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STAFF ATTORNEY II, PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

Staff Counsel Division

Recruitment #23-000410-0001

Introduction

The Maryland Public Service Commission (Commission) is seeking an attorney to work in the Staff Counsel Division.  The Commission regulates public utilities and certain passenger transportation companies doing business in Maryland. The Commission regulates gas, electric, telephone, water, and sewage disposal companies.  Also subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission are electricity suppliers, fees for pilotage services to vessels, construction of a generating station and certain common carriers engaged in the transportation for hire of persons.

GRADE

20

LOCATION OF POSITION

William Donald Schaeffer Tower
6 Saint Paul Street    
Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Main Purpose of Job

The position may be filled with an attorney practicing at the intermediate to advanced level, who can provide legal services to the technical staff of the Public Service Commission, focused on determining whether requested actions by the Commission advance or hinder the achievement of the State of Maryland’s policy goals regarding climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.

POSITION DUTIES

Duties include:

  • Reviewing filings made before the Commission and helping to assess the requested actions’ potential effects on the achievement of state goals with respect to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.   
  • Assessing policy arguments made before the Commission regarding Maryland greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.     
  • Presenting Staff positions and recommendations regarding Maryland greenhouse gas emissions and climate change to the Commission,    
  • Representation of Commission technical staff in Commission proceedings, including witness preparation, cross examination and brief preparation.    
  • Participating in and sharing in Commission sponsored work groups.    
  • Development and presentation of regulations Review and drafting of legislation.    
  • Review and development of Staff’s position on public policy.    
  • Monitoring and enforcement of matters.    
  • Excellent communication skills required both oral and written.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Possession of a Juris Doctor or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law; educational coursework related to climate science, climate change, or greenhouse gas reduction.

Experience: Staff Attorney II: Two years of experience in a government agency practicing law related to greenhouse gas reduction, climate change policy, or a related field. 

Note:  
1. Three years of experience addressing greenhouse gas reduction and climate change policy in private industry or a non-profit organization may be substituted for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate should have prior experience as a practicing attorney, with litigation experience. Preference will be given to those with prior experience in the public utility field and experience with the application of fair labor standards.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

1. Candidates for a position in this classification must be a member of the Bar in any state or federal jurisdiction, at the time of appointment.

2. Employees in this classification must be Attorneys-at-law, who are duly admitted and enrolled to practice before the Court of Appeals of this State within 18 months of appointment.  Failure to obtain Court of Appeals admission and enrollment within 18 months of appointment will constitute grounds for termination from the position.  This requirement is set by the Public Service Commission in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 20.07.01.04.

3. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle.  An employee assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

State law prohibits employees in this classification from engaging in certain transactions with or having interest in public service companies which may fall under the purview of the Public Service Commission, in accordance with Public Utilities Article, Title 2. Public Service Commission and People's Counsel, Subtitle 303 Ethics-Relationship with public service company and Title 13. Prohibited Acts; Penalties, Subtitle 101 and 204 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Only Candidates who meet the minimum qualification will be evaluated for this classification.  Please note that you will be required to provide proof upon hire of all education, certifications, and work experience.  For education obtained outside the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service.  Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, and Qualified placed on the employment list for one year.  This will be used by the hiring agency to fill this position only.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience relating to the requirement of this job.  The rating will be based on your application.  Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  Report all experience and/or education that are related to this job.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Please visit the following website to apply: www.dbm.maryland.gov Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to:
Department of Budget and Management 
Recruitment and Examination Division 
301 W. Preston St. Baltimore, MD 21201 

Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted. For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258. 

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.



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