Senior Energy Policy Specialist – Electric Transmission and Distribution; EMS Job Olympia area,Washington USA,Government

Position: Senior Energy Policy Specialist – Electric Transmission and Distribution (EMS 2)

Senior Energy Policy Specialist – Electric Transmission and Distribution (EMS
2)

This position leads the analysis, development and implementation of state energy and climate policy in the policy subject area described below. The position is inherently energy interdisciplinary, covering a range of energy technologies, programs, policies, and strategies that contribute to a more resilient, sustainable and dynamic energy economy in Washington. This work will help Washington achieve state climate policy goals through program design, alignment, and implementation.

This position serves as a statewide convener with diverse stakeholders, including legislators and other elected officials, experts and leaders in state and local government agencies, advocacy organizations, businesses, and program managers within Commerce.

The policy subject area of this position is electric transmission and distribution infrastructure policy, planning, and development. The 2021 State Energy Strategy identifies expanded high voltage transmission access as a key opportunity to meet the state’s energy and climate objectives by using clean electric generating resources across the western United States. The 2021 State Energy Strategy also emphasizes that a smart, flexible and optimized grid is foundational to meeting the mandates of our state’s clean electricity law and electrifying the economy while assuring system reliability and resilience at both the distribution and transmission levels.

This position works with transmission system operators, electric utilities, state and federal regulators, and public interest organizations to increase the capacity and reliability of the bulk power transmission system and the distribution grid serving Washington customers. It will require participation in statewide, multi-state, and federal activities including regular coordination and collaboration with the Western Transmission Expansion Coalition (WestTEC) and the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).

In addition, the Washington legislature passed a law in 2026 (ESSB 6355) creating the Washington Electric Transmission Authority (WETA). This position will support and maintain oversight of WETA until an executive director is hired in mid-2027 and carryout other duties assigned to Commerce in the law. This position will continue to collaborate closely with WETA on an ongoing basis.

Responsibilities of this position include

Develop legislative and policy initiatives within the position’s subject area to advance the energy and climate objectives and requirements of Washington and the recommendations of the State Energy Strategy.

Engage stakeholders and experts in government, industry, advocacy organizations, and research institutions to identify policy options and barriers.

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.

Prepare testimony, reports, presentations, website materials, and other communications materials to advance understanding of the state’s energy and climate policies and programs.

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.

Provide analytical and policy support to other statewide initiatives within the Energy Division and the agency, as identified by senior managers.

Coordinate and support the consistent interpretation and programmatic support of state clean energy laws and rules among involved state agencies, including the Governor’s Policy Office, Utilities and Transportation Commission, the State Department of Transportation, Energy Facilities Site Evaluation Council, and the Department of Ecology.

Required Education, and

Experience:

Any combination of Six (6) total years of experience. This could be gained by a combination of relevant education beyond high school equivalency and/or professional-level…