Description:

The Department of Energy Resources' (DOER) mission is to create a clean, affordable, resilient, and equitable energy future for all in the Commonwealth. As the State Energy Office, DOER is the primary energy policy agency for the Commonwealth. DOER supports the Commonwealth's clean energy goals as part of a comprehensive Administration-wide response to the threat of climate change. DOER focuses on transitioning our energy supply to lower emissions, reducing and shaping energy demand, and improving our energy system infrastructure. To meet our objectives, DOER connects and collaborates with energy stakeholders to develop effective policy. DOER implements this policy through planning, regulation, and providing funding. DOER provides tools to individuals, organizations, and communities to support their clean energy goals. DOER is committed to transparency and education, supporting the accessible access to energy information and knowledge.

The Department of Energy Resources seeks a Legal Counsel (Counsel II) to join its Legal Division. This position will provide legal representation and support to the agency, with particular focus on supporting the Siting and Permitting Division. The Legal Counsel will analyze the adequacy and appropriateness of the Siting and Permitting Division's rules and regulations, support the drafting process and changes in or additions to those regulations, and manage the rulemaking proceedings to promulgate new or amended regulations. The Legal Counsel will support administration of the DOER's statutory and regulatory responsibilities, with particular emphasis on siting and permitting matters, and participate in legal aspects of matters across the agency as part of a team with other attorneys as well as technical and policy staff. This position will also participate as legal counsel in adjudications and other proceedings, which have multiple parties and involve complex legal and technical issues (e.g., siting and permitting rules and requirements, energy policy, and legislation). This position requires a substantial amount of legal analysis and writing.

The Legal Counsel's primary responsibilities may include:

Present legal recommendations to DOER staff and senior management
Manage rulemaking processes and compliance with applicable provisions of G. L. Ch. 30A
Represent the agency in interventions before other administrative agencies
Respond to outside inquiries regarding the Siting and Permitting Division's procedures, regulations, and rules
Research and draft legislation to amend applicable statutes as necessary
Keep up to date on relevant statutes, regulations, case law, and other legal and policy issues relevant to or affecting the Siting and Permitting Division's procedures and responsibilities
Other duties and responsibilities as required

Preferred Qualifications:

At least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple work streams
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and consultants
Experience in energy or environmental law
Knowledge of state law governing regulatory proceedings
Knowledge of municipal processes for siting and permitting and home rule
General knowledge of clean/renewable energy technologies and Massachusetts' clean energy goals

Note: A Counsel I position has been posted as well for the same role – applicants with 3+ years of legal experience should apply as Counsel II. Candidates with less than 3 years' legal experience qualify for Counsel I. DOER will be hiring one (1) legal position to support the Clean Energy Siting & Permitting division – either Counsel I or Counsel II.

Please provide a Resume and a Cover Letter describing your interest in the position as attachments marked “as relevant” to your application.

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.