Commission Advisor (Rate/Financial Analyst III): DORA/Public Utilities Commission-Hybrid

Hybrid Workplace Arrangement: 

Although this position will be designated under the department’s hybrid workplace program, it will still be required to report to the department office on a scheduled basis and at the discretion of the supervisor, based on business need.  

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado.

Consumer protection is our mission.

DORA values and promotes diversity, supporting a workplace that is inclusive of people from different backgrounds and experiences; creating an environment that is reflective of our communities; promoting positive relationships; and putting forth unique perspectives to fulfill our mission. 

• Employer-sponsored RTD EcoPass, with offices located at Civic Center Plaza, above the RTD Civic Center station and just a few blocks from RTD light rail. 

• Extensive work-life programs such as flexible schedules, training and professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects, and more! 

• Employee wellness programs, including the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP), which provides free, confidential counseling services.

• Bike-to-work programs, including access to storage lockers and bike racks.

• Flexible retirement benefits, including a choice of the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans.

• Medical and Dental Health Insurance for employees and optional coverage for their dependents.

• Life Insurance for employees, and optional coverage for their dependents.

• Paid Time Off, including 11 paid holidays.

• Short- and long-term disability coverage.

• Tuition assistance program.

Check out our excellent benefits package!

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) serves the public interest by effectively regulating utilities and facilities so that the people of Colorado receive safe, reliable, and reasonably-priced services consistent with the economic, environmental, and social values of our state.

The Policy Advisory Unit directly supports the Commissioners of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission and the Commission’s Administrative Law Judges (ALJs). Advisors assist the Commissioners and ALJs in reaching decisions in formal proceedings—including adjudications and rulemakings—through case management, research, and analysis. Advisors may also assist the Commissioners and ALJs with research and analysis for special projects, and may facilitate or support workshops and informational meetings. Nearly all of the work completed by the Policy Advisory Unit is conducted within a privileged deliberative process that is distinct from all other members of the Commission’s staff.

Position: SGA 5185

Commission Advisors provide technical, policy, and procedural advice to the Commissioners and ALJs. Advisors’ recommendations address the provision of safe, reliable, economic, and equitable service to utility customers. In the course of making recommendations, Advisors evaluate data from diverse sources, including economic, financial, accounting, engineering, policy, and programmatic information. Advisors may work individually or as part of a team to support decision-makers.

This position will focus on electric and gas distribution utility services, where cases may address topics as varied as electric and gas infrastructure planning, beneficial electrification, customer energy programs, and other technology or policy issues which may at times be on the forefront of industry trends in Colorado and nationwide.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Analyzing and evaluating filings by utilities and other stakeholders to develop technical and policy recommendations to decision-makers;

• Preparing summaries, memorandums, scripts, and draft orders in matters addressed by the Commissioners; 

• Assisting Commissioners and ALJs to prepare for pre-hearing conferences and evidentiary hearings;

• Presenting concise and informative explanations and recommendations to Commissioners in open meetings, and answering Commissioner inquiries based on review of the proceeding record; and

• In collaboration with legal counsel, reviewing case records, prior decisions, and statutes to determine whether Commission requests and proposals adhere to laws, rules, and policies;

While specific tasks may vary, examples of work conducted by Advisors include:

• Reviewing utility applications to identify where additional testimony could be requested, in response to Commissioner concerns.

• Developing proposals for workshops or informational meetings which may involve identifying and coordinating with potential speakers.

• Identifying key requests by utilities and other stakeholders, and synthesizing information in the evidentiary record to make recommendations to Commissioners on how they should resolve those requests in their orders.

• Based on new legislation or emerging trends, providing preliminary research and suggesting redlines for potential changes to industry rules for discussion with Commissioners prior to a formal proceeding being initiated.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (MQs):

There are two ways to qualify for this position: 1) Experience OR 2) A Combination of Education and Experience.

Option 1: Experience

• Eight (8) years of full-time professional* work experience conducting research and analysis on energy policy and/or electric and/or gas utility regulation to provide fact-based summaries or recommendations to decision-makers.

Option 2: A Combination of Education AND Experience 

• Associate’s Degree and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree in accounting, communications, business, economics, environmental studies, finance, public administration, engineering, political science, mathematics, statistics, or a field of study related to the work assignment; AND

• Six (6) years of full-time professional* work experience conducting research and analysis on energy policy and/or electric and/or gas utility regulation to provide fact-based summaries or recommendations to decision-makers.

• Certification, registration, or licensure, related to the work assigned, including licensure as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) will count for one (1) year of the requirement.

OR

• Bachelor’s Degree and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in accounting, communications, business, economics, environmental studies, finance, public administration, engineering, political science, mathematics, statistics, or a field of study related to the work assignment; AND

• Four (4) years of full-time professional* work experience conducting research and analysis on energy policy and/or electric and/or gas utility regulation, to provide fact-based summaries or recommendations to decision-makers.

• Certification, registration, or licensure, related to the work assigned, including licensure as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) will count for one (1) year of the requirement.

Document this experience in your application IN DETAIL, as your experience will not be inferred or assumed.  Part time experience will be prorated.

SUBSTITUTIONS: 

• Partial credit toward the degree requirement will be given for completed college/university coursework that did not result in a degree. A master's or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study related to the work assignment will substitute for the bachelor's degree requirement.

*Professional work involves exercising discretion, analytical skill, judgment and personal accountability and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, and sharing an organized body of knowledge that characteristically is: uniquely acquired through an intense education or training regimen at a recognized college or university; equivalent to the curriculum requirements for a bachelor's or higher degree with major study in or pertinent to the specialized field; and continuously studied to explore, extend, and use additional discoveries, interpretations, and application and to improve data, materials, equipment, applications and methods. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience identifying and comparing energy laws, regulations, or policies that affect electric and/or gas utilities in different states;

• Experience gathering, cleaning, and statistically analyzing technical data;

• Experience synthesizing complex, technical information into plain-language reports for diverse stakeholder audiences;

• Financial modeling experience (e.g., experience projecting rate trends or analyzing and quantifying impacts on a business entity from changes in financial inputs);

• Project management experience that demonstrates skills like organization, collaboration, ability to prioritize, and application of judgment to determine when to escalate issues to leadership for attention;

• Demonstrated experience working on energy policy and/or utility regulation in multiple states;

• Consulting and/or client management experience;

• Experience with designing, implementing, or evaluating energy programs offered to retail electric or gas utility customers;

• Professional stakeholder engagement experience, including meeting facilitation or community organizing;

• Demonstrated professional* federal, state, or local government experience analyzing statutes, regulations, codes, etc., to determine options for implementation and their respective pros and cons.

Required Competencies: The following knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal characteristics are required competencies and may be considered during the selection process (including examination and/or interview):

• Demonstrated written communication skills, including the ability to convey information to various stakeholders in a clear, accurate, and concise written manner;

• Demonstrated verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively convey information to audiences in a concise manner;

• Demonstrated attention to detail;

• Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills, including having the ability to evaluate information in order to apply knowledge and to decide on the most appropriate course of action;

• Demonstrated prioritization skills, including planning, organizing tasks, and managing work assignments;

• Demonstrated time management skills, including the ability to multi-task to effectively manage competing and constantly changing priorities in order to meet tight deadlines;

• Project management skills, including organizational skills, prioritization, and time management;

• Ability to gather and rely on pertinent information from analyzed cases;

• Diplomacy and flexibility, including the ability to handle difficult interactions and feedback from decision-makers;

• Demonstrated ability to convey complex ideas and information into understandable, non-technical language;

• Problem-solving skills, including the ability to develop options and solutions to policy-related questions posed to the Commission;

• Research skills, including the ability to work on topics that are new, emerging, and/or technical;

• Ability to identify trends in research and existing and emerging issues, connecting underlying patterns;

• Ability to synthesize data from diverse sources and specialized fields;

• Creativity and flexibility, including the ability to adapt to changes and challenges;

• Interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team;

• Strategic thinking, including the ability to identify and educate stakeholders on technical and policy-related topics that are likely to come before the Commission;

• Ability to stay up to date on new trends and emerging issues;

• Ability to approach high-profile issues diplomatically, mindful of potential bias and political importance;

• Demonstrated ability to understand and abide by workplace principles, practices and

behaviors as internally identified and defined by the division and department;

• Demonstrated ability to read, understand, interpret, apply, and explain laws, rules,

policies and procedures;

• Demonstrated sound judgment, including the ability to formulate grounded recommendations based on well-reasoned analysis;

• Confidence in decision-making, including the ability to determine appropriate counsel when analyzing cases;

• Ability to demonstrate expertise in front of authorities with comfortability, including defending well-researched recommendations;

• Ability to travel independently, including work in-office, as required by business needs and scheduled by the supervisor;

• Integrity and high ethical standards;

• Accountability, reliability, including attendance;

• Ability to maintain confidential, controversial, or sensitive information;

• Self-starter, including the ability to work independently, learn new processes, utilize

own knowledge and that of the supervisor, and complete work with minimal supervision;

• Demonstrated professional demeanor;

• Knowledge and understanding in the use of PC software applications, including Microsoft Office (Access, Word, Excel, etc.) and Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc).

Conditions of Employment: Candidates who fail to meet the conditions of employment will be removed from consideration.

• The successful passing of a reference check and/or, if required, a background check.

  • A reference check may include but is not limited to: contacting previous and current supervisors to verify employment and discuss performance, a review of the personnel file, a review of the performance record, a review of job-related public information, etc.

  • The type of background check depends on the job duties of the position and can include a review of any criminal record, credit report, and/or driving record.

• Ability to travel independently, including work in-office, as required by business needs and scheduled by the supervisor.

• Effective September 20, 2021, employees will be required to attest to and verify whether or not they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Employees who have not been fully vaccinated may be required to submit to serial testing in the future. Upon hire, new employees will have three (3) business days to provide attestation to their status with proof of vaccination. Vaccinated employees must provide proof of vaccination.

• Note: Fully Vaccinated means two (2) weeks after a second dose in a two-dose series of the COVID-19 vaccine, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two (2) weeks after the single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, as defined by the most recent State of Colorado’s Public Health Order and current guidance issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment.

PLEASE READ - Required Application Materials

Interested individuals must submit the following online:

1. A completed State of Colorado Application (log-in to your current NeoGov account or create a NeoGov account to complete the online application). Note: Incomplete applications, including incomplete work history sections or "see résumé," "see attachment," or "see addendum" statements, will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application form.

2. A current email address on your application, as all communication pertaining to this position will be conducted via email. Please set up your email to accept messages from info@governmentjobs.com and ‘@state.co.us’ addresses, and check your email often. Note: The department cannot guarantee the successful delivery of email, including incorrect filtering into junk mail folders.

3. A detailed cover letter, explaining how you meet the required competencies and how your accomplishments, qualifications, skills, areas of expertise, personal characteristics, etc. make you a good fit for this position; you may also attach additional documents that demonstrate this.

Comparative Analysis Process: Structured Application Review

Part of, if not the entire, comparative analysis process for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials; Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application and cover letter, you describe the extent to which you possess the education, experience, and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the required and/or preferred qualifications/competencies. You are also encouraged to attach additional documents to that effect. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may affect your score and prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.

Part of the comparative analysis process and/or the interview process may be conducted through remote video conferencing (i.e. Google Meet, Zoom, etc.)

Veterans’ Preference: Candidates who wish to assert Veterans’ Preference should attach a copy of their DD214 to their application. Failure to do so will result in being denied Veterans Preference.

PLEASE NOTE: Former State Personnel System employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information on the application.  Colorado Revised Statutes require that all state employees be hired and promoted through competitive examination of merit and fitness.  Failure to include the required information, failure to follow instructions, and/or failure to submit materials by the application deadline may result in your application not being considered for the position and may affect your score or inclusion in the final pool of qualified candidates. 

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

ADAAA Accommodations: DORA is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, at dora_adacoordinator@state.co.us.

Check out our excellent benefits package!

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE VACANCIES

While a salary range is posted for this position, an eventual salary offer is determined by a comprehensive salary analysis, which considers multiple factors including but not limited to education and experience compared to others in the organization doing substantially similar work.

Appeal Rights: 

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email, US Mail, faxed or hand-delivered within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the department’s action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to spb.colorado.gov or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

Salary : $73,656 - $95,748