Assistant General Counsel - Labor & Employment

Company: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Location: Richland
Posted on: November 17, 2022

Job Description:

OverviewThe Invitation:Come and work for a billion-dollar international research institution. Our collaborative environment and commitment to work/life balance makes Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) an ideal place to advance your career, challenge yourself, and make a difference in the world. We offer excellent benefits including pension, matching 401(k), tuition reimbursement plans, health insurance, and flexible work schedules.The Position:As a National Laboratory, we offer a unique blend of opportunities for the exceptional candidate. This experienced attorney position is responsible for providing legal representation for the Battelle Memorial Institute (Battelle), the operating contractor of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), in the labor and employment arenas, managing litigation and handling other general law areas as assigned. In addition to these responsibilities, the person who fills this position will also be expected to be a key strategic adviser at all levels of the PNNL organization. The ideal candidate will be a proactive and collaborative enabler that will facilitate accomplishment of the PNNL mission, possess strong relationship-building skills, teaming, and have a history of building executive-level confidence and trust.About us:Our science and technology inspires and enables the world to live prosperously, safely and securely. Our discoveries not only change the way people think, they increase our nation's energy capacity and improve our national security, making the world a safer and more secure place.With a main campus located in Richland, Washington and offices in Seattle, Portland, OR, Washington D.C. and a Marine Sciences Lab in Sequim, WA, our 4,400 dedicated professionals enjoy the benefit of a culture that provides staff members with the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams on technically challenging and nationally important problems; the opportunity to lead and be recognized in a field of work important to the nation; the opportunity to work with talented colleagues in a collegial and intellectually stimulating environment; and the ability to work in well-equipped laboratories in modern facilities. This position is located in Richland, Washington. PNNL offers hybrid work arrangements and flexible schedules as appropriate for the position. About you:Are you a skilled, ethical, self-motivated, dynamic attorney who is ready to play a central role in representing a major research institution with a mission that serves the nation? Do you have a desire to enable the accomplishment of significant scientific achievements that could positively impact our world for many generations? Do you have a stellar ability to think and act strategically, with penchant for building executive-level relationships, being innovative, and informing long-term planning? Do you have a desire to continue to learn and grow professionally? If so, then we would like to talk with you about an important role.You @ PNNLAs a member of the Office of General Counsel team, you will help create a strong sense of commitment and belief in the PNNL mission; help accelerate Laboratory growth by advancing and protecting PNNL's reputation; and help generate understanding of the value PNNL brings to the region and the nation.This position reports to the Associate General Counsel for Legal Affairs and will work with management and staff at all levels within PNNL but will have primary interface with the Human Resources (HR) team. The individual selected for this position will be an active participant on the HR Leadership Team and will be expected to partner closely with HR and other PNNL Directorates to develop and deliver an integrated human resource and labor strategy that advances, promotes, and accomplishes the PNNL mission. ResponsibilitiesIf selected for the position, your key responsibilities and accountabilities will be focused on the field of employment, labor law and litigation management and will include:Partnering collaboratively with the HR Team to provide advice and counsel with respect to PNNL employment, compensation, and labor strategies.Proactively identifying solutions to problems and risk mitigation strategies that support compliance and mission success.Working with all levels of PNNL management and staff to address concerns and issues that may arise.Leading efforts and working collaboratively with outside counsel when warranted to represent Battelle in matters involving litigation, administrative proceedings, arbitrations, mediations, investigations, and other proceedings.Handling and overseeing responses to subpoenas, Freedom of Information Act and other document requests.Managing litigation to include retaining, monitoring, and working with outside counsel as needed, ensuring compliance with applicable litigation management regulations, rules and procedures.Contributing to labor relations strategies and means for strategy accomplishment.Participating on multi-disciplinary teams to address issues and develop strategies that accomplish the PNNL mission.Identifying and analyzing a range of general law legal issues, drafting key documents, presenting clear recommendations, and assuring legal compliance.Researching and analyzing case law, statutes, and regulations as well as drafting appropriate legal guidance.Working with the Office of General Counsel team to provide legal support on a range of general law subject areas and issues as necessary to properly represent Battelle and its efforts to successfully accomplish the PNNL mission.Envisioning Success:Success in this role means delivering timely results through strong leadership, collaboration, vision, and a relentless focus on what's best for the Laboratory. Success means continually holding oneself to the highest of professional and ethical standards and demanding the same of co-workers. Success is believing that you have a positive impact on the research and development efforts at a national laboratory and that your work makes a difference. QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:JD and 12+ years of relevant experience.Professional license and/or certificate required.Preferred Qualifications:Admission to the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) or eligible for admission, including House Counsel limited license, (full or limited license admission to the WSBA will be required within one year of employment).Demonstrated advanced analytical and communication skills.Experience performing legal research and drafting legal guidance.Experience drafting and implementing complex settlements, contractual agreements, and employer policy documents.Ability to timely meet deadlines.Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work well and team with others.Demonstrated ability to participate in, form, and lead teams.Demonstrated ability to collaborate at all executive and management levels.Courtroom experience with litigation (including administrative hearings), alternative dispute resolution, and administrative proceedings.Knowledge of National Laboratories and the Department of Energy.Experience working in complex science and technology environments. Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot Applicable Additional InformationThis position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.Requirements: * U.S. Citizenship* Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.* Drug Testing: All Security Clearance (L or Q) positions will be considered by the Department of Energy to be Testing Designated Positions which means that they are subject to applicant, random, and for cause drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).Testing Designated PositionThis position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.About PNNLPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab's campus is only a 45-minute flight (or -3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs. Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov. Drug Free WorkplacePNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Mandatory RequirementsBattelle requires employees to have a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation. Applicants are required to disclose their vaccination status following a conditional offer of employment and must attest to being fully vaccinated with a Center for Disease Control (CDC)-approved COVID-19 vaccination or provide documentation of need for medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Keywords: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland , Assistant General Counsel - Labor & Employment, Legal , Richland, Washington