Job Description
Who We Are:
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts' environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.
Who We Are as an Employer:
At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees are vital in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.
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The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is the state agency overseeing investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water companies in Massachusetts. It regulates the safety of bus companies, moving companies, transportation network companies, and oversees the safety of natural gas pipelines and the MBTA.
A cover letter must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition. Your resume is attached correctly.
Job Opening:
The Department of Public Utilities, Transportation Network Company Division seeks applicants for a Counsel II to perform the following duties:
The Transportation Network Company Division of DPU is responsible for oversight of Transportation Network Companies (a.k.a. "TNCs" or rideshare companies) in Massachusetts such as Uber and Lyft. The TNC Division conducts background checks on rideshare drivers, processes rideshare driver appeals, audits rideshare companies and ensures TNC and driver compliance with Massachusetts rules and regulations regarding rideshare services.
The TNC Counsel II will serve as the leading Hearing Officer for the Division driver appeals process, including conducting administrative hearings and assisting in preparing appeals for Superior Court. The TNC Counsel II will also assist in drafting Division guidance and position memoranda, orders, regulations, and legislation and formulate and implement policy initiatives. Additionally, the TNC Counsel II may collaborate with Division staff on other aspects of TNC regulation, including reviewing TNC Permit Applications, audits, and processing driver applications as needed.
Responsibilities include:
- Oversee appeals process for individuals denied by the Division to drive for TNCs;
- Conduct and oversee adjudicatory hearings;
- Draft and review decisions for driver appeals and other adjudicatory proceedings;
- Assist in performing case management for matters pending with the Division and with the Superior Court; reviewing and drafting
- Assist with rulemaking proceedings, notices of inquiries, and investigations;
- Conduct legal research and writing; including review of legislative bills and proposals, as necessary.
- Prepare legal research and/or memoranda on agency jurisdiction, procedures and standards, as well as on applicable law and precedent; and
- Stay abreast with relevant changes in case law, statutes, and legal and policy issues.
- Assist with reviewing TNC filings with the Division and drafting responsive documents;
- Work with information technology specialists, project managers, user experience designers, and software engineers on Division software development and maintenance;
- Assist in review of TNC Permit Applications and Audit reports.
- Assist with other Division initiatives as necessary.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of administrative law;
- Knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of law including constitutional law;
- Knowledge of the methods of technical and general report writing;
- Knowledge of legal research methods and procedures;
- Ability to read and interpret legal documents such as decisions, briefs, opinions and contracts;
- Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information;
- Ability to explain the provisions of the laws, rules and regulations governing agency operations and activities;
- Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of legal data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations;
- Ability to gather information through questioning and observing individuals and by examining records and documents;
- Ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and/or emergency situations;
- Ability to maintain accurate records;
- Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner;
- Ability to write concisely and effectively, to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence;
- Knowledge of the legal procedures involved in conducting public and executive hearings;
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision
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.
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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.