The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is the state agency responsible for 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.

The Siting Division reviews proposed major energy facilities such as electric generation facilities, electric transmission lines and substations, natural gas pipelines and related equipment, and large fuel storage facilities. These reviews include an evaluation of need for the project, alternative project options (such as energy efficiency and distributed generation), environmental impacts and potential mitigation measures, costs, and consistency with state energy/environmental policies, statutes, and regulations. Depending on the project, regulatory authority exercised by the EFSB/DPU may include approval to construct, exemptions from local zoning ordinances, issuance of other state and local permits, advisory rulings and determinations, and post-approval compliance oversight.

A cover letter referencing the correct position must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition.

Job Opening:
The Department of Public Utilities seeks applicants for a Counsel II to perform the following duties:

The Counsel II will work on various regulatory matters as part of an interdisciplinary team with other attorneys and technical staff. Proceedings include adjudications, rulemakings, and determinations of jurisdiction and other matters; and often involve complex legal, technical, and policy issues with multiple parties that participate actively. This position involves expertise in conducting proceedings and leading in developing the procedural and substantive elements of Division cases and other work products. This position involves a substantial amount of legal writing.

Responsibilities include:

• Manages the case schedule and specific conduct of the adjudicatory proceeding, including conducting local public hearings and presiding at the evidentiary hearing(s); making written and oral rulings; working with technical staff to ensure the development of a thorough record;

• Participates in the preparation of a tentative decision and final decision and presents the final decision to the Siting Board at its deliberative public meetings;

• Prepares legal research and/or memoranda on agency jurisdiction, procedures, and legal standards, as well as on applicable law and precedent;

• Represents the Siting Board in interventions before other administrative agencies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in administrative law, public utility law, energy policy or environmental law is highly desirable.
• Strong organizational skills, and possess the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with persons at all levels.

Incumbents may be required to attend a one-week out-of-state training program.

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.