STAFF ATTORNEY I/ II/ III WIND PROGRAM, PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

at  State of Maryland

INTRODUCTION

The Maryland Public Service Commission (Commission) is seeking an attorney to work in the Staff Counsel Division, with a focus on on those parts of the Commissions’ work pertaining to the development and regulation of wind energy generating facilities. 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. In recent years, the Commission has been given expanding requirements to oversee and prioritize the development and regulation of wind energy electricity generating facilities, in particular offshore wind facilities and associated in transmission.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Staff Attorney I, Wind Program
Education: A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.
Experience: None.
Note: Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education. Mainly used for the entry level in class series.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

(I level) Skills, internships and academic coursework relevant to legal practice before the Maryland Public Service Commission. These may include coursework or internships in administrative law, environmental law, wind energy, energy law, and corporate law. At least one year as a practicing attorney is desirable.
(II/III level) Prior experience as a practicing attorney with litigation experience. Prior experience in the public utility field, administrative enforcement proceedings, administrative law, environmental law, or corporate law.
(All levels) experience directly related to the development and regulation of wind energy facilities. A willingness and ability to rapidly develop necessary expertise regarding the law pertaining to the development and regulations of wind energy facilities. Desirable undergraduate/graduate degrees for all levels include economics, business, engineering, environmental science, English or political science.

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.

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB

Staff Attorneys represent the Public Service Commission staff in proceedings before the Commission and provide legal advice and opinions to staff regarding both public utilities law and general legal principles. The incumbent in this position will be expected to have or develop a particular body of legal knowledge related to the development and deployments of wind electric generation facilities, particularly offshore wind facilities and associated transmission.

POSITION DUTIES

Representation of Commission technical staff in Commission proceedings, including witness preparation, 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 positions on public policy.
Monitoring and enforcement of matters.
Excellent communication skills required both oral and written.
Working with and helping to lead an interdisciplinary team of professionals int the implementation of the Maryland Public Service Commission’s Wind Program.