Division Chief - Utilities and Regulatory

About This Position

With general direction, supervise the activities and staff of a division or specific function of the Law Department.

Job Description:

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Assists in the providing of legal advice to management, council, and departments.
  
• Compiles data and information for reports, cost estimates, etc.
  
• Coordinates research information as requested and/or needed.
  
• Negotiates with citizens, businesses, attorneys, etc. to resolve legal actions involving the City.
  
• Writes and drafts legal documents such as contracts, regulations, ordinance amendments, resolution, etc.
  
• Writes legal opinions.
  
• Handles complex legal matters requiring substantial legal experience.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
  
• Knowledge of civil and criminal law.
  
• Knowledge of municipal law and specialized area of law relevant to municipal practice.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  
• Knowledge of City practice, policy and procedures.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Ability to conduct research on legal problems and prepare opinions.
  
• Ability to prepare and review legal documents.
  
• Ability to analyze facts and precedents in order to present them effectively in court.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited school of law plus five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney with a minimum of three (3) years experience in a lead or supervisory capacity.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Texas electric and water regulatory matters, including the practice before the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
  
• Experience with Texas electric market operations and federal reliability standards.
  
• Experience with Texas and federal environmental regulations.
  
• Experience with negotiating complex transactional matters.
  
• Knowledge of issues related to cybersecurity.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Work Location:

We value a healthy work-life balance and currently offer a 40-hour work week with flexible work hours and a hybrid schedule of three days remote and two days on-site in accordance with the City’s policy and subject to supervisor’s approval. On-site work is primarily located at Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin 78701, or other location as designated by a supervisor.

Salary:

Commensurate

Benefits:

Working with the City of Austin offers numerous benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid leave time, a comprehensive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. For more information, click HERE .

Professional Growth and Development:

The City Attorney's Office offers opportunities to advance within our Attorney career ladder, as well as a wide variety of learning opportunities.

Division Overview:

The Utilities and Regulatory Division provides legal advice to several departments, including Austin Energy, Austin Water, Austin Resource Recovery, Austin Technology Services, and the regulatory functions of Austin Financial Services. The attorneys advise on utility, regulatory, and franchise issues, as well as cyber and information security legal compliance.

To view the detailed Recruitment Profile for this position, please click here.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications. Any final offer will be made based on the information provided in the application.

A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications. Any final offer will be made based on the information provided in the application.
  
• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered.
  
• A resume is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application.
  
• Please do not use the phrase “see resume” or refer to other documents to complete your application.
  
• Do not leave the “Duties and Responsibilities” sections blank.
  
• Please include contact information from previous employers.
  
• Failure to fill in all portions of the application will be considered an incomplete application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  

Cover Letter and Resume Required:

This position requires a cover letter and resume. Please upload your documents in order to be considered for this position.

If you are selected for hire:

Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate, and/or graduate degrees) is required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization or institution. You must also provide proof of your professional licenses or certifications.

If you are in the military or a military veteran, you will need to provide a copy of the Member 4 page of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM



At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-09-01

City of Austin

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