Senior General Counsel, Gas Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc.; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Essential Utilities, Inc. seeks a General Counsel, Gas Operations to serve as the primary legal advisor for the company’s gas operations.

You will partner with senior leadership to support operational objectives, ensure regulatory compliance, and proactively identify and mitigate legal risks. The role covers regulatory, contractual, litigation, and real estate matters across gas distribution, transmission, and related activities, with emphasis on coordinating with PA DEP, PUC, FERC, and other

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant legal experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years supporting utilities or similarly regulated industries.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal counsel to leadership on gas operations and regulatory matters.
• Lead as the primary legal advisor for gas distribution, transmission, storage, construction, and related activities.
• Manage litigation matters, coordinate with outside counsel, and develop legal strategy.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage construction, engineering, consulting, vendor, and other contracts.
• Advise on contract interpretation, compliance obligations, and risk mitigation.
• Interface with state and federal regulators (PA DEP, PUC, FERC) and monitor regulatory developments.
• Support real estate matters including rights-of-way and land acquisitions.
• Prepare memoranda, opinions, and formal correspondence; represent the organization in negotiations and regulatory proceedings.

Skills

Executive advisory

Regulatory compliance

Contract law

Litigation management

Real estate matters

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree

Tools

Outside counsel management

Job description

Essential Utilities, Inc. seeks a General Counsel, Gas Operations to serve as the primary legal advisor for the company’s gas operations.

You will partner with senior leadership to support operational objectives, ensure regulatory compliance, and proactively identify and mitigate legal risks. The role covers regulatory, contractual, litigation, and real estate matters across gas distribution, transmission, and related activities, with emphasis on coordinating with PA DEP, PUC, FERC, and other