Senior General Counsel, Gas Ops & Regulatory Strategy

Aqua America, Inc.; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 260,000 - 340,000; Full time

Job summary

Essential Utilities, Inc. seeks a seasoned General Counsel for Gas Operations to provide strategic legal guidance across regulatory, commercial, and compliance matters affecting gas distribution, transmission, storage, and related activities.

The role partners with leadership to manage litigation, oversee outside counsel, and negotiate broad contracts while ensuring compliance with PA DEP, PUC, FERC, and other agencies. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel and strategic guidance to leadership on legal, regulatory, operational, and business matters affecting gas operations.
• Serve as the lead legal advisor for gas distribution, transmission, storage, construction, engineering, environmental, and operational activities.
• Manage and support litigation matters, including coordination with outside counsel, development of legal strategy, case assessment, and resolution efforts.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a wide range of contracts and agreements.
• Advise business leaders on contract interpretation, compliance obligations, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Provide legal support related to real estate matters, including rights-of-way, easements, property acquisitions, and related transactions.
• Interface with governmental and regulatory agencies (PA DEP, PUC, FERC, etc.).
• Monitor and advise on regulatory developments affecting gas utility operations.
• Develop legal strategies that minimize risk while supporting business objectives.

Skills

Public utility law

Contract law

Litigation management

Regulatory compliance

Real estate matters

Strategic leadership

Analytical thinking

Written/verbal communication

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Essential Utilities, Inc. seeks a seasoned General Counsel for Gas Operations to provide strategic legal guidance across regulatory, commercial, and compliance matters affecting gas distribution, transmission, storage, and related activities.

The role partners with leadership to manage litigation, oversee outside counsel, and negotiate broad contracts while ensuring compliance with PA DEP, PUC, FERC, and other agencies. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.