VERMONT PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION SEEKS STAFF ATTORNEY
Interested in working on utility-related policy and legal issues for a small, dynamic State agency with opportunities for flexible, remote work? The Vermont Public Utility Commission seeks to fill a Staff Attorney I or II exempt position. The Commission regulates electric, energy efficiency, natural gas, telecommunications, and water utilities in Vermont. Issues decided by the Commission include: siting of utility facilities, non-utility renewable generation facilities, and telecommunications facilities; utility rates and other financial matters; and renewable energy, energy efficiency, and telecommunications policy.
The Staff Attorney I or II position offers a unique chance to participate in Vermont’s regulatory process to implement 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 Commissioners in evaluating the proposed decisions. The attorney would also advise the Commissioners in cases that they hear 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 graduated from law school with studies in or be early in a legal career that demonstrates interest in one or more of the following areas: clean energy policies, technologies, or program design and implementation; utility regulation; or related areas, including energy or environmental law and the energy or telecommunications industries. The Commission also values experience with facility siting and permitting and financial and public policy analysis and formulation.
Candidates for the staff attorney position must be located in, or willing to relocate to, Vermont and be admitted, awaiting admission, or eligible for admission to the Vermont Bar.
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-25. 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 August 28, 2024. Please submit writing samples that are seven pages or less and are the original work of the applicant without significant editorial review. Please list resume experience in terms of number of months or years so that there is not a date span after each item (e.g., “Law Clerk to the Honorable Justice Smith, 1 year” rather than “Law Clerk to the Honorable Justice Smith, 2022-2023”). 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.