, litigation reports, tracking reports, and public records database or spreadsheets on a regular basis.

N. Review and analyze data concerning assigned agency programs in order to determine progress and effectiveness, to make recommendations for changes in procedures, guidelines, etc. andto devise methods of accomplishing program objectives.

O. Collect and exchange information from/with agency personnel and others concerning assigned programs to resolve problems, and ensure compliance with established policies, procedures and standards.

P. Maintain liaison with various private, local, state and federal agencies and others in order to exchange information and/or to resolve problems.

Q. Attend meetings and conferences as directed.

R. Perform related duties as assigned by the Office of the General Counsel.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred five (5) years of paralegal work experience and knowledge.Knowledge of the theory, principles, and practice of law.Knowledge of the methods of technical and general report writing.Familiarity with real estate transactions (e.g., vocabulary, how to read and analyze registry and municipal documents, recording, surveys, title reports, baseline studies, etc.)Knowledge of how to retrieve data and make lot diagrams and project or transaction information.Knowledge of legal research methods and procedures.Ability to gather information by examining records and documents both online and by visiting courts, town halls, registries of deeds, libraries, other government or private offices, or other locations.Ability to read and understand legal documents such as court or administrative decisions, opinions, contracts.Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams).Ability to communicate effectively and politely in face-to-face and videoconference settings with internal and external individuals or groups.

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.   Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

Description:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s mission is to protect, promote and enhance our commonwealth of natural, cultural and recreational resources for the wellbeing of all. The DCR is steward to one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation which includes more than 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails, golf courses and parkways. DCR strives to be an exemplary leader in conservation and recreation. DCR’s staff is passionate, dedicated, and continuously employs best practices that are informed by expertise, and creates a sense of place through carrying out the mission.

Job Opening:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation, seeks applicants for a Paralegal Specialist to perform the following duties:

Please submit a cover letter and resume as part of the application process.

Comprised of a team of attorneys and legal support staff, the Land Protection Program, and the Office of Long-Term Permits and Leases, the Office of General Counsel supports the Department in all its core functions. The OGC team does everything from advising DCR staff on a range of legal matters; reviewing and analyzing proposed and current legislation and regulations; working with private landowners and partners on land acquisition projects; maintaining the agency’s vast land records collection; managing public records requests; assisting in the review and implementation of policies; managing long-term permits and leases on Department property; drafting agreements; supporting the Department’s administration, finance, and contract/procurement programs; and much more. Given the broad mission and activities of the agency, the Office of General Counsel serves the Department by providing legal services on a wide range of issues that concern the Department and its more than 1000 employees.

General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

Coordinate and monitor assigned Office of General Counsel activities; research and analyze law sources; prepare legal documents; prepare materials for real estate transactions; support the investigation of tort claims; review and analyze data and information concerning agency programs; build and maintain relationships with various staff, departments, and agencies; and perform related work as required. The basic purpose of the work is to provide legal assistance to state attorneys and other staff within the Office of General Counsel.

Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

A. Prepare legal documents for review and approval by department counsel.

B. Perform related duties such as developing tracking systems; preparing correspondence; and scheduling meetings, interviews, and other appointments.

C. Research and analyze statutes, judicial decisions, regulations, opinions, determinations, and rulings and prepare legal digests detailing the points of law involved.

D. Prepare materials in support of litigation, in consultation with Attorney General’s Office.

E. Support land acquisitions, including by sending and tracking municipal and central register notices; preparing closing memoranda, land transmittal forms, compiling closing packages/binders, closing out files.

F. Process applications for permits, licenses, and other department approvals, including drafting permits and licenses using approved templates; reviewing edited documents; communication with proposed permittees/licensees/lessees.

G. Within required time frames, investigate and make recommendations pertaining to liability claims presented against the department, such as by:

a. Obtaining information from department staff, insurance agents and claimants; and assessing and analyzing claim information.

b. Assisting the Office of the Attorney General in the defense of claims filed against the department.

c. Occasionally supporting on-site investigation (this includes interviewing witness and staff) of major incidents.

d. Occasionally attending trials or depositions.

e. Facilitating responses to requests and inquiries concerning interpretation of agency laws, rules and regulations.

f. Responding and/or appearing as Keeper of Records on department issues.

g. Aiding in the development of new or revised department policies or directives.

H. Assist with management of real estate records.

I. Support land dispositions, including preparing property transfer forms and all relevant information and input from department staff and signatures.

J. Assist Office of General Counsel in library projects, including managing subscriptions.

K. Handle constituent calls and correspondence for information concerning legal department matters.

L. Coordinate and monitor assigned program activities to ensure effective operations and compliance with established standards.

M. Maintain and update real estate transaction reports, litigation reports, tracking reports, and public records database or spreadsheets on a regular basis.

N. Review and analyze data concerning assigned agency programs in order to determine progress and effectiveness, to make recommendations for changes in procedures, guidelines, etc. andto devise methods of accomplishing program objectives.

O. Collect and exchange information from/with agency personnel and others concerning assigned programs to resolve problems, and ensure compliance with established policies, procedures and standards.

P. Maintain liaison with various private, local, state and federal agencies and others in order to exchange information and/or to resolve problems.

Q. Attend meetings and conferences as directed.

R. Perform related duties as assigned by the Office of the General Counsel.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred five (5) years of paralegal work experience and knowledge.Knowledge of the theory, principles, and practice of law.Knowledge of the methods of technical and general report writing.Familiarity with real estate transactions (e.g., vocabulary, how to read and analyze registry and municipal documents, recording, surveys, title reports, baseline studies, etc.)Knowledge of how to retrieve data and make lot diagrams and project or transaction information.Knowledge of legal research methods and procedures.Ability to gather information by examining records and documents both online and by visiting courts, town halls, registries of deeds, libraries, other government or private offices, or other locations.Ability to read and understand legal documents such as court or administrative decisions, opinions, contracts.Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams).Ability to communicate effectively and politely in face-to-face and videoconference settings with internal and external individuals or groups.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, paraprofessional experience in legal research or legal assistant work, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:
I. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in paralegal studies may be substituted for the required experience.

II. Completion of one year of study at a recognized, degree-granting law school may be substituted for the required experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, paraprofessional experience in legal research or legal assistant work, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:
I. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in paralegal studies may be substituted for the required experience.

II. Completion of one year of study at a recognized, degree-granting law school may be substituted for the required experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.