Closing Date: 21st September, 2026

Description:

Join California's First-in-the-Nation Petroleum Market Oversight Agency

The California Energy Commission's Division of Petroleum Market Oversight (DPMO) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Investigative Counsel (Attorney III/Attorney).

This is a unique opportunity to work closely with California's principal energy policymakers while helping protect consumers and promote fair, competitive transportation fuel markets. DPMO independently monitors the petroleum industry to identify market manipulation, abuses of market power, barriers to competition, and other practices that may harm California consumers.

As Investigative Counsel, you will:
  • Lead complex investigations into potential petroleum market anomalies, distortions, and anticompetitive conduct.
  • Analyze evidence and use formal and informal investigative tools to obtain testimony, pricing data, contracts, and other records.
  • Draft subpoenas, communicate with respondents' counsel, and take investigative testimony.
  • Provide sophisticated antitrust and competition-related legal advice affecting California's transportation fuel markets.
  • Advise DPMO on implementation of Senate Bill X1-2 and related statutory requirements.
  • Research and draft proposed regulations and prepare materials for California Energy Commission proceedings.
  • Review sensitive reports, orders, decisions, and policy recommendations for legal compliance.
  • Coordinate with state and federal agencies addressing related petroleum market and competition issues.
  • Advise on confidentiality, conflicts of interest, transportation decarbonization, and other complex legal matters.
  • Refer potential legal violations to the California Attorney General when appropriate.

Attorney III candidates will work at the full journey level, handling the Division's most complex and sensitive legal matters with broad discretion and minimal supervision. Depending on experience, the position may also be filled at the Attorney level.

If you are an experienced attorney interested in investigations, antitrust law, energy markets, public policy, and consumer protection, we encourage you to apply and help shape the future of petroleum market oversight in California.