Job Description

Status
Regular Full-Time
Temporary - Approximate length of assignment, in months
Type of Position
a Replacement
Start Date
Immediate
Salary
Annually
Salary Grade
$144,157.00 - $169,593.00
Department
York Region -> Legal & Court Services -> Legal Services
Location
Legal Services - 17250 Yonge Street - Newmarket, ON L3Y 6Z1 CA (Primary)

(E)

SALARY

Associate Counsel (Associate Counsel I): $131,283 - $154,454 annually

Senior Associate Counsel (Associate Counsel II): $144,157 - $169,593 annually

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada - and the fastest growing with a population that's expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace - aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

Defined Benefit Pension Program

- With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.

Employer of Choice

- Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.

Benefits and Wellness

- Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.

Inclusive and Diverse Workforce

- We're committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Senior Counsel, is responsible for providing advice on a broad range of legal issues to Regional Council, Committees, departments, corporations, boards and related entities on regulatory compliance, approvals, environmental due diligence, environmental assessments, land use planning, contaminated lands, risk management, municipal water, wastewater, excess soil, solid waste, contracts and general municipal law; and negotiating with external agencies and partners at municipal, provincial and federal levels.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

Provides legal and procedural advice to various Regional departments, corporations, boards and related entities on applicable legislation, delivery of Regional services and infrastructure, including development, construction and governance. Provides risk management advice and strategies. Negotiates and prepares agreements and other legal documents for municipal service delivery, project implementation, and operational requirements of Regional departments, corporations, boards and related entities. Attends Committee meetings, departmental and cross-departmental meetings, as required. Responds to client enquiries directly and/or resolves difficult or highly sensitive complaints either verbally or in writing. Prepares Committee and Council Reports and advises Senior Management on legal implications of departmental initiatives. Supervises staff, including recruitment, selection, hiring, assigning work, determining training and development needs, and conducting performance appraisals. Maintains current knowledge of developments in the law and their application to Regional responsibilities. Performs other duties as required to meet Branch and Departmental objectives.

WHAT WE RE LOOKING FOR

o Successful completion of a University Degree in Law (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.).

Membership in good standing as a Lawyer in the Law Society of Ontario.

Associate Counsel:

Minimum of one to three (1-3) years experience providing a broad range of legal services in the area of Environmental Law.

Senior Associate Counsel:

Minimum of five (5) years experience providing a broad range of legal services in the area of Environmental Law. Experience in and familiarity with the public sector would be an asset. Demonstrated knowledge of legislation, guidelines, procedures and standards relevant to Environmental Law and a complete understanding of the Regional governmental structure. Demonstrated knowledge of and ability in corporate core competencies including customer service, communication, team work, initiative/self management and accountability, and flexibility/adaptability. Effective interpersonal and presentation skills to interact with members of Regional Council and staff of Regional departments, corporations and boards and other government agencies. Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications. Proven analytical and decision making skills. Ability to exercise appropriate judgement and discretion in dealing with privileged or controversial matters. Demonstrated political acumen and ability to negotiate, facilitate, mediate and present information to a varied audience. Ability to work outside normal business hours as required.
Council Approval Date
Scheduled Weekly Hours
Scheduled Shifts
Operational Hours
Close Date
August 4, 2025
# of Hires Needed
1
Union
Non Union Staff
.
Please apply online by 5:00PM EST of the closing date indicated above.



All employment opportunities are recorded on a 24-Hour Career Line and may be accessed by calling 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75508. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, York Region uses email as the primary means of communication with candidates and does not use AI technology in any part of the recruitment process. Please ensure your email address is up to date, checked frequently (including your spam folder), and accepts messages from unknown users.



York Region is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. We respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity, aiming to build a qualified workforce that reflects the population we serve. Should you require an accommodation under the Human Rights Code during the recruitment and selection process, including accessible formats and communication supports, please email careers@york.ca or call 1-877-464-9675 extension 75506. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request during recruitment processes and throughout employment.