Salary : $130,083.20 - $184,724.80 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25-03481
Agency: 219 Iowa Utilities Commission
Opening Date: 06/19/2025
Closing Date: 7/6/2025 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-DNP
Point of Contact: Teri Clevenger, [email protected]
To Apply: Applicants are encouraged to attach a resume to their NeoGov application

Job Description
This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.
General Counsel

About Us:
The Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) is a public agency dedicated to ensuring safe, reliable, and reasonably priced utility services for Iowans. Through effective regulation and policy oversight, the IUC supports economic growth, energy innovation, and consumer protection across the state. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and collaboration as we navigate complex utility challenges that impact communities throughout Iowa.

As a member of our executive leadership team, you'll help shape the operational and strategic direction of the agency, empowering staff and driving initiatives that advance our public service mission.
What You'll Do:
As General Counsel, you will serve as the chief legal adviser to the IUC, providing strategic legal and policy guidance to the Commission and its staff. In this role, you will:

• Lead Legal Strategy & Counsel: Advise the Commission and IUC staff on legal, procedural, and policy matters to ensure decisions and actions are consistent with the law and aligned with public interest.
• Supervise Legal Staff: Ensure high-quality work through mentoring, performance oversight and management, and professional development.
• Support Policy and Governance: Implement the legal and regulatory directives of the Commission; participate in shaping regulatory and legislative strategy.
• Represent the Commission: Serve as legal counsel in judicial review proceedings, court cases, and federal regulatory matters (e.g., FERC, FCC).
• Review and Draft Commission Orders: Ensure legal position, thorough analysis, and editorial quality of Commission orders; draft proposed orders as needed based on Commission guidance or independent legal judgment.
• Engage Stakeholders and the Public: Manage responses to legal inquiries from the public and requests submitted under Iowa's Open Records Act (Chapter 22).
• Monitor Emerging Issues: Track developments in federal regulation and industry trends to inform Commission strategy and staff awareness.
• Support Legislative Activities: Assist the Legislative Liaison with legal analysis and support during and between legislative sessions.
• Collaborate Nationally: Represent the IUC on national and regional utility regulatory committees (e.g., NARUC), as directed.

Who We're Looking For:
We're seeking a collaborative, strategic legal leader with:

• A degree from an accredited law school and admission to practice law in Iowa.
• Extensive experience in administrative law, regulatory affairs, or utility law preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and develop legal teams.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with an ability to present complex legal concepts clearly.
• A commitment to public service, ethical standards, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Experience working with or advising public boards or government entities is a plus.

We Value You:
At the State of Iowa, we are committed to your well-being. As a valued team member, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave with no limits on sick leave accrual.
• Great Benefits: Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Retirement Plan: IPERS retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
• Flexibility: Flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Life Insurance: Free life insurance.
• Support: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Discount Programs.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our webpage.
Why Join Us:
At the Iowa Utilities Commission, your work matters. You'll be joining a mission-driven organization where your leadership and insight will directly impact Iowa's energy and utility landscape. We foster an inclusive, innovative, and collaborative culture where your ideas are valued and your expertise makes a difference.
Don't miss this chance to shape the energy future of Iowa - review the job qualifications and apply now!
We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and bring their unique perspectives to our team. The Iowa Utilities Commission is an equal opportunity employer.
Selectives

354 Law Degree:
Possession of a law degree from an accredited institution.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited school of law and six years of successful and responsible experience in the practice of law.

For additional information, please click on this
Additional Qualification Requirements

Admission to the Iowa State Bar.
Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited law school? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time work as an attorney?

• I have not graduated from an accredited law school
• I have graduated from an accredited law school and have less than six years of full-time work as an attorney
• I have graduated from an accredited law school and have six years or more of full-time work as an attorney

04

Does your application demonstrate that you possession of a law degree from an accredited institution?

• Yes
• No

Required Question