Public Utility Hearing Officer

Recruitment #030218-MAFA01-200400

Summary Statement

This is the first level in the Public Utility Hearing Officer series.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
  • Presides over public hearings and other administrative proceedings.  Receives exhibits, documentary evidence and testimony from utility experts, consultants, and Commission professional staff.  Rules on matters of law such as motions and objections made by parties or their attorneys and admissibility of evidence.  Subpoenas and conducts examinations of witnesses.
     
  • Conducts pre-hearing conferences to simplify and analyze complex legal, economic, financial, and accounting issues; determines the procedures to be followed at the hearing.
     
  • Directs the post-hearing phase requiring the submission by the parties of legal briefs on complex legal, financial, economic, accounting, and operational issues.
     
  • Performs legal research for cases.  Determines legal precedents and applicable state and federal laws.  Drafts recommended decisions and proposed orders for the Commission based on findings of fact and conclusions of law.  Researches other regulatory matters for the Commission and Director.  Provides written recommendations on the disposition of any given matter.
     
  • Prepares draft regulations for the Commission’s consideration at the conclusion of rulemaking proceedings.  Prepares public notices under appropriate statutory and regulatory requirements.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Public Utility Hearing Officer
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

  1. Possession of a J.D., LLB or related degree. 
  2. Six months experience in public policy administration which includes overseeing and directing the development, implementation and evaluation of public policies 
  3. Six months experience in legal research which includes researching statutes, regulations, case law and background information.
  4. Knowledge of interpreting legislation, statutes and regulations. 
  5. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at www.delawarestatejobs.com.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.  The State of Delaware – An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.