PUC Jobs Board

Position Overview:

The North Dakota Public Service Commission has an opportunity to work in the highly dynamic energy field. We’re seeking an attorney to join our legal team and provide legal assistance and support across all PSC programs. This role is central to assisting General Counsel in supporting the implementation of the State’s utility regulatory policy. This includes economic regulation, compliance regulation, siting of energy conversion and transmission facilities, gas pipeline safety, and state enforcement of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA).

In joining our team, you will have an opportunity to collaborate with economists, scientists, engineers, and policy specialists to evaluate utility proposals affecting rates, reliability, infrastructure, and environmental impacts. You will also provide legal insight into regional and national energy policy, grid integrity, and utility regulation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Legal services including legal research, analysis and advice;
• Representing advocacy staff and the Commission in administrative proceedings;
• Representing the Commission in civil proceedings and appeals;
• Advising and assisting in handling inquiries from the public, regulated industry, members of the legislature and other stakeholders regarding the interpretation of relevant statutes and regulations;
• Drafting administrative rules, proposed legislation, rule and bill testimony and other rule and bill documents; and
• Investigating or assisting in the investigation of alleged or potential violations of applicable laws and rules.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a Juris Doctorate degree, licensure to practice law in North Dakota, and two years of work experience as an attorney. Candidates must be eligible for appointment as a Special Assistant Attorney General.

Preferred Qualifications

• Work experience in a regulatory environment;
• Work experience representing clients in administrative, judicial or trial proceedings;
• Work experience drafting letters, memos, complaints, notices, orders, briefs, and settlement documents;
• Legal expertise related to utility and environmental regulation and policy;
• Working knowledge of North Dakota regulated gas and electric utility operations;
• Work experience drafting administrative rules, proposed legislation, and rule and bill drafts.