Tribal Clean Energy Specialist; EMS

Tribal Clean Energy Specialist (EMS2) At the Department of Commerce we’re reimagining what’s possible in government. We’re builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we’re turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places.

Our agency’s strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact.

Let’s build what’s next, together.

The Energy Division partners with diverse energy stakeholders to create a clean, affordable and just energy future.

This position is dedicated to advancing state energy and climate policy by working directly with tribal communities and tribal governments across Washington. The primary focus is on fostering collaborative relationships, supporting the development and deployment of clean energy solutions, and ensuring that tribal perspectives and priorities are integral to policy analysis, design, and implementation.

As a statewide convener, this role brings together diverse stakeholders—including tribal leaders and elected officials, legislators, experts from state and local agencies, advocacy organizations, businesses, and program managers within Commerce.

The policy subject area centers on clean energy initiatives for tribal communities and tribal lands, emphasizing partnership, technical assistance, education, and capacity-building. The position functions across the division, supporting energy policy and programs that are developed in close collaboration with tribes, ensuring alignment with state climate goals and honoring tribal sovereignty and leadership.

• 1. Develop legislative, policy and program initiatives within the position’s subject area to advance the energy, climate and equity objectives and requirements of Washington and the recommendations of the 2021 State Energy Strategy and biennial updates.
• 2. Engage stakeholders and experts in tribal organizations, government, industry, advocacy organizations, and research institutions to identify policy options and barriers.
• 3. Develop, recommend, and implement policy options that increase racial equity, improve economic justice, support economic development, and reduce pollution from greenhouse gases, consistent with the recommendations of the state energy strategy and the requirements of the HEAL Act.
• 4. As requested, prepare testimony, reports, presentations, website materials, and other communications materials to advance understanding of tribal interests in state’s energy and climate policies and programs.
• 5. Provide technical and policy expertise during the development and implementation of agency grant programs in the position’s focus area. Work with external stakeholders in program design and in outreach to potential applicants and evaluators.
• 6. Provide analytical and policy support to other statewide initiatives within the Energy Division and the agency, as identified by senior managers.
• 7. Coordinate regularly with the Commerce Office of Tribal Relations, the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs and other state agencies to maintain consistency between the agency's tribal work and the state’s overall relationship with tribes under the Centennial Accord and the Millennium Agreement.
• 8. Develop and maintain sets of recommendations, examples and best practices for…