Associate General Counsel

Job Description

Job Specifications

This position will provide direct support for the company’s gas and electric utilities and corporate services functions.  This position will provide a full range of legal counsel and services company wide, ensuring compliance with laws, rules and regulations, and contractual arrangements, and otherwise support the corporation’s utility regulatory and business development activities.

SALARY RANGE:   $144,800 - $238,900 (Determined by the knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant.)

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:   Deputy General Counsel

LOCATION:  Our Corporate Headquarters in Rapid City, South Dakota

• A comprehensive relocation package is offered for this position! Details about this package will be shared during the interview and offer process.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Investigate, research, and provide legal advice concerning a broad range of issues and circumstances which arise in the company’s day-to-day business activities.
• Provide management with legal support related to generation, natural gas and electric utility operations, regulatory concerns, and compliance, as well as support for corporate and administrative functions (e.g., corporate finance, IT, insurance, human resources, service contracts, real estate, etc.).
• Actively participate as counsel in state and federal regulatory dockets, including drafting of testimony and other pleadings.
• Provide legal support and assistance to the General Counsel.
• Provide management with legal support related to contract administration and performance, joint ventures and other strategic partnerships.
• Provide management with legal support related to acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and other strategic partnerships, and development of company-owned operating assets and facilities.
• Draft and review legal contracts and documents for compliance with legal requirements and corporate interests.
• Draft and negotiate letters of intent; asset purchase agreements; stock purchase agreements and joint venture agreements; engineering, procurement and construction agreements; power purchase and sale agreements; coal supply agreements; and similar or related agreements.
• Develop, review and assist in implementing corporate governance and compliance procedures.
• Develop firm understanding of company’s strategic business values and objectives.
• Review and interpret legislation, rules and regulations ensuring company personnel are aware of and in compliance with applicable laws.
• Support litigation related activities including leading information collection efforts, drafting and reviewing pleadings and discovery, witness preparation, etc.
• Assist in the supervision of outside counsel on legal matters relating to gas and electric utility operations and regulatory affairs, with the goal of reducing outside legal expenses.
• Provide support for the legal department in extending advice and service to operating segments of the company.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support and comply with corporate policies, goals and objectives.
• Participate and represent the company in civic, professional and industry-related activities.
• Participate in legal department planning, project prioritization and administrative tasks.  
• Supervise legal department staff, as assigned
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience is the general level of experience required.  
• Juris doctor degree from ABA accredited law school is required.
• Licensed to practice law in South Dakota required. 

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to distinguish relevant facts, assimilate and analyze facts, and apply legal techniques to resolve complex legal issues.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient interpersonal skills.
• Ability to make decisive, sound judgments, taking responsibility for developing plans to achieve optimal legal and business solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and effectively prioritize work in progress.
• Proficient negotiation skills.
• Ability to be self-directed and exercise independent judgment.
• Possess unquestionable integrity and thrive in a dynamic team environment.
• Ability to oversee and supervise work of one or more members of legal staff, as assigned.
• Demonstrated ability to distinguish relevant facts, assimilate and analyze facts, and apply legal techniques to resolve complex legal issues.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient interpersonal skills.
• Ability to make decisive, sound judgments, taking responsibility for developing plans to achieve optimal legal and business solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and effectively prioritize work in progress.
• Proficient negotiation skills.
• Ability to be self-directed and exercise independent judgment.
• Possess unquestionable integrity and thrive in a dynamic team environment.
• Ability to oversee and supervise work of one or more members of legal staff, as assigned.

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package!  Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. 

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.  If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit  careers.blackhillsenergy.com for more information.