Counsel II

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

DPU:

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is the state agency responsible for overseeing investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water companies in Massachusetts. It regulates the safety of bus companies, moving companies, transportation network companies, and oversees the safety of natural gas pipelines and the MBTA.

Job Description:

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Siting Division has an exciting job opportunity for an attorney to join the Siting Division to work as a Presiding Officer (Counsel II) on matters involving the siting and permitting of energy facilities. The Siting Division is implementing the important provisions of the 2024 Climate Act, and the Presiding Officer is a key resource to ensure the successful implementation of this novel and cutting edge law.

As a Counsel II you will work on a wide variety of regulatory matters as part of an interdisciplinary team with other attorneys and technical staff. Proceedings include adjudications, rulemakings, and determinations of jurisdiction and other matters; and often involve complex legal, technical, and policy issues with multiple parties that participate actively. This position involves expertise in conducting proceedings and taking a lead role in developing the procedural and substantive elements of Siting Division cases and other work products. This position involves a substantial amount of legal writing.

Siting Division reviews include evaluation of need for the project, alternative project options (such as energy efficiency, advanced transmission technologies, and distributed energy resources), environmental impacts and mitigation measures, cost-effectiveness, and consistency with state energy/environmental policies, statutes, and regulations. EFSB siting authority includes consolidated permits, construction permits, exemptions from local zoning, issuance of other state and local permits, advisory rulings and determinations, and compliance oversight. If you are ready to leverage your expertise and passion for public service to help the Commonwealth advance its clean energy future, the Counsel II role is an ideal next step in your energy/environmental career!

The Counsel II role will challenge you in a fast-paced, dynamic and collegial environment. In addition to the review of major energy facilities, you will also get extensive opportunities to learn about and advise on cutting edge energy technologies.

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached.

Responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• serving as Presiding Officer on high-priority, complex and highly contested agency adjudications;

• managing the case schedule and specific conduct of the adjudicatory proceeding, including conducting local public comment hearings and presiding at evidentiary hearing(s); making written and oral rulings; working with technical staff to ensure the development of a thorough record;

• participating in the preparation of a Tentative Decision and Final Decision, and presenting the Tentative Decision to the Siting Board at its deliberative public meeting;

• preparing legal research and/or memoranda on agency jurisdiction, procedures, legal standards, as well as on applicable law and precedent, and developing recommended actions based on that research;

• representing the Siting Board in interventions before other administrative agencies;

• mastering local, state and national siting and permitting procedures, requirements and standards;

• drafting regulations and reviewing legislation.

The successful candidate will have:

• experience in administrative law, public utility law, energy policy or environmental law

• expertise in the statutes and regulations governing siting and permitting of major new energy infrastructure in Massachusetts

• strong organizational skills

• ability to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form

• good interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with persons at all levels and a broad array of stakeholders.

Incumbent may be required to attend a one-week out of state training program.

EFSB Overview

The Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) is an independent state board that reviews proposed clean energy infrastructure facilities (such as renewable electric generation, energy storage, and electric transmission lines and substations); and legacy energy facilities (such as intrastate natural gas pipelines; fossil-fuel electric generating facilities, and large liquid natural gas storage facilities). The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) administratively supports the work of the EFSB and its staff, but the eleven-member EFSB makes its decisions independently.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is responsible for oversight of electric, natural gas, and water utilities in the Commonwealth.

For further information, please visit:

Siting Division Overview

The Siting Division of the DPU is a diverse team of planners, engineers, economists, lawyers, and environmental specialists that reviews major energy facility proposals requiring EFSB approvals. Our mission is to ensure that approved projects are consistent with applicable statutes, regulations, and policies, and serve the public interest. The work of the Siting Division takes place in a rapidly evolving energy landscape, with significant technological, regulatory, and market changes, and a growing emphasis on both mitigating and adapting to climate change, while maintaining reliable, safe, and cost-effective energy supplies vital to the Massachusetts economy. The projects we review are at the forefront of important energy, environmental, and technological trends that are transforming energy infrastructure in Massachusetts.

For further information, please visit:

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title : Counsel II

Primary Location : United States-Massachusetts-Boston-1 South Station

Job : Legal Services

Agency : Department of Public Utilities

Schedule : Full-time

Shift : Day

Job Posting : Mar 26, 2026, 12:41:23 PM

Number of Openings : 1

Salary : 90,276.16 - 131,704.30 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Melixza Esenyie/[email protected] - 6176261282

Bargaining Unit : 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes