LIVE, WORK AND PLAY!
Chelan County PUD is located in the geographical center of Washington State at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers. A public power leader, the complex and progressive nature of PUD operations offer a unique mix of challenges and opportunities.
We rely on the mighty Columbia River for much of our hydropower generation and we're proud to take a leadership role in environmental stewardship as related to this great river system. Each year we dedicate millions of dollars and thousands of work hours to protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plant ecosystems. As part of hydropower operations, we've also built 14 parks that serve more than 3 million visitors each year.
Rated by Sunset Magazine as one of the top 20 Western DREAM TOWNS and by Forbes in 2017 as one of the top 25 places to retire, Wenatchee is a recreational paradise with an abundance of adventure. The natural scenic beauty of the Wenatchee Valley provides a vivid backdrop to its thriving economy, where the quality of life is high and the climate is moderate with four distinct seasons, including more than 200 days of sunshine!
We are a small town to some and big city to others. We invest in our children and believe that education is the key to our future success.
We live a life of abundant choices and enjoy water sports on the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers, hiking, biking, rock climbing and unlimited golfing. Downhill and cross-country skiing are just minutes away. The area is also known for producing quality wines.
Consider Chelan PUD as a career choice today! The community is waiting for you.
Chelan PUD is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce. M/F/Vet/Disabled
PLEASE NOTE
If applying for this position, a RESUME and COVER LETTER will be required summarizing interest in the position and related experience, including drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts and transactions. Out of area applicants, please also address specific interest in the community. A writing sample is suggested, but not required.
To expedite the application process, combine your cover letter and resume into one WORD or PDF document and upload when requested through the online application process. Incomplete materials will not be considered.
The position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
Interested parties are also invited to contact Ruth Erwert, Recruiting Manager, at (509) 661-4540, or joblist@chelanpud.org to discuss the position.
SALARY RANGE
In addition to a competitive salary range of $130,000 - $150,000 (based on qualifications, skills and abilities), Chelan PUD employees also enjoy outstanding benefits which include the option of a zero cost medical plan (medical, dental and vision for all eligible dependents), short and long-term disability, Washington State Public Employee's Retirement System, Deferred Compensation (with company matching funds up to 5%), 11 holidays and initial personal leave accrual at 21 days per year.
Introductory Period: New employees holding regular positions must complete an introductory period of twelve months.
JOB POSTING
The Staff Attorney position is an exciting career opportunity to work with elected officials, executive management and professional staff on issues that have potential legal impacts to all operational areas of Chelan PUD. The incumbent provides legal review and representation, including drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts and transactions. Also performs legal research and prepares comprehensive legal opinions, often influencing and advising senior management under difficult conditions.
We’re looking for an individual skilled at establishing and maintaining relationships and working collaboratively and effectively with all levels of the organization. Persuasive and articulate oral communications and the ability to establish client confidence through mutual trust and respect is a must. The desired candidate will demonstrate intelligence, sound judgment and character, and be effective in analytics, research, negotiation and influence. Requires a proven track record of producing high quality work, often complex and with minimal supervision.
The position typically requires five years of related experience with emphasis in municipal, energy law, public procurement and contracts. A Juris Doctorate Degree is required; litigation experience is preferred. The full job description is listed below:
JOB PURPOSE:
Provide legal counsel and guidance to assist in compliance with the many laws applicable to the District. Provide professional interpretations and recommendations to District Commission, management and professional staff on issues or concerns that have potential legal impacts to the District. Provide legal review and representation in District actions, including drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts and transactions.
JOB FUNCTIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the job satisfactorily. Essential functions (EF) are those activities that, if not performed, would significantly and fundamentally alter the position.
# EF % of Time Job Functions
1. EF 30% Provide a variety of complex and specialized legal functions in all operational areas to protect the best interests of the District. Each incumbent possesses specialized knowledge in particular areas and will be the lead attorney in those areas as directed by the General Counsel. The expectation is that staff attorneys will carry out broad legal assignments, which are complex and difficult in nature under minimal supervision.
2. EF 30% Prepare, negotiate, draft and/or review legal documents, contracts, policies and other instruments of all types regarding District operations.
3. EF 15% Perform legal research and prepare comprehensive legal opinions for the General Counsel, General Manager, Board and/or others as assigned or as needed to protect the best interests of the District.
4. EF 20% Assist District staff in maintaining compliance with laws, policies and contracts. Provide consultation and advice on technical, systems or process related topics. Resolve conflicts, handle complaints, settle disputes, and resolve conflicts, as needed. May negotiate issues or solutions with regulatory agencies, or other outside entities.
5. EF 5% Attend Commission meetings and provide backup, as assigned, to relieve the General Counsel due to absences.
6. EF Ongoing Stay abreast of industry issues or trends, and participate in the continuing education necessary to maintain current knowledge in area of assigned specialty, and to remain qualified to practice law in the State of Washington.
7. EF Ongoing Represent the District as appropriate under the direction of General Counsel in litigation and/or claims and dispute resolution to include court and agency actions.
8. EF Ongoing Maintain regular and predictable attendance. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Comply with District policies. Complete all required training. Maintain a working knowledge and comply with District safety procedures and specific safety requirements of this position, and those in accordance with applicable provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications listed below are representative of those required, but reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Post-Secondary Education:
Juris Doctorate is required.
Experience:
Typically requires a minimum of five (5) years of directly related experience with emphasis in municipal, energy law, public procurement, contract, business, real estate and construction law. Litigation experience also typically required.
Specific KSA's: A fully skilled incumbent will have the following specific knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Knowledge:
• Advanced legal knowledge of municipal law and areas of assigned specialty, such as business, energy marketing and trading, public procurement, contract, real estate, contract management or regulatory compliance.
• In depth knowledge of District operations related to areas of assigned specialty.
Skills:
• Strong speaking and writing skills
• Thorough and accurate research and analytical skills through the use of the Internet, CD Law, and Lexis.
• Strong negotiation and persuasion skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong active listening skills
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Complex problem solving skills
• Judgment and decision making skills
Abilities:
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all levels of professionals, management , and public officials
• Strong reasoning abilities are necessary to form rules, conclusions and answers that make sense
• Must be a member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association
Language Skills:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
Computers & Equipment: A fully skilled incumbent will have the ability to utilize the following software, hardware, or equipment:
To perform this job successfully, an individual is required to have knowledge of PeopleSoft Timekeeping/HR; Microsoft Excel; Microsoft Word; and general office equipment including computer, telephone, fax, copiers, etc.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; perform repetitive hand or arm motion; and talk, hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level is usually quiet.
DISCLAIMER
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. This should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.
EEO
Chelan PUD is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and values diversity at all levels of the organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or other protected classifications as defined by law.
EO M/F/Disability/Vet Employer
EEO Law Poster (English or Spanish)
EEO Law Poster Supplement (English)
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-I.35(c)