VERMONT PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION SEEKS STAFF ATTORNEY
The Vermont Public Utility Commission seeks to fill a Staff Attorney exempt position. The Commission regulates electric, energy efficiency, natural gas, telecommunications, and water utilities in Vermont. Issues decided by the Commission include, among others: siting of utility facilities and non-utility renewable generation facilities; utility rates and other financial matters; and renewable energy, energy efficiency, and telecommunications issues.
The Staff Attorney position offers a unique chance to participate in Vermont’s regulatory process that implements major policy decisions which often have statewide, regional, and national significance. See http://puc.vermont.gov. Specific duties include reviewing utility related filings; drafting proposed rules; assisting in the development of Commission policy on utility-related matters; presiding over contested cases as a quasi-judicial hearing officer, with responsibility to identify significant issues; conducting thorough hearings in a fair, professional, judicious manner; preparing comprehensive proposed decisions that resolve all critical issues;
and assisting the Commission in evaluating the proposed decisions. The attorney would also advise the Commission in cases that the Commission hears directly, with responsibility to identify, research, and analyze significant issues; manage the procedural elements of the cases; work as part of a team; and draft the Commission’s orders.
Judicial temperament and excellent writing and analytical skills are required. A strong candidate will have experience and interest in one or more of the following areas: clean energy policies and technologies; greenhouse-gas-emissions accounting; clean energy program design and implementation; economic modeling and impact analysis; utility regulation; or related areas, including energy or environmental law and the energy industry. The Commission also values experience with financial and public policy analysis and formulation.
Candidates for the staff attorney position must be located in, or willing to relocate to, Vermont; be admitted (or eligible for admission) to the Vermont Bar; and have at least two years’ relevant legal experience, ideally including experience litigating matters at the trial and appellate level.
Salary for the staff attorney position is commensurate with the applicant’s education and experience in accordance with the State of Vermont Attorney Pay Plan, which can be found at https://humanresources.vermont.gov/document/attorney-pay-plan-fy-24. The State of Vermont offers many benefits as part of total employee compensation. Information about benefits for State employees can be found at https://humanresources.vermont.gov/benefits-wellness.
To apply, submit resume, cover letter, writing sample, and list of references via email to puc.businessmanager@vermont.gov by April 19, 2024. Applicants are welcome to list their personal pronouns in their application materials.
The State of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Commission seeks to attract and retain a diverse workforce, and we are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment for all employees.