Description:

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 play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

DPU:
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.

Job Description:
The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has an exciting job opportunity for an attorney to join the DPU's Legal Division to work as a Hearing Officer (Counsel II) on matters involving oversight of the electric power, natural gas, and water industries. DPU's work takes place in a rapidly evolving energy landscape, with an emphasis on mitigating and adapting to climate change, while maintaining reliable, safe, and affordable energy to Massachusetts. Proceedings that come before the Department cover various areas of administrative and energy law.

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 a wide range of 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. Each proceeding may have multiple parties and involve complex legal and technical issues (e.g. energy policy, new legislation, rate-setting). This position involves a substantial amount of legal writing.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Serving as case manager on proceedings in front of the Department. This includes establishing procedural schedules, 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 as cases progress to the Commission;
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.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in administrative law, public utility law, energy policy or environmental law is highly desirable;

Ability to work well within and lead teams, particular teams involving technical and legal staff;
Strong organizational skills, ability to balance multiple cases and staff;
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 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! (https://www.mass.gov/commonwealth-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.