Job Information
State of Colorado Administrative Law Judge II- DORA: PUC in Denver, Colorado
Administrative Law Judge II- DORA: PUC
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Administrative Law Judge II- DORA: PUC
Salary
$7,834.00 - $11,359.00 Monthly
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
SGA-5150-9/2024
Department
Department of Regulatory Agencies
Division
Public Utilities Commission
Opening Date
09/13/2024
Closing Date
9/23/2024 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
1560 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202
Department Contact Information
Thanh Pham: thanh.phama@state.co.us
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
Hybrid Workplace Arrangement:
Although this position will be designated under the department’s hybrid workplace program, it will still be required to report to the department office on a scheduled basis and at the discretion of the supervisor, based on business needs.
This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado.
Consumer protection is our mission.
DORA values and promotes diversity, supporting a workplace that is inclusive of people from different backgrounds and experiences; creating an environment that is reflective of our communities; promoting positive relationships; and putting forth unique perspectives to fulfill our mission.
Employer-sponsored RTD EcoPass, with offices located at Civic Center Plaza, above the RTD Civic Center station and just a few blocks from RTD light rail.
Extensive work-life programs such as flexible schedules, training and professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects, and more!
Employee wellness programs, including the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP), which provides free, confidential counseling services.
Bike-to-work programs, including access to storage lockers and bike racks.
Flexible retirement benefits, including a choice of the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans.
Medical and Dental Health Insurance for employees and optional coverage for their dependents.
Life Insurance for employees, and optional coverage for their dependents.
Paid Time Off, including 11 paid holidays.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Tuition assistance program.
Check out our excellent benefits (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits) package!
Description of Job
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) serves the public interest by effectively regulating energy and water utilities and facilities, telecommunications, transportation, gas pipeline safety, and rail and transit safety so that the people of Colorado receive safe, reliable, and reasonably-priced services consistent with the economic, environmental and social values of our state. This requires balancing the needs of customers and the aforementioned regulated entities.
The Administrative Hearings Section conducts hearings, issues written decisions, and ensures an accurate record of proceedings. The Section also procures and manages the Commission’s contracts and budget; manages and oversees all of the Commission’s database/systems analysis, management and enhancement-related projects and programs.
Position:SGA 5150
This position is responsible for deciding on contested cases as referred by the Commission and assigned by the Chief Administrative Law Judge. This is accomplished by resolving interim disputes, conducting contested hearings, ruling on procedural and evidentiary questions, analyzing the law, determining the credibility of witnesses, deciding on proper agency action, and, as required by Colorado statutes, by writing decisions and orders containing findings of fact, conclusions of law and determining the appropriate agency action.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
Exercising the jurisdiction and powers conferred by law upon the Commission to manage assigned proceedings and resolve legal disputes in advance of hearing;
Evaluating the credibility of witnesses, resolving conflicts in affidavits, analyzing financial exhibits, determining applicable law from ambiguous or conflicting statutes, applying theories of utility regulation to unique facts with little or no precedent, and issuing written decisions explaining reasoning and containing an enforceable order;
Deciding procedures, such as the most appropriate location in Colorado to conduct a hearing after considering conflicting desires and interests of parties, and efficiently managing and controlling all aspects of proceedings to ensure due process is accorded;
Performing a variety of quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial duties in compliance with the Code of Judicial Conduct, agency and departmental policies, the position determines adequacy of legal notice and compliance with filings requirements, then establishes appropriate procedures to efficiently and effectively determine the appropriate agency action on merits;
Determining the scope of matters that can or should be addressed based on the management of the proceeding, as well as the scope of permissible discovery and admissible evidence;
Conducting and arbitrating formal hearings and settlement conferences to decide disputes and ensure efficiency and orderliness of formal hearings, and administering oaths and issuing subpoenas for attendance of witnesses and production of documents;
Controlling proceedings by ruling quickly and accurately upon legal motions and objections made during the hearing so as to not unduly disrupt the proceedings;
Reviewing, organizing and analyzing evidentiary record, including transcripts, post-hearing legal briefs, and exhibits; deliberating upon the record in order to make a recommended decision establishing the appropriate agency action, and then preparing the written decision prescribing the agency action, which contains findings of fact, conclusions of law, and orders of implementation;
Evaluating conflicting testimony of expert witnesses such as economists, engineers, and financial experts, and analyzing technical exhibits to determine the significance to be assigned to expert evidence;
Handling administrative functions, including reviewing utility periodicals, reports, and digests; reviewing Commission policy directives and decisions (including rules); reviewing and analyzing applicable state and federal case law; maintaining docket control system of all matters assigned to assure timely resolution and fair disposition of all such matters; providing written docket status reports and information; traveling statewide to conduct hearings; using available resources to efficiently communicate and fulfill duties.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (MQs):
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate degree (J.D.); AND
Five (5) years of professional* work experience practicing law (professional* legal experience acquired after admission to the bar). The experience must include a minimum of two (2) years of active litigation experience as an attorney before courts of competent jurisdiction, or in a regulatory environment; OR two (2) years of experience as a trial judge or hearings officer; AND
Must hold an active license to practice law in the State of Colorado for five (5) years.
Document this experience in your applicationIN DETAIL, as your experience will not be inferred or assumed. Part time experience will be prorated.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- There is no substitution for the required education or professional* work experience.
*Professional work involves exercising discretion, analytical skill, judgment and personal accountability and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, and sharing an organized body of knowledge that characteristically is: uniquely acquired through an intense education or training regimen at a recognized college or university; equivalent to the curriculum requirements for a bachelor's or higher degree with major study in or pertinent to the specialized field; and continuously studied to explore, extend, and use additional discoveries, interpretations, and application and to improve data, materials, equipment, applications and methods.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience conducting financial analysis;
Experience conducting policy analysis;
Experience working in a regulatory environment;
Ten (10) years of recent professional* experience practicing law (legal experience acquired after admission to the bar);
Full-time litigation practice as an attorney in administrative and judicial settings. Without limitation, qualifications include presentation of cases in trial or hearing, pre-trial motions practice, and conducting discovery;
Prior full-time experience presiding over contested proceedings and functioning as a judge;
Experience developing new processes and identifying new methods to streamline existing work processes for efficiency and accuracy, including leveraging resources and new technology to improve the efficiency of Commission and hearing processes;
Experience working with and knowledge of complex economic, financial, and engineering concepts;
Experience working with and knowledge of the industries and entities regulated by the PUC (i.e. energy and water utilities and facilities, telecommunications, transportation, gas pipeline safety, and rail-and-transit safety, etc.);
No Supreme Court disciplinary action(s) within the past five (5) years;
Demonstrated experience working in a high-stress, high-profile environment managing various stakeholders and discerning hidden agendas.
Required Competencies: The following knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal characteristics are required competencies and may be considered during the selection process (including examination and/or interview):
Demonstrated oral communication skills, including public speaking skills;
Demonstrated written communication skills, including the ability to convey information to various stakeholders in a clear, accurate, and concise written manner;
Demonstrated attention to detail in order to ensure accuracy, thoroughness, and consistency of all analyzed information;
Sound judgment, including the ability to determine the appropriate course of action on a routine basis;
Demonstrated ability to understand and abide by workplace principles, practices, and behaviors as internally identified and defined by the division and department;
Ability to read, understand, interpret, apply, and explain laws, rules, policies, and procedures;
Demonstrated organizational skills, including planning, prioritization, and time management in order to meet deadlines;
Critical thinking and analytical skills, including having the ability to evaluate evidence and applicable information in order to apply knowledge and identify the level of compliance;
Demonstrated ability to appropriately and ethically handle confidential information;
Problem-solving skills, including the ability to review and analyze information in order to recommend solutions;
Demonstrated ability to maintain and protect the integrity of the judicial process, including ensuring there is no appearance of impropriety or conflicts of interest;
Demonstrated ability to fairly and judiciously assess civil penalties so that they are not overly burdensome based on the merits and circumstances of each case;
Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with a variety of stakeholders and various audiences;
Demonstrated ability to conduct research and gather pertinent information;
Demonstrated active listening skills, including the ability to show parties that their interests and concerns are understood;
Demonstrated ability to facilitate compromise and manage conflict;
Demonstrated ability to resolve highly technical and legally complex legal disputes;
Integrity and high ethical standards;
Accountability, reliability, including attendance;
Ability to maintain confidential, controversial, or sensitive information;
Self-starter, including the ability to work independently, learn new processes, utilize own knowledge and that of supervisor, and complete work with minimal supervision;
Demonstrated professional demeanor;
Knowledge and understanding in the use of PC software applications including Microsoft Office (Access, Word, Excel, etc.), and Google Suite (Doc’s, Sheets, Slides, etc).
Conditions of Employment: Candidates who fail to meet the conditions of employment will be removed from consideration.
The successful passing of a reference check and/or, if required, a background check.
A reference check may include but is not limited to: contacting previous and current supervisors to verify employment and discuss performance, a review of the personnel file, a review of the performance record, etc.
The type of background check depends on the job duties of the position, and can include a review of any criminal record, credit report, and/or driving record.
Ability to travel independently, including work in-office, as required by business need and scheduled by the supervisor.
This position requires the ability to travel up to 5% of the time, including staying over weekends when required; and the ability to transport equipment, including, but not limited to, laptop computers, printers, manuals, and supplies.
Effective September 20, 2021, employees will be required to attest to and verify whether or not they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Employees who have not been fully vaccinated may be required to submit to serial testing in the future. Upon hire, new employees will have three (3) business days to provide attestation to their status with proof of vaccination. Vaccinated employees must provide proof of vaccination.
Note: Fully Vaccinated means two (2) weeks after a second dose in a two-dose series of the COVID-19 vaccine, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two (2) weeks after the single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, as defined by the most recent State of Colorado’s Public Health Order and current guidance issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment.
Supplemental Information
PLEASE READ - Required Application Materials
Interested individuals must submit the following online:
A completed State of Colorado Application (log-in to your current NeoGov account or create a NeoGov account to complete the online application). Note: Incomplete applications, including incomplete work history sections or "see résumé," "see attachment," or "see addendum" statements, will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application form.
A current email address on your application, as all communication pertaining to this position will be conducted via email. Please set up your email to accept messages from info@governmentjobs.com and ‘@state.co.us’ addresses, and check your email often. Note: The department cannot guarantee the successful delivery of email, including incorrect filtering into junk mail folders.
A detailed cover letter , explaining how you meet the required competencies and how your accomplishments, qualifications, skills, areas of expertise, personal characteristics, etc. make you a good fit for this position; you may also attach additional documents that demonstrate this.
Comparative Analysis Process: Structured Application Review
Part of, if not the entire, comparative analysis process for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials; Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application and cover letter, you describe the extent to which you possess the education, experience, and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the required and/or preferred qualifications/competencies. You are also encouraged to attach additional documents to that effect. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may affect your score and prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.
Veterans’ Preference:Candidates who wish to assert Veterans’ Preference should attach a copy of their DD214 to their application. Failure to do so will result in being denied Veterans Preference.
PLEASE NOTE:Former State Personnel System employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information on the application. Colorado Revised Statutes require that all state employees be hired and promoted through competitive examination of merit and fitness. Failure to include the required information, failure to follow instructions, and/or failure to submit materials by the application deadline may result in your application not being considered for the position and may affect your score or inclusion in the final pool of qualified candidates.
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
ADAAA Accommodations:DORA is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, at dora_adacoordinator@state.co.us .
While a salary range is posted for this position, an eventual salary offer is determined by a comprehensive salary analysis, which considers multiple factors including but not limited to education and experience compared to others in the organization doing substantially similar work.
Check out our excellent benefits (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits) package!
Appeal Rights:
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.
An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email, US Mail, faxed or hand-delivered within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the department’s action.
For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to spb.colorado.gov or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
DORA Q1: Please provide your Social Security Number. NOTE: This information will be kept strictly confidential and is only accessible to Human Resources Personnel.
02
DORA Q2: Are you a current or previous State of Colorado employee? Enter "yes" or "no" in the space provided. If "yes", enter 1) the State agency name, 2) dates of employment, and 3) your official classification title.
03
DORA Q3: If you are a current or former State of Colorado classified employee, have you ever been disciplinary terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-6, Automatic Resignation)? NOTE: Current and former State Personnel System employees who were disciplinary terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or who were deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-6, Automatic Resignation) must disclose this information on the application. Failure to disclose this information and/or falsification of application materials may result in being removed from consideration for this position.
N/A - I am not a current or former State of Colorado classified employee.
YES, I have been disciplinary terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-6, Automatic Resignation).
NO, I have NEVER been disciplinary terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-6, Automatic Resignation).
04
DORA Q4: Current or Former Classified Employees: Are you a transfer, non-disciplinary (voluntary) demotion, or reinstatement applicant?
Yes
No
N/A - I am not a current or former State of Colorado classified employee.
05
DORA Q5: VETERAN'S PREFERENCE NOTE: If you are not eligible for/seeking Veteran's Preference, please skip down to the bottom and select option "N/A". REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: Candidates who wish to assert Veterans' Preference should attach a copy of their DD214 reflecting dates of service, type of discharge, and, if appropriate, a campaign badge or service medal. If information regarding a campaign badge or service medal is necessary to award preference points and is not reflected on the DD214, other documents reflecting the grade or medal must be provided. Other types of documentation may be required for ten point preference. *Note 1: For a complete list of service dates and campaigns used in awarding preference points visit: http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vgmedal2.htm Note 2: Medal holders and Gulf War veterans who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty on or after October 14, 1982, without having previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty; must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. *Note 3: Effective October 1, 1980, military retirees at or above the rank of major or equivalent, are not entitled to preference unless they qualify as disabled veterans. Reservists who are retired from the Reserves but are not receiving retirement pay are not considered "retired military" for purposes of veterans' preference. REMINDER: Proof of eligibility must be provided before points are allowed. Please attach documentation to your application. If you have not done so, please go back and do so now. Veteran's Preference points WILL NOT be applied without the appropriate documentation. PLEASE CHECK ALL THAT APPLY:
N/A - I am not eligible for/seeking Veteran's Preference.
A) I was honorably separated (this means an honorable or general discharge) and I served on active duty (excluding active duty for training) in the Armed Forces: During any war declared by Congress
B) I was honorably separated (this means an honorable or general discharge) and I served on active duty (excluding active duty for training) in the Armed Forces: During the period April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955;
C) I was honorably separated (this means an honorable or general discharge) and I served on active duty (excluding active duty for training) in the Armed Forces: For more than 180 consecutive days, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976;
D) I was honorably separated (this means an honorable or general discharge) and I served on active duty (excluding active duty for training) in the Armed Forces: During the Gulf War period beginning August 2, 1990, and ending January 2, 1992;
E) I was honorably separated (this means an honorable or general discharge) and I served on active duty (excluding active duty for training) in the Armed Forces: For more than 180 consecutive days, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on the date prescribed by Presidential proclamation or by law as the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom; or,
F) I was honorably separated (this means an honorable or general discharge) and I served on active duty (excluding active duty for training) in the Armed Forces: In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized*, such as El Salvador, Lebanon, Granada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti.
G) I have served on active duty in the Armed Forces at any time and have a present service connected disability or are receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the Department of Veterans Affairs; or
H) I am a Purple Heart recipient;
I) I am the spouse of a veteran unable to work because of a service-connected disability;
J) I am the unmarried widow/widower of certain deceased veterans; and
K) I am the mother of a veteran who died in service or who is permanently and totally disabled.
06
DORA Q6: Part of the required application materials includes a detailed cover letter, explaining how you meet the required competencies and how your accomplishments, qualifications, skills, areas of expertise, personal characteristics, etc. make you a good fit for this position; you may also attach additional documents that demonstrate this. Q: Have you included this cover letter as an attachment to your application? (If not, you may go back and do so now). Yes, I have attached the required cover letter explaining how I meet the required competencies and how my accomplishments, qualifications, skills, areas of expertise, personal characteristics, etc. make me a good fit for this position; I may also attach additional documents that demonstrate this. No, I have not attached the required cover letter to my application. Note: I understand that failure to include this information and follow instructions may prevent me from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.
Yes
No
07
DORA Q7: This position requires the ability to travel up to 5% of the time, including staying over weekends when required, and the ability to transport equipment, including, but not limited to, laptop computers, printers, manuals, and supplies. Will you be willing to travel for this position?
Yes
No
08
DORA Q8: Please explain in detail how you meet the following minimum qualifications: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate degree (J.D.).
09
DORA Q9: Please explain in detail how you meet the following minimum qualifications: Five (5) years of professional* work experience practicing law (professional* legal experience acquired after admission to the bar). The experience must include a minimum of two (2) years of active litigation experience as an attorney before courts of competent jurisdiction, or in a regulatory environment; OR two (2) years of experience as a trial judge or hearings officer.
10
DORA Q10: Please explain in detail how you meet the following minimum qualifications: Must hold an active license to practice law in the State of Colorado for five (5) years.
11
DORA Q11: You must hold an active license to practice law in the State of Colorado for five (5) years, please provide your Colorado attorney registration number.
12
DORA Q12: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualifications: Experience conducting financial analysis.
13
DORA Q13: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualifications: Experience conducting policy analysis.
14
DORA Q14: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualifications: Experience working in a regulatory environment.
15
DORA Q15: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualifications: Ten (10) years of recent professional* experience practicing law (legal experience acquired after admission to the bar).
16
DORA Q16: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualifications: Full-time litigation practice as an attorney in administrative and judicial settings. Without limitation, qualifications include presentation of cases in trial or hearing, pre-trial motions practice, and conducting discovery.
17
DORA Q17: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualifications: Prior full-time experience presiding over contested proceedings and functioning as a judge.
18
DORA Q18: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualifications: Experience developing new processes and identifying new methods to streamline existing work processes for efficiency and accuracy, including leveraging resources and new technology to improve the efficiency of Commission and hearing processes.
19
DORA Q19: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualifications: Experience working with and knowledge of complex economic, financial, and engineering concepts.
20
DORA Q20: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualifications: Experience working with and knowledge of the industries and entities regulated by the PUC (i.e. energy and water utilities and facilities, telecommunications, transportation, gas pipeline safety, and rail-and-transit safety, etc.).
21
DORA Q21: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualifications: No Supreme Court disciplinary action(s) within the past five (5) years.
22
DORA Q22: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualifications: Demonstrated experience working in a high-stress, high-profile environment managing various stakeholders and discerning hidden agendas.
23
DORA Q23: The salary range posted for this position is $94,008-$136,308/annually ($7,834-$11,359/monthly); while appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum, the salary will be set based on the qualifications of the candidate appointed and relevant factors. Please share your salary expectations below.
24
DORA Q24: Although this position will be designated under the department's hybrid workplace program, it will still be required to report to the department office on a scheduled basis and at the discretion of the supervisor, based on business need. Would you be able to do this?
25
DORA Q25: If you move forward in this process and are selected for this position, what is the earliest date that you would be able to start?
Required Question
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