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Be part of the nation’s only repository for the disposal of nuclear waste known as Transuranic (TRU) waste.

Salado Isolation Mining Contractors, LLC (SIMCO) is the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) management and operations contractor for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in Carlsbad, New Mexico. WIPP’s mission is the safe and secure disposal of defense-generated TRU waste from DOE sites around the country.

SIMCO is seeking a General Counsel to join our team and serve as the senior legal advisor on behalf of SIMCO for the WIPP Site. As the General Counsel, you will provide legal advice and counsel on all matters affecting the WIPP, lead and manage the legal function, and oversee external legal resources. You will also provide legal advice and perspective to SIMCO’s Board of Managers. The General Counsel reports directly to the Program Manager of SIMCO.

The successful candidate will:

• Be a partner in the business with and trusted advisor to SIMCO’s senior management team, helping to establish strategic priorities, implement policies, and providing oversight and management at WIPP with respect to all legal matters involving SIMCO.
• Provide legal support to the SIMCO Board of Managers, as appropriate.
• Manage the legal function at SIMCO.
• Provide legal representation of SIMCO in its relationship with the Department of Energy.
• Manage litigation arising from management and operation of WIPP.
• Advise SIMCO regarding environmental compliance including with respect to the RCRA permits for WIPP.
• Manage routine, non-routine, difficult and sensitive legal issues as well as analyzing risk exposure inherent in WIPP's operations, to include all legal matters such as employment, labor, regulatory, and business law.
• Supervise the Ethics and Compliance function at SIMCO.
• Manage development of conflict of interest policies and procedures.
• Manage implementation of the SIMCO Privacy Program as the Privacy Representative
• Support SIMCO and The Department of Energy with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for documents.
• Support the implementation of the SIMCO Code of Conduct.
• Identify, retain, and manage outside counsel to assist in litigation and providing specialized legal advice all in accordance with 10 CFR Pt. 719.
• Provide analysis of pending legislation and rulemakings affecting U.S. Department of Energy, WIPP and the generator sites throughout the DOE Complex.
• Support and consult on complex commercial contract matters, including government contracts as well as collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the organization complies with the terms of the Company’s Prime Contract with the Department of Energy and other legal and regulatory requirements.
• Draft, review, and administer contracts and inter-agency agreements including responding to contract disputes.
• Participate in the development and drafting of policies and procedures, implementing legal and regulatory requirements, and developing and implementing programs to ensure compliance.
• Advise on and support equal opportunity, environment, safety, and health program objectives.
• Support the administration of the Company’s benefit plans.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This position requires the successful candidate to be available in the SIMCO offices in Carlsbad for the majority of the time. Relocation assistance will be provided.

Exempt Salary Grade (38-41) Minimum Requirements: These requirements must be met to be considered for this posting. Uploaded resumes and completed applications are the means of determination.

• Undergraduate and law school (LLB or JD) degrees with a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience, including experience in environmental or government contracts law; preferably experience in both.
• Admission to practice and in good standing in a State Bar and willingness to obtain licensure in New Mexico within six (6) months of employment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of environmental law, government contract law, and related legal areas is mandatory.

Must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information. Preferred Requirements:

• Experience working in the DOE Complex, preferable as in-house counsel for an Managing & Operating (M&O) Contractor.

Starting salary $151,354 per year * *Base salary will be dependent upon candidate's background (i.e. education and experience)

EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. If you are an applicant with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability—or unable to use—the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact (575) 234-8405 or email wipprecruiting@wipp.ws for assistance. Upon receipt of this information, we will respond to you promptly to obtain more information about your request. Reviews, and tests for the absence of any illegal drug as defined in 10 CFR 707.4, will be conducted by SIMCO and a background investigation by the Federal government may be required to obtain an access authorization prior to employment, and subsequent reinvestigations may be required.