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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