NH Public Utilities Commission
25 South Fruit Street
Suite 10
Concord, NH 03301
HEARINGS OFFICER/STAFF ATTORNEY
Position# 44818
$37.22/hour - $51.07/hour
*See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.
The State of New Hampshire, Public Utilities Commission has a full-time vacancy for 23-1020 Admin Law Judges-6.
Summary:
Conducts hearings and other proceedings, rules on motions, hears arguments of counsel and testimony. Provides legal counsel on complex, novel, and significant public utility dockets. Administers and coordinates supervisory, legal, and administrative activities for the Commission, including; supervising rulemaking dockets; managing the Commission Clerk's Office; advising Commissioners and Senior Advisors regarding legal and procedural matters; tracking, analyzing, drafting, and testifying regarding relevant legislation; and responding to inquiries from the public and media, including right-to-know requests.
YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS: Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree and 8.5 years of experience OR equivalent combination of 12.5 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Must include at least 5.5 years of experience in the practice of law.
License/Certification: None
Other Requirements: Must be an active member of the New Hampshire Bar Association and in good standing
Trainee Option: Candidates with 4.5+ years of experience in the practice of law may be considered and hired in 'trainee status' for this position.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association recognized law school
2. Practice of utility, energy, or administrative law
3. Thorough knowledge of common, statutory and constitutional laws of the state of New Hampshire, and Commission procedures and rules. Demonstrated ability to perform legal research and draft legal documents, and deal tactfully with staff, management, and external stakeholders
AFTER-HIRE REQUIREMENTS: None
CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
In-Band Advancement Available: • Yes ☒ No
Criteria: None
Broad Group Level Advancement Available: • Yes ☒ No
Criteria: None
DISCLAIMERS:
The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that job title.
When applicable, the work of an employee in trainee status in this position shall be overseen by a fully qualified individual. An employee in trainee status shall meet the minimum qualifications within the period of time specified on the SJD, not to exceed one year of being hired into this position.
Responsibilities:
Conducts prehearing examinations and hearings to define issues, qualify exhibits, rule on motions and admissibility of evidence, explore areas of potential agreement between the parties, hear arguments of counsel, and hear testimony.
Performs advanced legal research and analysis of precedent law and background information, renders official opinions on state and federal statutes, and determines relevant legal authority to ensure correct interpretation and application of legal authority, enabling Commissioners to make appropriate decisions that conform to applicable rules and laws.
Reviews, evaluates, and analyzes pleadings, testimony, discovery, evidence, briefs, files, records, policies, Commission administrative rules, statutes, and court decisions; assists in the development of Commission positions and preparation for hearings; recommends responses to legal, policy, and administrative inquiries by, and to, Commissioners and Commission staff.
Advises the Commissioners on the interpretation of federal and state statutes, regulations, judicial precedents, and FERC and ISO/RTO procedures, rules, and tariffs.
Drafts orders, orders of notice, procedural orders, and other materials for Commissioner review and approval that ensure legal correctness, factual accuracy, and conformity to Commission-approved form, style, and substantive language.
Assist in the rulemaking process and the implementation of Commission administrative rules; renders legal interpretations of agency rules and regulations; and drafts proposed rule amendments to implement statutory direction and the fulfillment of agency objectives, as well as to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
Assists in managing the Commission Clerk's Office staff by: defining case processing metrics; reviewing filings for compliance with Commission administrative rules; monitoring case processing; reviewing and dispositioning incoming filings; managing Commission dockets; and ensuring continuous improvement in the procedures used by the Clerk's Office, as well as reviewing work for accuracy, developing work methods, resolving personnel problems, and conducting performance appraisals.
Participates in various administrative projects to improve Commission efficiency, including committee work, reviewing contracts, and overseeing the development of Commission policies and procedures.
Drafts legislation, monitors proposed legislation, serves as the Commission's representative when presenting testimony before legislative committees on proposed legislation, responds to legislature for additional research and reports, analyzes legislation, and advises the Commission regarding the impact of legislative changes.
Responds to right-to-know requests and public inquiries to ensure the proper release of records in a timely manner and in compliance with New Hampshire law.
Performs such powers and duties assigned to the Department that may be delegated to the hearings examiner. Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
For further information please contact Diana Fenton, Esq., PUC/SEC Administrator at [redacted] or [redacted].
*TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:
HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits:
The actual value of State-paid health benefits and the amount of employee health benefit contributions may vary depending on the type of plan selected and the bargaining unit with which a position is associated.
See this link for details on State-paid health benefits:
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/benefits.aspx
Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 12.87% of pay
Other Benefits:
*Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)
* Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
*State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
*Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan
*$50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance
*Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)
Total Compensation Statement Worksheet:
https://www.das.nh.gov/jobsearch/compensation-calculator.aspx
Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website:
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/documents/BenefitBrochure.pdf
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/index.aspx
