FERC License Program Manager

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Position

Description:

Tacoma Power is seeking an accomplished and strategic Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) License Program Manager to lead the next chapter of our hydropower licensing and compliance program. This is a pivotal role within Tacoma Power’s long-term renewable energy strategy. The position ensures continued regulatory compliance, successful relicensing, and the responsible stewardship of projects that provide nearly half of the region’s clean, affordable power.

Reporting to the Assistant Section Manager for Natural Resources, this position serves as Tacoma Power’s principal authority on FERC matters. The Program Manager oversees all phases of hydropower licensing—new, ongoing, and transitional—while guiding a team of subject matter experts, consultants, and cross-disciplinary partners. Through steady leadership and sound judgment, this position shapes policy, drives multi-agency collaboration, and reinforces Tacoma Power’s reputation as a trusted environmental steward and regional energy leader.

• Program Leadership & Strategic Direction:
  Lead Tacoma Power’s hydropower licensing and compliance program, providing strategic oversight for four active licenses and guiding upcoming relicensing, surrender, and transfer efforts.
• Regulatory Negotiations & Stakeholder Engagement:
  Represent Tacoma Power in negotiations with federal, state, tribal, and local governments, and with environmental and community organizations; build cooperative relationships to develop license terms and operational agreements that balance reliability, affordability, and environmental stewardship.
• Regulatory Negotiations & Stakeholder Engagement (continued):
  Act as Tacoma Power’s primary liaison with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, including its Division of Licensing and Division of Hydropower Administration and Compliance (DHAC); monitor federal and regional policy developments and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Operational Oversight & Compliance Excellence:
  Direct monitoring, reporting, and implementation efforts required by hydropower license conditions to ensure full and timely compliance; maintain systems for tracking, documentation, and reporting to support transparency and audit readiness.
• Leadership, Culture & Team Development:
  Provide direction, mentorship, and support to a team of program managers, engineers, and natural-resources professionals; foster accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement.
• Public Accountability & Program Representation:
  Serve as a visible ambassador for Tacoma Power’s hydropower licensing and environmental programs; prepare and present reports and materials for leadership and stakeholders.

Minimum Education
:
Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, economics, finance, accounting, engineering, project management, or a directly related field.

Minimum Experience
:
Six (6) years of power industry experience directly related to the area of assignment, including 1 year of supervisory, managerial, or SME experience. Experience in FERC hydropower licensing proceedings is ideal.

Knowledge & Skills
:

• FERC Expertise:
  Deep understanding of FERC hydropower licensing, compliance reporting, and DHAC standards.
• Strategic and Systems Thinking:
  Ability to connect regulatory, technical, and policy requirements into long-term strategies.
• Leadership and Influence:
  Experience leading cross-functional teams and coordinating with executives, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Negotiation and Consensus Building:
  Experience guiding high-stakes discussions with Tribes, agencies, and partner organizations.
• Governance and Accountability:
  Establishing governance, metrics, and decision frameworks for transparency and fiscal responsibility.
• Communication and Representation:
  Strong written and verbal skills to translate regulatory concepts for leaders, policymakers, and the public.
• Financial and Operational Insight:
  Budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation for multi-million-dollar programs.
• Commitment to Stewardship and Equity:
  Alignment with Tacoma Power’s mission of…