Legal Counsel

The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is responsible for the safe, reliable, and economic planning and operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System. We provide open and non-discriminatory access to Alberta's interconnected power grid and also facilitate Alberta's competitive wholesale electricity market. The AESO strives to foster an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace where people feel respected and welcomed for who they are, together we deliver high performance and innovative results.

Job Description

The Legal and Regulatory Affairs team plays a key role in the achievement of the AESO's strategic plan to provide leadership to power Alberta today and into the future. You will contribute to a dynamic team focused on enabling the transformation of the province's electricity sector while ensuring reliable, affordable power is always available to Albertans. Key qualifications include proven written and oral communication skills, strong critical thinking skills, and excellent interpersonal and client service skills.

Reporting to the Legal Manager, Technical, Operating and Reliability Rules and Standards, you will be accountable for working as part of the legal team to deliver timely, strategic, and proactive legal advice to business units across the AESO that is in the best interests of the AESO, industry participants and Albertans.

This full-time opportunity offers a competitive salary, and a variable pay program. We also have paid vacation and flex time, health and dental benefits, mental health support, a defined contribution pension plan, and learning and development opportunities as part of your overall compensation package. We support a hybrid work environment, where the team is in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Mondays and Fridays are flexible for where you work best.

Signs you will enjoy working in this team:

• You thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and are looking for an opportunity to embark on transformative industry change.

• You enjoy working in a team of bright professionals and participating in lively debates.

• You embrace change and pivot and adapt with ease.

• You like working in a diverse atmosphere - our team celebrates our colleagues' varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

• You have a curious mind and appreciate opportunities to broaden your skill set.

• You have strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• You demonstrate leadership on files, utilizing your analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills.

• You can work independently with confidence under time constraints.

Accountabilities include:

• Provide legal services to AESO business departments, with a primary focus on regulatory matters.

• Maintain currency with and provide advice on relevant legislation, government policies and industry issues.

• Draft, advise and assist in the development of AESO authoritative documents (ISO rules and Alberta Reliability Standards,) and associated documentation.

• Conduct research and provide verbal and written legal advice and opinions on relevant issues.

• Assist in the creation and implementation of stakeholder consultation processes and procedures.

• Assist with the AESO's participation in AUC proceedings.

• Provide input regarding the AESO's regulatory processes and seek continuous improvement.

• Participate in the AESO's internal training program relating to its regulatory processes; and

• Work with and manage external counsel.

You have:

• LL.B or J.D. and membership in, or eligibility to become a member of, the Law Society of Alberta.

• 2-4 years of legal experience.

• Experience with regulatory proceedings, regulatory/administrative law, tariffs and ratemaking or the Alberta electricity industry would be an asset.

Application deadline: December 1, 2024

If you are contacted for a pre-screening and/or interview, please advise of any accommodation measures required to enable you to fully participate. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

The Alberta Electric System Operator is unable to accept unsolicited agency resumes.

The Alberta Electric System Operator, and its members, officers, employees and agents (collectively, the "AESO") is committed to protecting personal information provided to it. When you submit your personal information to the AESO for the purpose of pursuing employment with the AESO, the collection, use and disclosure of personal information is in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP Act) of Alberta.

As noted, the AESO is mandated to maintain the safe and reliable operations of the provincial power grid. As part of meeting its obligations, the AESO may require the successful candidate to undergo a criminal background check for the position. This collection of personal information for the purposes of a check will be conducted in accordance with Section 33 of the FOIP Act.