Job Description

　　The Department of Public Utilities is an adjudicatory agency overseen by a three-member Commission. It is responsible for oversight of investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water utilities in the Commonwealth; monitoring service quality; regulating safety in the transportation and gas pipeline areas; and for the siting of energy facilities. The Department also licenses and monitors the activities of competitive suppliers, moving companies, tow companies, certain transportation companies, bus drivers, and has limited oversight of municipal light plants.

　　A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition.

　　RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

　　Serve as Public Access Coordinator and as Hearing Officer. The Public Access Coordinator (PAC) Counsel II will serve as the public records supervisor, overseeing a team of record access officers (RAOs) in their work of preparing the agency's responses to requests for public records and will facilitate the resolution of such requests by the timely and thorough production of public records. In responding to public record requests, the PAC will manage the RAOs' work with a wide range of agency personnel, including other attorneys, technical staff (e.g., analysts, engineers, economists), finance and human resources personnel, and administrative staff.

　　In addition, the PAC will coordinate the agency's record retention obligations, including providing guidance and training to all agency divisions regarding their responsibilities to maintain documents, when documents may be destroyed, and how documents should be maintained. The PAC also will lead the agency's efforts to convert itself to a paperless agency and will work with the appropriate state agencies to achieve that goal.

　　The PAC will also serve as a liaison with stakeholders and members of the public as part of the DPU's environmental justice and public access strategy. The PAC will also lead the agency's efforts to expand public outreach to improve transparency of the role and activities of the DPU. The PAC will provide guidance to all agency divisions regarding environmental justice.

　　Finally, the PAC may, as his or her workload permits, serve as a hearing officer in agency proceedings regarding oversight of the electric power, natural gas, and water industries in the Commonwealth; draft regulations and legislation; provide legal advice to Commission and senior Legal Staff; assist in formulating and implementing policy initiatives; and consult with senior Legal Staff regarding matters appealed from the agency to the Supreme Judicial Court.

　　SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

　　The PAC is supervised on specific matters by the Commission or senior Legal Staff. The PAC receives general supervision from a designated Assistant General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel.

　　DIRECT REPORTING STAFF: The PAC oversees the work of two Counsel I/RAOs.

　　Qualifications

　　 First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

　　MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law.

　　Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.

　　Comprehensive Benefits

　　When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

　　Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

　　An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

　　The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.