Job Description

The Railroad Commission of Texas is a state agency with primary regulatory jurisdiction over the oil and natural gas industry; pipeline transport and pipeline safety; natural gas utilities; the LP-gas industry, and surface mining operations. You can find more details about us on the Railroad Commission of Texas' website here https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/.

To support our mission to serve Texas, we need great people to join our team. We provide a great working environment along with outstanding benefits, including:

• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick time, and at least 12 paid holidays per year
• Telework options for eligible positions
• Flexible work schedules
• Retirement pension with a 150% agency match - you can watch this YouTube video that describes this amazing benefit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJI6M7g73-w
• 401(k), 457(b) and Roth
• Health premiums 100% paid for full-time employees
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness and Exercise Leave
• Career development programs/opportunities for advancement

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/jobs/. To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit the Employee Retirement Systems website at https://ers.texas.gov/benefits-at-a-glance.

General Description:

OGC Legal Enforcement - Attorney I-II-III

The Railroad Commission of Texas is seeking two (2) Attorney candidates (With a Class Title of either: Attorney I, II, or III) to perform complex legal work as a member of the Office of General Counsel-Legal Enforcement Section. Attorneys independently provide legal services, interpret laws and regulations, prepare legal documents, prepare Legal Enforcement cases for agency hearings, and provide legal advice and counsel. The positions involve interaction with Commission staff to gather and evaluate evidence to develop cases. Attorneys appear at hearings before Administrative Law Judges to represent staff in administrative proceedings. Works under general supervision, with responsibility for initiative, independent judgment, and collaboration with other staff.

Writing Sample is Required:

A writing sample, preferably drafted within the past two years, must be submitted for the application to be considered.

Job Duties:

• Evaluates, prepares, and prosecutes Legal Enforcement cases;

• Advises staff on legal matters and on the interpretation and application of agency regulations, and state and federal laws;

• Prepares legal opinions and memoranda;

• Represents staff, prepares and examines witnesses, and reviews decisions rendered by the Administrative Law Judges;

• Participates in administrative and regulatory meetings and hearings;

• Prepares training materials and presentations to staff and public;

• Performs other duties, as assigned.

Note: This position may require occasional travel.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Working knowledge of Texas's statutory and regulatory requirements for energy companies

• Working knowledge of the Texas Administrative Code, the Texas Natural Resources Code, the Texas Water Code, the Administrative Procedures Act, the Open Meetings Act, and/or the Public Information Act;

• Experience with administrative, energy, environmental and/or gas utility law

• Experience in contested case hearings and/or litigation matters;

• Experience working in a government/private law office;

• Ability to interact effectively with the public;

• Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations, as well as agency administrative rules and regulations;

• Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis; identifying and solving complex problems; interpreting and applying laws and regulations; and using judgment to identify courses of action;

• Ability to manage and prioritize a complex workload to meet applicable goals, objectives, and performance metrics ;

• Ability to analyze complex legal problems and present sound opinions orally and in writing;

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;

• Ability to take initiative and work independently;

• Ability to work effectively on a team;

• Ability to address issues/concerns in a professional manner;

• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with internal/external stakeholders;

• Ability to effectively manage time, respond to high pressure situations, prioritize workloads and meet deadlines;

• Ability to understand and explain complex issues, regulations, and standards;

• Demonstrate excellent organizational, communication, and writing skills;

• Proficient in the use of standard systems utilizing Microsoft Office Suite and database systems

• Ability to work Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM with possibility of flexible hours, and weekends.

Work Environment:

Primarily indoors with heating and cooling regulated in a general office environment; the noise level in the work environment ranges from low-to-moderate.

Work Hours and Telework:

Standard office hours for Commission employees are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our agency offers alternate schedules for employees, if it does not adversely impact operations and service levels, and standard hours of operation are maintained. The Commission may also offer telework based on the agency's approved Telework Plan. Alternate work schedules and telework may be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview process and are subject to management approval.

For Military Crosswalk information, please go to: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf



Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college/university

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED WITH APPLICATION)

• Licensed to practice law by the state of Texas, with active membership in good standing

• At least 2 years' experience practicing law in private sector and/or government;

• Ability to effectively present cases before an Administrative Law Judge;

• Ability to prepare evidence and witnesses for administrative hearings;

• Ability to produce high-quality legal documents using word processing software;

• Ability to develop effective working relationships with Commission staff and the public; and

• Valid Texas Driver's License and good driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Highly motivated self-starter with willingness to handle a large caseload and exercise sound judgment;

• Ability to analyze complex legal problems and present sound arguments both orally and in writing;

• Experience with oil and gas and administrative law, preferably with experience practicing before the Commission; and

• Ability to interact effectively with the public.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Ability to reach high and low; open, close and retrieve files from file cabinets as well as operate computer keyboard and appropriate office equipment.

Work Hours and Telework: Standard office hours for Commission employees are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our agency offers alternate schedules for employees, as long as it does not adversely affect operations and service levels, and standard hours of operation are maintained. The Commission may also offer telework based on the agency's approved Telework Plan. Alternate work schedules and telework may be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview process.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the CAPPS Recruit Prescreening Questionnaire to be considered for the posting. To complete the Prescreening Questionnaire, go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

Remarks:

• There is one available position.
• Official transcripts, DD214 or DD1300, copies of license/certifications, or other minimum requirement validations will be requested at the time of the job offer.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

THE RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS ONLY ACCEPTS ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSTING.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. Notifications to applicants are sent electronically to the email address you provide.

The Railroad Commission of Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not

discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age

or disability in employment or in the provision of services.

The Railroad Commission of Texas is a tobacco-free workplace.