The Hearing Division presides over administrative hearings, procedural conferences, and rulemaking oral proceedings concerning complex utility and securities matters, and writes Recommended Opinions and Orders for the Commissioners' consideration at Open Meetings. The Hearing Division also includes Docket Control, responsible for the Commission’s filings and record-keeping.
You will conduct formal, on-the-record, administrative hearings and draft Recommended Opinions and Orders based upon an independent review of the evidence and law. You will be responsible for all procedural aspects of your assigned cases, including scheduling hearings and other proceedings, and compliance with the Commission’s “timeclock” rules and other deadlines. You will interpret and implement the Arizona Corporation Commission’s authority set forth in Article 15, Section 3 of the Arizona Constitution, statutory authority, and rules. You may be involved in writing and promulgating administrative rules for the Commission in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Arizona Administrative Procedure Act and the Commission’s rulemaking policies. This role has considerable interaction with Commissioners and their staff members, as you will present and defend your recommendations in Open Meeting. You will prepare Procedural Orders for your cases, involving both substantive and non-substantive issues.
- A Juris Doctor degree, in addition to litigation or administrative hearing experience, and an Arizona license to practice law in good standing (attorney licensed and in good standing in other state may be considered if qualified and willing to become licensed in Arizona):
- A background in engineering, economics, finance, accounting, or administrative law;
- Extensive knowledge of the complex state and federal regulatory concepts related to regulation of different kinds of utilities (electric, gas, telephone, water, and sewer) and/or of securities in Arizona;
- A full understanding of constitutional due process as related to administrative hearings;
- Knowledge of and experience interpreting evidentiary and procedural rules;
- Exceptional interpersonal communication skills to conduct hearings, public comment meetings, and other proceedings;
- Excellent legal reasoning, research, and writing skills and great attention to detail;
- An ability to reduce complex legal and technical arguments and issues into language easily understood by a layperson, and to write concise, organized, and legally sufficient Recommended Opinions and Orders that will withstand appeal;
- Skills to perform online legal research using Westlaw; to work competently with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Teams; and to work competently with or a willingness and ability to learn to work competently with Microsoft Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and WebEx;
- A work ethic that demonstrates self-motivation, reliability, dedication, productivity, cooperation, integrity, responsibility, discipline, teamwork, accountability, adaptability, and professionalism; and
- A temperament and demeanor that demonstrates and results in unbiased and ethical decision making, with sufficient confidence in your own abilities and the patience necessary to maintain composure and control over the hearing during contentious proceedings.
Utility or securities regulatory experience is highly desirable, as is prior experience presiding over formal administrative hearings and writing decisions.
Any offer of employment is contingent upon proof of education and current Arizona law license (or out-of-state equivalent and the ability to become licensed to practice in Arizona) and successful completion of a background/reference check.
A.R.S. Section 40-101 prohibits Commission employees from having certain interests in entities that the Commission regulates. Applicants shall be required to disclose any interests they may have in the regulated entities during the application process and, as a condition of employment, to divest themselves of any prohibited interests.
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
- Anticipated hiring range $95,000 - $115,000 DOE
- Excellent comprehensive benefits, including a top-ranked retirement plan, low-cost health coverage, supplemental policies such as vision and short-term disability, and generous leave programs
- Encouragement for career and personal development; multiple training and education opportunities and resources; qualifying Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer
- Interesting, challenging work in a non-corporate environment with the chance to make a real difference in our state
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
This position qualifies for participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) defined benefit pension.
If you have any questions, please email HumanResources@azcc.gov for assistance.