Closing Date: 27th May, 2024
Description:
Job Description and Duties:Individuals interested in applying for this vacancy must have eligibility. If you are new to state service or need to gain eligibility to this classification, please Click here to open the examination bulletin and follow the instructions on “How to apply”.
The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy. Please be sure to follow all instructions for each process.
Virtual interviews via web portals or phone may be offered as deemed appropriate and feasible by the hiring manager – standard in-person interviews will still be offered if conditions permit.
The Legal Division is looking for a senior attorney to join its Federal Advisory team to support the CPUC in advancing the State of California's clean energy initiatives, including the extension of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant pursuant to Senate Bill (SB) 846. Under the general direction of the General Counsel, or Assistant General Counsel, would advise Commissioners and senior staff on the project planning, project development, environmental, ratemaking, jurisdictional and interagency coordination issues that are presented by SB 846's mandate, including:
- Assess environmental, social, and economic costs and benefits of the potential extension of the DCPP.
- Verify if modelling or scenario results satisfy the state's grid reliability requirements to determine if it is necessary to extend the operation of the DCPP.
- Coordinate with other agencies for the funding of the potential extension and the ultimate extension of the DCPP, including participating with agencies that are using non-ratepayer funds to support the potential to extend the operation of the DCPP.
- Coordinate and assist in the preparation of joint reports by multiple agencies to provide information necessary to determine if it is or continues to be necessary to extend the operations of the DCPP as required by SB 846.
- Participate as needed in federal agency proceedings reviewing application to extend the federal license granted to the DCPP.
- Defend in federal court any challenges to federal agency actions or CPUC actions to support the extending the retirement of the DCPP and participate in state court proceedings challenging CPUC actions.
Understand federal and state laws applying to nuclear power stations operated by state-regulated California utilities including, cost recovery, nuclear safety, specialized proceedings, system reliability, safety, local planning, CEQA, other environmental laws, multistate, federal and local jurisdiction. Similarly understand and apply laws, regulations and economic principles related to cost allocation and recovery for the DCPP pursuant to the regulatory scheme adopted by SB 846.
Advise decisionmakers (e.g. Commissioners, ALJs, Energy Division, and senior leadership) in rate setting and rulemaking proceedings related to cost recovery and allocation, safety, grid reliability and proceedings where coordinated efforts with other state agencies are required Advise agency staff, Directors and Commissioners on laws and procedures governing interagency coordination, sharing of data, the holding of joint workshops and proceedings and production of joint reports. Serve as the point of contact on the Legal work in these areas, leading a team of less senior attorneys to staff all the various proceedings in coordination with Commission. Coordinate with relevant state agencies and stakeholders such as CEC, DWR and CAISO, under direction from General Counsel and Commission.
Have a high level of substantive knowledge of industry sectors the CPUC regulates and be expert on project planning, CEQA, grid integration and cost allocation and recovery of both conventional utility and SB 846 specific costs and the reliability benchmarks that are established to determine if the state is required to achieve SB 100 goals. Be able to assimilate information, prepare or assist in the preparation of extremely high quality written material and effectively represent and advise CPUC staff in connection with internal and external meetings. Maintain the trust of and advise decisionmakers and all levels of staff during both conceptualization and implementation of projects and programs seeking to achieve SB 846 goals. Be capable of representing the Commission before federal agencies and courts and assist in state court proceedings reviewing CPUC actions.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=23377878&name=AttorneyV.pdf)
Working Conditions:
This is a statewide recruitment. This position can be filled in the following locations: San Francisco, Sacramento, or Los Angeles.
This position is advertised as Limited-term for 12 months; may be extended up to 24 months or may become permanent.
This position requires travel.
Positions at the CPUC may be eligible for telework under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, and subject to meeting the telework eligibility criteria. Telework Policy CalHR
Special Requirements:
Prepare and submit a response for each question below. The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate how your training, experience, and education qualifies you for the position. Refer to the job description and duties, and duty statement to prepare your response. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ and writing that exceeds the page limit will not be considered or scored. All information in the SOQ is subject to verification. The SOQ must be no smaller than 11-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than two pages.
Please write your SOQ to address the following four questions:
It is strongly encouraged to apply through your CalCareer Account at www.jobs.ca.gov
Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing.
If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma. An official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency by the application deadline.
Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at https://www.naces.org
Employment information on the STD 678 state application MUST be complete with dates, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes, or referring to resumes, will not be accepted in place of the completed STD 678. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 will not be considered.
Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.
Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.
- The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
- The position(s) require(s) a(n) CA State Bar License License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.
Prepare and submit a response for each question below. The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate how your training, experience, and education qualifies you for the position. Refer to the job description and duties, and duty statement to prepare your response. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ and writing that exceeds the page limit will not be considered or scored. All information in the SOQ is subject to verification. The SOQ must be no smaller than 11-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than two pages.
Please write your SOQ to address the following four questions:
- Describe, with specificity, your experience analyzing complex and technical issues and recommending strategy or outcomes.
- Describe, with specificity, your experience interpreting and implementing newly enacted legislation.
- Describe, with specificity, your experience effectively representing your client's position before organizations with competing interests, regulatory agencies, state and federal courts, or legislative bodies.
- Describe your experience and interest in public utility regulation and law and policy, or any other relevant experience you've had in public service.
Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing.
If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma. An official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency by the application deadline.
Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at https://www.naces.org
Employment information on the STD 678 state application MUST be complete with dates, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes, or referring to resumes, will not be accepted in place of the completed STD 678. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 will not be considered.
Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.
Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.
Desirable Qualifications:
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
- Familiarity with the Public Utilities Code and related statutes and regulations
- Familiarity with energy, telecommunications, water, environmental, rail or transportation law
- Familiarity with and/or strong background and relevant experience before federal agencies and courts, particularly the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
- Strong analytical and legal research skill and methods
- Strong civil or administrative litigation experience at any or all stages of litigation
- Experience reviewing, analyzing and implementing new legislation
- Ability to balance assignments and manage caseloads and several projects at once with minimal supervision.
