POSTING: #24-06
OPEN: April 24, 2024
CLOSE: Until Filled

MARKET & REGULATORY ANALYST
Program Specialist III - V Monthly Salary: $3,771 – 6,334
(Depending on Experience and Qualifications)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Market & Regulatory Analyst will work directly for the Director of Market & Regulatory Policy for the Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPUC). The Analyst will be responsible for developing agency policy positions and providing advice and technical assistance to agency staff, working with other governmental agencies, stakeholders, and the general public. May serve as a lead in projects. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Preferred qualifications include knowledge of the rulemaking and policymaking process at the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT); experience with analyzing and interpreting existing PUCT statutes and rules; and experience with analyzing and interpreting legislation.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
• Researches and analyzes a variety of technical, policy, and administrative subjects for assigned projects involving public utilities.
• Under the direction of the Director of Market and Regulatory Policy, advises OPUC’s Public Counsel and other staff on market and regulatory matters at the PUCT
• Monitors and reports on PUCT rulemaking and policy project activity, including attending workshops and monitoring related open meeting discussions.
• Works collaboratively to analyze and develop written comments or reports of agency positions and recommendations relevant to assigned projects.
• Works with staff to analyze legislation or other policies to develop recommendations relating to their implementation or improvement; and assists in responding to legislative and external inquiries and requests.
• Monitors and reports on performance reports, studies, and specialized projects at PUCT and ERCOT; reviews filings in utility proceedings; and recommends appropriate agency responses.
• Develops comments for submission in the PUCT and ERCOT stakeholder processes, as needed, including tracking and analyzing other stakeholder comments.
• May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others.
• Performs related work as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in engineering or a related field.
2. Ability to draft comments and recommendations on the agency's behalf in a wide range of projects involving public utilities; review and edit technical documents, materials, and reports; conduct research; and communicate effectively.
3. Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures; to communicate effectively; and to serve as a lead worker providing direction to others.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Knowledge of electric transmission and distribution, electric engineering principles, and energy economics; the ERCOT wholesale electric market; and the Public Utility Commission substantive and procedural rules.
2. Experience with PUCT rulemaking and policy projects, preferably involving analysis and development of comments, representation at workshops, and monitoring discussions at PUCT open meetings.
3. Licensure as a Professional Engineer.

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL CODES:
The Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes applicable to this position can be accessed at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf
OFFICE OF PUBLIC UTILITY COUNSEL
1701 North Congress Avenue, Suite 9-180 Austin TX 78701

REMARKS:
• Candidates invited to interview may be required to submit a transcript and/or a writing sample.
• The position may require additional work hours including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays to meet critical deadlines.
• OPUC participates in E-verify and will provide to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
• A satisfactory driving record may be required for driving a state or personal vehicle to conduct agency business. Employees may have their driving record evaluated.
• Employees are required to comply with Office policies and provisions outlined in the employee handbook.
• The Office of Public Utility Counsel has a Post-Employment Restriction – details furnished upon request.

APPLICATIONS: Send State of Texas application and references to:
Texas Office of Public Utility Counsel
ATTN: Human Resources
P.O. Box 12397
Austin, TX 78711-2397
Phone: 512-936-7500
Fax: 512-936-7525
Email: hr_opuc@opuc.texas.gov

The Office of Public Utility Counsel is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. A disabled individual requiring reasonable accommodation shall not be denied opportunity due to the disability. The applicant should communicate requests for reasonable accommodation.

Job Posting No.: 24-05
OPEN: 04/02/2024
CLOSE: Until Filled

External Affairs Specialist
(Government Relations Specialist II)
Monthly Salary: $6,000 - $7,500
(Commensurate with Qualifications)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The External Affairs Specialist will work directly for the Public Counsel at the Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPUC). The Specialist must have knowledge of the Texas legislative process; experience with tracking, analyzing, and interpreting legislation; experience with coordinating interactions with the Texas Legislature, state government agencies, and stakeholders; experience with external communications; strong interpersonal and communications skills; strong writing skills; ability to exercise strong independent judgement and initiative; experience managing social media, preferably including content creation; and preferably some experience with electricity and water utility matters and ERCOT regulatory matters.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

1. Assists OPUC’s Chief Executive and Public Counsel and other staff with matters at the Texas Legislature and state agencies.
2. Assists with monitoring and tracking pending legislation and other legislative activities at the Texas Legislature, including attending and reporting on legislative committee hearings and stakeholder meetings.
3. Assists with monitoring regulatory matters with the Director of Market and Regulatory Policy, including attending ERCOT stakeholder meetings and board meetings.
4. Assists with the coordination and preparation of educational materials for meetings with legislative members and staff, state government agencies, and stakeholders.
5. Assists with the preparation of testimony for legislative hearings.
6. Assists with the coordination and preparation of presentations for public speaking engagements, conferences, and other events.
7. Assists with consumer outreach efforts, including managing and creating content for the agency’s social media and website.
8. Assists with the preparation of responses to legislative, public, and media inquiries.
9. Assists OPUC’s Chief Executive & Public Counsel and the Director of Market and Regulatory Policy in the representation of the residential consumer segment at ERCOT, including participation or monitoring of ERCOT committees, stakeholder groups, and task forces.
10. Monitors, analyzes, and reports on ERCOT market rule changes, activities, and discussions in concert with the Director of Market and Regulatory Policy.
11. Serves as the agency’s primary contact for responding to customer complaints and inquiries, and is responsible for coordinating and administering the agency’s complaint resolution process.
12. Acquires and maintains relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functions.
13. May assist with analysis, research, and the preparation of written summaries and reports related to various regulatory, market, and legislative matters, including the agency Strategic Plan and Annual Report.
14. May participate in projects, such as rulemaking or policy discussions, with other staff on behalf of OPUC.
15. Attends work regularly in compliance with agreed-upon work schedule.
16. Ensures security and confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected information.
17. Complies with all agency policies and procedures.
18. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in political science, public policy, communications, or other related field from an accredited university or college.
2. A minimum of 3 years of legislative experience at the Texas Legislature or in a Texas state government agency.
3. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively; to compose social media content; to work in a collaborative, team environment with varied, diverse individuals; to analyze issues; to work under pressure and meet deadlines; and to follow delegated instructions and perform work as assigned under a moderate or minimal supervision.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

1. Direct experience working during a Texas legislative session, either in a legislative member’s office or in a committee.
2. Experience with electric and water utility matters and ERCOT regulatory matters.
MILITARY OCCUPATION CODES:
https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_InformationandCommunication.pdf

REMARKS:

• The position may require additional work hours including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays to meet critical deadlines.
• OPUC participates in E-verify and will provide to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
• A satisfactory driving record may be required for driving a state or personal vehicle to conduct agency business. Employees may have their driving record evaluated.
• Employees are required to comply with Office policies and provisions outlined in the employee handbook.
• The Office of Public Utility Counsel has a Post-Employment Restriction – details furnished upon request.

APPLICATION:

Send State of Texas application and references to:

Office of Public Utility Counsel
ATTN: HR Department
P.O. Box 12397
Austin, TX 78711-2397
Phone: 512-936-7515
Fax: 512-936-7525
Email: HR_OPUC@opuc.texas.gov

POSTING: #24-04
OPEN: February 1, 2024
CLOSE: Until Filled

LEGAL ASSISTANT
(Legal Assistant I-II)
Monthly Salary: $3,334 - $4,000
(Depending on experience & qualifications)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Performs responsible and complex legal assistant work. Assists in checking and correcting legal documents and other legal papers prepared by agency staff and assisting attorneys with case management. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Provides responsible legal assistant and administrative support (both legal and technical) for attorneys, accountants, economists, or other professional staff.
• Assists attorneys and staff with case management, including organizing and maintaining voluminous files in pending cases, assembly of exhibits, and other documents, as necessary.
• Prepares legal correspondence and documents. May type from hand-written notes.
• Checks citations, quotations, footnotes, and references for accuracy.
• Reviews and performs redacting of confidential documents for filing with various regulatory agencies and courts.
• Maintain deadlines and calendars.
• Answers telephone, screens calls, take messages and answer questions from public.
• Effectively prioritizes workload, draft routine correspondence, proofread and make necessary revisions to complex and sometimes lengthy documents.
• Makes copies, processes mail, and performs other office tasks.
• Maintains Confidential Information files & logs for assigned professional staff.
• Must be able to work well with others, take initiative, be self-motivated, and dependable.
• Works in a team environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Excellent typing skills.
• Computer experience with knowledge of Microsoft Word for Windows and Microsoft Excel required.
• Must have excellent customer service skills including communication with the public.
• One-year legal assistant experience in a fast-paced environment preferred.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of legal, regulatory, or government practices and terminology, modern office equipment, business English, spelling, punctuation, and ability to accurately proofread with attention to detail preferred.
• Two years legal assistant experience in a fast-paced environment preferred.

MILITARY OCCUPATION CODES:

http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf

Remarks:

• OPUC participates in E-verify and will provide to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
• A satisfactory driving record may be required for driving a state or personal vehicle to conduct agency business. Employees may have their driving record evaluated.
• Employees are required to comply with Office policies and provisions outlined in the employee handbook.

APPLICATION: Send State of Texas application and references to:

Texas Office of Public Utility Counsel
ATTN: Human Resources
P.O. Box 12397
Austin, TX 78711-2397
Phone: 512-936-7500
Fax: 512-936-7525
Email: hr_opuc@opuc.texas.gov

The Office of Public Utility Counsel is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. A disabled individual requiring reasonable accommodation shall not be denied opportunity due to the disability. The applicant should communicate requests for reasonable accommodation.

#24-02
OPEN: September 7, 2023
CLOSE: Until Filled

ATTORNEY
(Assistant Public Counsel)
(Attorney II)
Monthly Salary: $6,042 - $6,675
(Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience)
(More than one position may be filled from this posting)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Attorney will perform moderately complex (journey-level) legal work, including representing the Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPUC) in administrative law proceedings, including contested case proceedings, rulemaking proceedings, and appeals of regulatory agency decisions before the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) and state courts. The Attorney may have administrative law experience preferably in the electric and/or water utility industries in Texas; experience with regulatory and contested case litigation; strong ability to interpret laws, regulations, rules, and policy decisions; strong, legal writing skills; strong communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Represents OPUC in administrative law proceedings, including contested case proceedings and rulemaking proceedings, in the electric and water utility industries before the PUCT and SOAH.
• Leads or assists in leading administrative law litigation, including preparation for and trial of electric and water utility rate-related cases; developing motions, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents; working with expert witnesses to develop written expert testimony; conducting discovery and depositions; working with other attorneys assigned to the case; and developing and executing litigation strategy.
• Represents OPUC rulemaking proceedings, including analyzing and interpreting existing rules and proposed rule amendments; developing comments, and working with other attorneys and/or staff assigned to the proceeding.
• Represents or assists in representing OPUC in appeals of regulatory agency decisions before state courts, as needed.
• Provides assistance with legal matters in the telecommunications industry, as needed.
• Analyzes and interprets state and federal law, regulations, rules, and policy decisions.
• Assists with analyzing and interpreting pending and passed legislation.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Law degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Texas, with good standing at the State Bar of Texas.
• Minimum of two years of administrative law litigation experience in Texas, including contested case proceedings, rulemaking proceedings, and appeals of regulatory agency decisions before state courts.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in Administrative Law preferably in litigation of electric and/or water utility cases in Texas, including contested case proceedings, rulemaking proceedings, and appeals of regulatory agency decisions before state courts.

REQUIRED:

A legal writing sample will be required from candidates that are interviewed by the Chief Executive and Public Counsel.

MILITARY OCCUPATION CODES:

http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf

Remarks:

• Candidates may be offered a position on a temporary basis, contingent on their successful passage of the Texas bar Exam.
• Candidates invited to interview may be required to submit a transcript and/or a writing sample.
• License to practice law in Texas of the selected candidate will be verified through the State Bar of Texas.
• The position may require additional work hours including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays to meet critical deadlines.
• More than one position may be filled under this posting.
• OPUC participates in E-verify and will provide to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
• A satisfactory driving record may be required for driving a state or personal vehicle to conduct agency business. Employees may have their driving record evaluated.
• Employees are required to comply with Office policies and provisions outlined in the employee handbook.
• The Office of Public Utility Counsel has a Post-Employment Restriction – details furnished upon request.

APPLICATION: Send State of Texas application and references to:

Texas Office of Public Utility Counsel
ATTN: Human Resources
P.O. Box 12397
Austin, TX 78711-2397
Phone: 512-936-7500
Fax: 512-936-7525
Email: hr_opuc@opuc.texas.gov

The Office of Public Utility Counsel is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. A disabled individual requiring reasonable accommodation shall not be denied opportunity due to the disability. The applicant should communicate requests for reasonable accommodation.