Energy Planning Section Supervisor

Are you looking for a career where you can make a difference for Montana's energy system and its vital role supporting our communities and economy? Consider being part of DEQ’s team of interdisciplinary professionals who are working to advance innovative solutions for some of Montana's biggest energy challenges. We take on exciting problems that require curiosity, technical expertise, policy understanding, and teamwork to solve.

DEQ is recruiting a Section Supervisor to lead the Energy Planning Section within DEQ’s Energy Bureau. The Energy Bureau serves as Montana's state energy office. Priorities for the Energy Planning Section include:

• Review of utility electricity resource plans.
• Engagement in regional electricity transmission planning and market development.
• Administration of grid resiliency funding.
• Administration of multifamily energy retrofit and alternative energy revolving loan programs.
• Electric vehicle and alternative fuel planning and funding programs.
• Energy security planning and management of energy supply emergencies.
• Energy policy analysis; and,
• Wind and solar facility bonding and decommissioning.

The Energy Planning Section Supervisor is at the forefront of energy planning and new energy program development in Montana. The position requires extensive collaboration with other state agencies, federal partners, public interest organizations, and energy sector businesses.

The Supervisor is responsible for the implementation of Agency, Division, and Bureau direction and the oversight of day-to-day operations of the programs within their Section. This position leads staff to accomplish goals by clearly and effectively communicating priorities and expectations to personnel; developing and coordinating annual work plans with personnel; providing meaningful and timely feedback to personnel; managing personnel; implementing the professional growth matrix for career advancement;

and aligning operations with DEQ strategic plans. This position works with the Energy Bureau Chief to establish Section direction and strategy, and to assess effectiveness of Section and Bureau operations. Other responsibilities include: implementing policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance and continuous business process improvement; managing program funding in compliance with the statutory and funding source requirements for the programs by setting fiscally responsible goals, following procurement and contracting processes, monitoring budgets, and evaluation results;

and developing stakeholder relationships among diverse interest groups regarding program activities, with the intent of finding mutually beneficial solutions to problems.

The ideal candidate would have expertise in energy planning, technology and policy analysis, familiarity with emergency management, and previous experience managing federal grants, conducting stakeholder engagement, procurement, providing customer service, successfully managing people, and leading a team. Strong communication and writing skills, and a record of effective teamwork are essential to this position.

At the Department of Environmental Quality, our mission is to champion a healthy environment for a thriving Montana. DEQ employees are the heart of our organization, and we invest in their professional growth, promoting a culture of cross-agency collaboration as we find solutions to the environmental challenges we face. DEQ values – leadership, accountability, customer service, efficiency, excellence, and decision making – are fundamental to our work.

Come be a part of the Department of Environmental Quality!

The Energy Planning Section Supervisor position includes a career ladder for professional development and pay progression. The position will be based with the Energy Bureau at DEQ's headquarters in Helena, Montana and may be eligible for part-time telework.

Minimum requirements include:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent education.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience including demonstrated leadership or supervision, may include experience from informal roles, and proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Preferre…