Job Description

Counsel II (Hearing Officers) – (23000E5X)

Description

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is an adjudicatory agency overseen by a three-member Commission. It is responsible for oversight of investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water utilities in the Commonwealth. In addition, the DPU is charged with developing alternatives to traditional regulation, monitoring service quality, regulating safety in the transportation and gas pipeline areas, and the siting of energy facilities. The mission of the DPU is to ensure that consumers’ rights are protected, and that utility companies are providing the most reliable service at the lowest possible cost. The DPU oversees the public safety from transportation and gas pipeline-related accidents, and the energy facilities siting process. The DPU seeks to promote safety, security, reliability of service, affordability, equity, and greenhouse gas emission reductions.

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition. 

The Department seeks candidates to serve as Hearing Officers on agency proceedings regarding oversight of the electric power, natural gas and water industries in the Commonwealth. The Hearing Officer will work on complex regulatory matters as part of a team with other attorneys as well as technical staff (e.g., analysts, engineers, economists). Proceedings may be adjudications, rulemakings and notices of inquiry, may have multiple parties and involve complex legal and technical issues (e.g., rate-setting, energy policy, new legislation). This position involves a substantial amount of legal writing.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Serving as case manager by establishing procedural schedule, conducting public hearings and evidentiary hearings, making written and oral rulings, and working with and coordinating the work of technical staff to ensure the development of a thorough record;
• Preparing and presenting recommendations and draft orders to Commission;
• Preparing legal research and/or memoranda on agency jurisdiction, procedures and standards, as well as on applicable law and precedent;
• Representing the Department in settlement negotiations of cases as needed, and in interventions before other state and federal administrative agencies.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law.

• PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  In addition to above, experience in administrative law, public utility law, energy policy or environmental law is highly desirable.
• Due to the nature of the work required, the candidate must have strong organizational skills, and possess the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form.
• The candidate also must have good interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with persons at all levels.
• Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Driver’s License at a Class level specific to assignment. Incumbent may be required to attend a one-week out of state training program.
• The position includes the opportunity for hybrid-remote work.

Qualifications

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

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:  Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.

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.

Official Title: Counsel II

Primary Location

: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-1 South Station

Job

: Legal Services

Agency

: Department of Public Utilities

Schedule

: Full-time

Shift

: Day

Job Posting

: Mar 15, 2024, 3:37:20 PM

Number of Openings

: 5

Salary

: 81,003.26 – 118,175.98 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Andrea Rivera Casul – 8572746194

Bargaining Unit: 06-NAGE – Professional Admin.

Confidential: No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes

Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 80,000 - 100,000.

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