Energy Infrastructure and Regional Analyst

Title: Pub Util Rates Analyst 3 or 4; Energy Infrastructure and Regional Analyst

Location: St. Paul, MN, United States

Job Description:

Job Details

Working Title: Energy Infrastructure and Regional Analyst
Job Class: Public Utilities Rates Analyst 3 or 4
Agency: Commerce Department

• Job ID: 97949
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Commerce Dept / Commerce-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Energy Regulation & Planning
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: 
  • PURA3: $34.07 - $50.53 / hourly; $71,138 - $105,506 / annually
  • PURA4: $36.59 - $54.25 / hourly; $76,400 - $113,274 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

Hybrid work schedule available, up to 50% telework depending on business needs.  Telework can be outside of the state of Minnesota if the candidate lives in a state bordering Minnesota and lives 50 miles or less from the primary work location.  Primary work location will be the Golden Rule Building in St. Paul.

Internal candidates should contact Human Resources with questions. 

The position is being posted at two (2) job class levels: Public Utilities Rates Analyst 3 (PURA3) and Public Utilities Rates Analyst 4 (PURA4).  Final job class will be determined based on successful applicant's qualifications.

Travel: This position will require 25% travel for out of state and in state meetings. 

This position will support Minnesota's energy advocacy across state, regional, and national forums.  Within the state, you will analyze proposals for transmission and other major energy infrastructure projects and draft recommendations for the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission based on technical analysis.  Regionally and nationally, you will track developments in markets, reliability, and transmission planning at organizations such as the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), Southwest Power Pool (SPP), North American Electric Reliability (NERC), and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and help build the state's positions before those bodies.  

For both PURA3 and PURA4, responsibilities include: 

• Drafting analysis of Certificate of Need and other energy infrastructure dockets and developing well-supported recommendations.
• Assessing compliance with applicable statutes, rules, and Commission orders.
• Supporting the Department's advocacy at regional and national energy organizations, including in work groups and stakeholder processes.
• Monitoring developments at regional and national energy organizations, synthesizing insights, and briefing leadership on what matters for Minnesota.
• Helping develop positions in collaboration with internal and external partners. 

Additional responsibilities for the PURA4 include:

• Providing leadwork direction for all junior-level staff and directing and conducting investigations into large energy infrastructure and regional energy topics. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

At the PURA3 Level:

Three (3) years of experience performing analysis, exercising judgment, and relying on knowledge in permitting, land-use planning or energy planning, environmental or energy policy, energy project development, energy markets, or other energy regulation-related fields. 

A Bachelor's degree in Writing, History, Environmental Science, Planning, Public Policy, Economics, Electrical Engineering or a related field is equivalent to one (1) year of experience. 

An Advanced degree in Writing, History, Law, Environmental Science, Planning, Public Policy, Economics, Electrical Engineering or a related field is equivalent to eighteen (18) months of experience.  Credit will be granted based on the highest degree earned. 

Applicants who meet the above education/experience requirements will be further evaluated based on the following:

• Experience writing regulatory, legal, or similar types of documents that advocate for a specific outcome before a decision-making body. (e.g. legal briefs, formal comments, testimony, technical reports, resolutions, environmental assessments, findings of fact, or administrative enforcement determinations).
• Experience analyzing projects for compliance with applicable rules, statutes, and regulations. 
• Experience working on interdisciplinary teams.
• Written and oral communication skills sufficient to write and present findings and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience developing and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

At the PURA4 Level: 

Four (4) years of experience performing analysis, exercising judgment, and relying on knowledge in permitting, land-use or energy planning, environmental or energy policy, energy project development, energy markets, or other energy regulation-related fields. 

A Bachelor's degree in Writing, History, Environmental Science, Planning, Public Policy, Economics, Electrical Engineering or a related field is equivalent to one (1) year of experience. 

An Advanced degree in Writing, History, Law, Environmental Science, Planning, Public Policy, Economics, Electrical Engineering or a related field is equivalent to eighteen (18) months of experience.  Credit will be granted based on the highest degree earned. 

Applicants who meet the above education/experience requirements will be further evaluated based on the following:

• Experience writing regulatory, legal, or similar types of documents that advocate for a specific outcome before a decision-making body. (e.g. legal briefs, formal comments, testimony, technical reports, resolutions, environmental assessments, findings of fact, or administrative enforcement determinations).
• Experience analyzing projects for compliance with applicable rules, statutes, and regulations. 
• Experience managing complex projects, leading teams, and providing direction and mentorship to junior staff. 
• Written and oral communication skills sufficient to write and present findings and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience developing and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 

Preferred Qualifications

At the PURA3 Level: 

• Advanced degree in Law, Energy Planning, Energy Policy, Energy Economics, Electrical Engineering, or a related energy field.
• Experience providing expert testimony or working on a contested case regulatory proceeding before a court. 
• Knowledge of regional transmission planning, regional energy markets, or the regulatory landscape at the State, Regional Transmission Organization, and Federal level. 
• Experience with energy infrastructure development, permitting, or regulation of large-scale energy projects.
• Experience with regional or national energy market and policy organizations, such as, MISO, SPP, NERC, or FERC.
• Experience advocating before decision-making bodies, such as, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Legislative Committees, or County Boards.
• Experience with GIS and Spatial Analysis.  

At the PURA4 Level: 

• Advanced degree in Law, Energy Planning, Energy Policy, Energy Economics, Electrical Engineering, or a related energy field.
• Experience providing expert testimony or working on a contested case regulatory proceeding before a court. 
• Knowledge of regional transmission planning, regional energy markets, or the regulatory landscape at the State, Regional Transmission Organization, and Federal level. 
• Experience with energy infrastructure development, permitting, or regulation of large-scale energy projects.
• Experience with regional or national energy market and policy organizations, such as, MISO, SPP, NERC, or FERC.
• Experience advocating before decision-making bodies, such as, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Legislative Committees, or County Boards.
• Experience with GIS and Spatial Analysis.  

Physical Requirements

Requires occasional moving of articles such as boxes, accounting records, laptop computer, and portable printer.

Additional Requirements

Job offer is contingent upon passing reference checks to verify job-related credentials, a criminal background check and drivers' license check prior to appointment. 

About Commerce Department 

Commerce protects the public interest through a broad range of regulations and programs.  We oversee more than 40 industry areas in Minnesota and license about 250,000 professionals and businesses to ensure that their services and products are fair, accessible and comply with state laws. 

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• 12 paid holidays each year 
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

 

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities.