What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Energy Policy Specialist (Energy Efficiency and Demand Response) position at State of Washington Dept. of Commerce?
Description
At the Department of Commerce, we strive to be creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities and aim to promote equity in all aspects of our work. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our success, and we work to foster an environment where all individuals are valued and respected. We cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work.
We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the richness of the communities we serve. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future.
This position works in the Energy Division, reporting directly to the director of the Energy Policy Office. Within the Energy Division at the Department of Commerce, this position provides expert economic, policy and data analysis regarding efficient use of renewable and non-renewable energy in the built environment.
The Energy Division partners with diverse energy stakeholders to create a clean, affordable energy future and healthy buildings.
This position serves as division and agency lead on developing, analyzing and advocating policy positions advancing implementation of energy efficiency, demand response, and grid connectivity applications in the built environment, which includes all types of residential and commercial buildings. This position coordinates and collaborates with a broad range of external and agency stakeholders and works with allies to achieve the state’s energy and climate goals. This position advances efficiency policies through the development of legislation, participation in utility conservation and resource planning activities, development of energy codes and standards, voluntary efficiency and demand response programs, and statewide grant programs. This position coordinates policy development regionally and nationally, working with other states, National Governors Association, National Association of State Energy Officials, U.S. Department of Energy, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Northwest Power and Conservation Council, and other governmental and nonprofit organization. This position encourages utilities, nonprofit organizations, and local government to invest in energy efficiency and demand response programs, research and demonstration programs, and other activities that advance policy and implementation efforts in energy efficiency and demand response outcomes.
Duties
1) Develop and analyze policy positions on improving the efficiency and emissions intensity of energy use in the built environment throughout the state, including use of electricity, natural gas, propane, heating oil, steam, and other fuels. Applicable technologies include space and water heating equipment, consumer and business appliances, demand response control devices, grid connectivity applications, and industrial efficiency and demand response equipment.
2) Coordinate with other members of the Energy Policy Office in the development of comprehensive statewide energy and climate policies, including updates to the State Energy Strategy, agency request legislation and budget proposals, legislative reports, and other opportunities to inform and influence state policy.
3) Identify and advance opportunities to improve economic justice, reduce burdens on low-income households and highly impacted communities, accelerate economic recovery, develop the state’s clean energy workforce, and reduce pollution from fossil fuels.
4) Provide expert policy and technical advice to the Clean Buildings Program and other teams within the Energy Division doing work related to the built environment, including building performance standards, energy codes, and appliance standards. Provide expert policy and technical advice to other programs at Commerce or other agencies that include energy efficiency or clean energy elements within their work.
5) Advise the governor’s policy staff and legislators and staff on options and likely effects of potential legislation and executive action concerning building efficiency standards and programs, appliance standards, and other issues within the relevant area of expertise. Provide written or oral testimony as directed.
6) Serve on utility, statewide, regional, and national advisory and technical committees within the relevant area of expertise.
7) Develop and maintain an understanding of the research and analysis of energy efficiency and demand response technologies, policies, and issues by national resource laboratories, academic institutions, and regional and national nonprofit education and research organizations.
Qualifications
Any combination of professional level experience in analyzing policy or technical issues concerning energy use in the built environment AND college level coursework in public policy, energy, building science, or a related field totaling nine (9) years.
OR
Nine (9) years of professional level analyzing policy or technical issues concerning energy use in the built environmental
OR
Associate’s degree in public policy, energy, building science, or related field and seven (7) years of professional level experience in analyzing policy or technical issues concerning energy use in the built environment.
OR
Bachelor’s degree in public policy, energy, building science, or related field and five (5) years of professional level experience in analyzing policy or technical issues concerning energy use in the built environment.
OR
Graduate degree in public policy, energy, building science, or related field and two (2) years of professional level experience in analyzing policy or technical issues concerning energy use in the built environment.
Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the following areas preferred:
1) Knowledge of energy systems and technologies used in the operation and control of residential and commercial buildings.
2) Knowledge of energy efficiency, demand response, and grid connectivity programs, plans, and evaluation methods of energy providers in Washington state.
3) Knowledge of federal and state-level policies designed to promote adoption of clean energy.
4) Experience working productively in an interagency environment to advance policy goals.
- Public Speaking: Ability to provide effective communications in public meetings presentations with respect to climate and energy related topics to government, constituent groups, and professional organizations.
- Economic and Policy Analysis: Ability to accurately and rapidly conduct policy analysis that considers legal, institutional, economic, and environmental implications of policy choices and decisions.
- Communication Skills: Superior writing skills and ability to research issues, conduct analysis, and provide analytical results in written reports, briefing memos or agency comments related to climate and energy related topics to government, constituent groups, and professional organizations. Sensitivity to public attitudes and concerns.
- Stakeholder Skills: Develop and maintain strong stakeholder relationships including an ability to rapidly understand their policy positions and formal comments. Work well with a wide variety of stakeholders and maintain professional conduct in contentious situations.
- Agency Coordination: Ability to work effectively and collegially with technical and program staff at Commerce and other agencies to produce high-quality work, ensure coordinated policy positions, and provide information for stakeholders. Manage Diverse and Complex
- Activities: Strong ability to manage a range of work activities with overlapping and demanding deadlines in a variety of different forums with a variety of stakeholders.
To be considered for this position the following are needed:
- A complete and detailed online application
- A Cover letter (enter online)
- At least three (3) professional references (enter online)
Supplemental Information
This position is an Exempt Management Service position.
Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at careershelp@des.wa.gov.
Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity:
The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may email Human Resources at (360) 725-2650. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
Work from Anywhere In Washington State
This position may be located anywhere within Washington State though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. Many Commerce employees work remote or have a hybrid schedule.
