Senior Energy Policy Specialist – Electric Transmission and Distribution; EMS

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

Position Summary
:
This role leads analysis, development, and implementation of state energy and climate policy focused on electric transmission and distribution infrastructure. The specialist will act as a statewide convener, collaborating with legislators, regulators, utilities, federal agencies, and advocacy groups to advance Washington’s clean electricity and climate goals through program design, policy alignment, and implementation.

• 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 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, working with external stakeholders in program design and 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:

A combination of six total years of experience, including:
• Five years in public policy, energy policy, or climate policy.
• Two years working on electric transmission and distribution infrastructure.
• Two years working with electric utilities, state or federal regulators.

Required Position

Competencies:

• Strong written, verbal and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate energy and climate issues to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Sensitivity to public attitudes and concerns.
• High-level facilitative, collaborative and marketing skills.
• Knowledge of regulatory and economic environment in Washington.

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and

Competencies:

• Master’s degree or other related professional certifications strongly desired.
• Knowledge of electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure including ways to appropriately accelerate new development, cost-effective non-wire alternatives to increase the capacity of existing electrical infrastructure, and grid enhancing technologies.
• Demonstrated experience working within the political environment, including clear understanding of legislative process, influencing the continuation and maintenance of resources and policy development, and decision-making that impacts programs.
• Demonstrated ability to take broad public policy conceptual ideas, provide appropriate guidance, leadership, and oversight, and bring such concepts into practical applications with minimal guidance and direction.
• Demonstrated strategic planning experience.
• Knowledge of integrated resource planning approaches, microeconomic analysis, regulation of public utilities, greenhouse gas reduction mechanisms, and finance and tax mechanisms for energy efficiency and renewable energy.
• Strong communications skills, including mastery with English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary, and production of communication deliverables using software such as Word and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholder groups, including state and…