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General Counsel 2

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission

Posted 8 months ago

Job ID: 74621 

Location: St. Paul 

Full/Part Time: Full-Time 

Regular/Temporary: Unlimited 

Date Posted: 03/08/2024 

Closing Date: 04/01/2024 

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Public Utilities Commission / Managerial 

Division/Unit: Public Utilities Commission / Executive Services 

Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift 

Days of Work: Monday – Friday 

Travel Required: No 

Salary Range: $53.44 – $76.55 / hourly; $111,582 – $159,836 / annually 

Classified Status: Unclassified 

Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 – Managerial 

FLSA Status: Exempt – Executive 

Telework Eligible: Yes – see comments 

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No 

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans. 

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a  better Minnesota. 

Job Summary 

The General Counsel 2 for the Public Utilities Commission is responsible for overseeing the Commission’s legal unit  and staff; maintaining up-to-date knowledge of applicable law; evaluating legal staff training needs to assure relevant  staff are knowledgeable; assuring compliance with Minnesota’s Open Meeting Law and the Commission’s Code of  Conduct; serving as the agency’s Responsible Authority for Minnesota’s Government Data Practices Act;  coordinating with the Attorney General’s Office on pending litigation; and providing information and analysis to the  Commissioners and Commission staff related to the agency’s docket-related and non-docketed work. 

The position requires extensive and substantial familiarity with current and developing legal issues, the regular use of  professional legal principles and practices, statutes, case law, rules, and Commission procedures. The position also  requires reviewing and analyzing complex Commission records and the timely drafting of clear, well-reasoned and  legally sound memoranda and decision options. 

The PUC offers a competitive student loan reimbursement benefit after 18 months of employment. This is a hybrid work opportunity; employees work a minimum of two (2) days in the office per week. Minimum Qualifications 

• JD degree from an ABA accredited law school. 

• Licensed to practice law in Minnesota. 

• Five (5) years’ experience as a practicing attorney or providing legal services.

• One (1) years’ experience in management, supervision, or direction. 

Minimum Qualifications assessed at interview: 

• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills, and ability to identify and prioritize essential  projects. 

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain working relationships across units, organizations, agencies, and  diverse populations. 

• Demonstrated success in supervision and professional development of legal staff. 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 

• Demonstrate experience working with technical experts in the fields of business, economics, finance,  accounting, permitting, or similar areas. 

• Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Environmental or administrative law experience. 

• Seven (7) years’ experience as a practicing attorney or providing legal services. 

• Familiarity with the regulated energy industry and related policy issues. 

• Experience with energy and telecommunications issues. 

• Experience in employment, data practices, ethics, administrative, or government law. • Knowledge of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and Open Meeting Law. • Experience providing legal or policy advice to executive decision-makers on diverse, complex, and  interrelated matters. 

• Experience managing litigation and/or working with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. • Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and marginalized communities. 

Additional Requirements 

This position requires successful completion of a background and reference check. 

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job  information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application  process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers. 

If you have questions about the position, contact Morgan Stafford at morgan.stafford@state.mn.us or 651-201-2208. 

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and  your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Morgan Stafford at morgan.stafford@state.mn.us. 

About Public Utilities Commission 

The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate, and  efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies. 

Why Work for Us 

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we  serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to  best serve the people of Minnesota. 

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found: 

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission 

• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs 

• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job • 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule 

Comprehensive Benefits 

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial  well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include: 

• Public pension plan 

• Training and professional development 

• Paid vacation and sick leave 

• 11 paid holidays each year 

• Paid parental leave 

• Low-cost medical and dental coverage 

• Prescription drug coverage 

• Vision coverage 

• Wellness programs and resources 

• Employer paid life insurance 

• Short-term and long-term disability 

• Health care spending and savings accounts 

• Dependent care spending account 

• Tax-deferred compensation 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

• Tuition reimbursement 

• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program 

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability,  union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of  Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities,  individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a  disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job  information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.

Apply Online