Hearing Officer (Legal Analyst, OGC)

Do you possess strong organizational, critical-thinking, and multitasking abilities, and thrive in a dynamic work setting. The Department of Transportation offers an exciting opportunity to serve as the presiding officer during hearings, where you will oversee proceedings, draft opinions, make decisions, and manage related responsibilities. You will be responsible for determining participant eligibility and the extent of their involvement, as well as deciding on the admissibility of evidence, including both documents and verbal testimony. If you have a strong interest in law and are looking to make a meaningful impact in a challenging yet rewarding setting, we would be eager to hear from you. Join our team to leverage your skills and further your career in the legal field!

In this role, you will serve as the adjudicator during hearings, applying the relevant agency policies and procedures. These hearings will address monetary penalties imposed by automated enforcement programs, with PennDOT overseeing the hearing and adjudication process. Your responsibilities will include reviewing forms, documentation, witness testimonies, and physical evidence to ensure that hearings proceed efficiently and in accordance with established timelines. This position demands impartial fact-finding based on the evidence presented, leading to decisions grounded in the findings of fact. All hearings will be recorded in official electronic databases and maintained in official records, requiring that all tasks be executed independently, fairly, and without bias.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time, with required in office days for training and meetings. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Salary

• $59,345 - $90,211/year

Qualifications

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school; or
• Three years of professional experience in legal research and analysis, and a bachelor’s degree; or
• Five years of legal research and analysis experience including three years at the professional level, and an associate’s degree; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes two years of professional experience in legal research and analysis.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Additional Requirements:

• You must possess good interpersonal skills, including active listening, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements will eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.