The Maine Department of Energy Resources (DOER), which manages energy policy and programs for the State, has an attorney-level opening for a key staff position to serve as in-house Procurement and Regulatory Counsel. This position is responsible for certain legal and regulatory duties and tasks, as authorized by the Attorney General, to be performed within the DOER to assist the new agency in fulfilling its responsibilities to meet Maine’s energy and climate objectives and ensure affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy.

The Maine Legislature recently expanded the policy and statutory responsibilities of the DOER. In July 2025, the Governor signed into law LD 1270, An Act to Establish the Department of Energy Resources, which establishes the DOER in Title 35-A, Chapter 103, as the successor to the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO). The DOER is charged with new responsibilities, including conducting regular clean energy and other infrastructure procurements to advance the energy policies of the state based on the state energy plan. This position will play a critical role in helping the DOER meet these responsibilities.

Responsibilities of the position include:

Working collaboratively with Department leadership to understand office priorities.
Providing legal advice to the DOER regarding matters relating to energy procurement, including the preparation of requests for proposals, the review of responses to requests for proposals, the selection and award of contracts, the negotiation and drafting of contracts, and the review of grant documents, cooperative agreements, and other programmatic instruments.
Appearing on behalf of the DOER in administrative and regulatory proceedings relating to energy procurement in proceedings before the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Preparing and filing briefs and other materials in PUC and FERC proceedings.
In consultation with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), assisting with the drafting of rules and provision of advice regarding the APA rulemaking process.
Drafting and providing advice and assistance regarding internal DOER administrative policies and procedures.
Acting as the DOER’s liaison with the OAG.
Serving as a resource to DOER staff on issues related to the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Law degree from an accredited law school.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class): Admitted to practice law in Maine and currently registered with the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar.

Preference will be given to candidates with the following:

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong legal advocacy, research, and writing skills, and an interest in specializing in energy law, policy, and regulatory work, procurement and contract law and administration, and the mission and work of the DOER.
Experience with energy, procurement, and contract law and administration are preferred.
High ethical standards, sound judgement, strong communication and interpersonal skills, good organizational and time management skills, and the ability to function effectively as part of a team are essential.