Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-01004
Department: Utilities and Transportation Commission
Division: Energy Planning
Opening Date: 02/10/2025
Closing Date: 2/24/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionWASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONRespect. Professionalism. Integrity. Accountability.Help protect the consumers of Washington state!Energy Planning Section ManagerHelp protect the consumers of Washington state!The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates' qualifications within the budgeted salary range of
$101,856 - $104,916 annually. However, there is an ability for growth and development in this salary band for the individual once employed.
This recruitment is open until Monday, February 24, 2025, at 11:59pm. UTC reserves the right to render a hiring decision and/or choose to close or extend this recruitment at any given time.
The Opportunity:The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is seeking to fill the role of
Section Manager within the Energy Planning Section of the Regulatory Services Division. As the Section Manager of Energy Planning Unit A, you will perform objective technical analysis and provide logically sound recommendations necessary for the Commission's decision-making processes and ensure that the employees under the position's direct supervision adhere the same standards.
You will have the ability to work with UTC staff on challenging and exciting energy planning filings and topics involving electric and gas investor-owned utilities in Washington State, such as:
- Climate Change, Energy and Demand Forecast
- Renewable Energy and Non-emitting Resources
- Equitable Transition to Clean Energy
- Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and Integrated System Plan (ISP)
- Clean Energy Implementation Plan (CEIP) and Clean Energy Targets
- Distributed Energy Resources, including Conservation, Demand Response, Distributed Generation, Solar, Energy Storage
- Alternative Fuels
- Resource Adequacy
- Electric Vehicle (EV) planning
Hybrid: Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful incumbent
must reside within Washington state and
must be available to report to the Lacey, Washington headquarters building, as business needs arise. This may include, but is not limited to, providing in-person training to staff and/or attend Commission meetings, etc.
Travel:
Moderate travel during and outside normal work hours throughout Washington state or the US may be required. This includes occasional overnight stays.
Who We Are: Our mission is to protect the people of Washington by ensuring that investor-owned utility and transportation services are safe, equitable, reliable, and fairly priced.
We protect consumers by regulating the rates, services, and practices of private or investor-owned utilities and transportation companies to ensure they are safe, equitable, reliable, and affordable.
The UTC is continually recognized for its excellence and integrity as a regulatory agency, as we challenge the status quo and ourselves to ensure equitable outcomes for our customers and the people of Washington state.
We recognize that our employees are the key to the agency's success. We are committed to our work but value balance with our personal lives. We demonstrate our commitment to employees by providing an environment that stimulates professional growth, and offers continuing learning opportunities, meaningful work, and a comprehensive benefits package. For more information about our benefits or working at UTC, please visit our website.
What We Offer Our Employees:- UTC fosters an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, while striving to hire and retain a workforce from the communities we serve.
- We place importance on a healthy balance between personal and professional lives; offering flexible work schedules, wellness programs, and mobile/telework opportunities.
- Through the state, our employees (and their families) are offered options for medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance.
- We offer enrollment into the state retirement programs and a deferred compensation plan.
- Throughout a calendar year, employees receive a minimum of 14 days of vacation leave per year and 11 paid holidays and 1 personal holiday in addition to accruing sick leave.
Our Values:- Respect - We treat every person and interaction with consideration and goodwill.
- Professionalism - We are committed to excellence in our work and conduct.
- Integrity - We do the right things for the right reasons - trusting others to do the same.
UTC Leadership Principles:Consistently reflect the commission's values in how you behave, interact with others, and in the decisions you make. Among those, actively support the direction of the agency. Work cooperatively on issues and to find solutions that meet the needs of the whole commission, not just individual section needs. Communicate and carry out the decisions of the management team in a complete and timely manner.
Our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Competencies:- EDI Knowledge, Understanding, & Commitment.
- Self-Awareness and Commitment to Growth.
- Cultivating Mutually Beneficial and Trusting Strategic Partnerships.
- Inclusive Excellence & Allyship.
DutiesThe Position:Reporting to the Deputy Director of Energy Planning, the Section Manager of Unit A supervises professional staff and ensures they are equipped, trained, capable, and accountable for creating reliably objective analysis, summarizing and packaging information clearly, accurately, and in easy-to-understand terms, identifying the critical decision points of complex filings, and balancing parties (or persons) interests.
What you'll do:This position is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations, including the daily work of Unit A staff. The section manager for this unit provides leadership and professional development for their team, so they have the guidance and resources to enable them to provide effective, clear, concise, and timely recommendations and deliverables. You will be responsible for training staff to deliver effective public presentations, mentoring junior staff, leading teams, and engaging in project management. Section managers are expected to lead their team by consistently demonstrating fairness, composure, and objectivity. They must be dedicated to maintaining high standards of professional quality, possess critical thinking skills, and engage with others in a professional, respectful manner.
In this role, you will also serve as part of a team, lead teams, or manage projects to explore specific investigative, administrative or policy issues that are initiated by the Commission, regulatory staff, or utility filings. In addition, section managers provide recommendations through written expert testimony on complex, politically sensitive, or impactful issues in formal adjudications, such as clean energy implementation plans, or general rate case proceedings.
Additional duties include, but aren't limited to the following: - Establish, implement, and support procedures for efficient management of work within the Planning Unit A.
- Participate in and support strategic planning exercises for the Planning section.
- Provide Professional Development Plans (PDPs) and timely feedback and performance assessments for direct reports.
- Ensure that work products are complete, correct, timely, and effective with specific emphasis on the clarity, narrative flow, and visual representation of data.
- Interact with other internal managers, internal regulatory analysts, Commissioners and their policy advisors, administrative law judges, and various groups.
- Responds to high priority information requests in a timely manner. These requests can include, and are not limited to, providing materials for media requests; completing requests for Public Records; preparing fiscal notes; providing information and process guidance; explaining administrative rules, policies, and procedures; responding to utility customer questions; and responding to requests for technical assistance.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications: - Bachelor's Degree or higher involving major study in science or engineering, economics, financial accounting, business administration, or other field directly relevant to electric and gas utility regulation. In rare situations, an individual without the requisite degree may qualify by demonstrating knowledge and abilities equivalent to the degree that have been attained through a combination of work experience and education. AND
- Five years of experience performing professional level research and analysis with an institution primarily engaged in regulatory matters or energy utility business operations. (An advanced degree in a field directly applicable to public utility regulation will substitute for one year of the desired qualifications). AND
- Demonstrated experience in leading large, complex teams or projects, either in a supervisory or non-supervisory capacity.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities in:- Expertise in Regulatory Theory and Ratemaking Standards and Policy - Has extensive knowledge of applicable State and federal laws, Commission rules, regulations, policies, standards, and precedents, regulatory theory and principles, and the economic framework in which regulated companies operate. Has a demonstrated ability to develop positions and recommendations in accordance with relevant legal precedent and policy standards. Can examine, communicate, and teach complex regulatory and ratemaking concepts in an effective and accessible manner.
- Organizational Management - Possesses ability to manage limited resources efficiently, demonstrating an ability to identify and mobilize resources to fulfill key objectives, plan to ensure the best use of available capacity, and develop processes to improve performance and efficiency; Possesses effective personnel management skills, demonstrating interpersonal understanding, an ability to encourage, coach, and support individuals, communicate proactively, promote professional development, articulate key expectations, evaluate employee performance, and encourage teamwork and cooperation.
- Leadership - Leads by example, demonstrating professional conduct at all times, exhibiting balance and fair- handedness in considering various perspectives, maintaining composure and level-headedness in difficult situations, and engaging with others in a courteous, considerate, and respectful manner; Demonstrates emotional intelligence and intellectual humility; Demonstrates critical thinking and tactical execution; Pursues compromise and collaboration; Actively engages in section strategic planning exercises and critical examinations of the section's business processes; Listens carefully and helps others to understand the merits of opposing arguments.
- Project Management - Plans, designs, organizes, and executes the work of an individual or team project, ensuring a high-quality work product within specific time constraints. Identifies and communicates goals, key deliverables and criteria for success. Outlines responsibilities and resource requirements, organizes tasks and establishes meaningful timelines. Regularly monitors progress and takes corrective action where necessary. Provides leadership, building and managing interpersonal relationships to ensure project success; demonstrates personal accountability and commitment to the success of a project.
- Analytical Skills and Critical Thinking - Formulates judgments on complex issues through the identification, organization, and analysis of factual evidence and quantitative data; Reaches unbiased conclusions through logical reasoning and analytical objectivity; Maintains skepticism of unsupported claims and reliably identifies fallacious logic; Distinguishes information that is not pertinent to a decision or solution.
- Professional Writing and Communication - Writes clearly, concisely, and coherently, using organized thought and logically reasoned arguments; Effectively translates complex technical concepts into messages non- technical audiences can readily grasp; Listens carefully, reflects upon what is being said, and responds appropriately; Presents information clearly, accurately and in an audience-specific manner.
- Professional Conduct - Takes responsibility for actions; Is courteous, considerate and respectful at all times in all interactions with coworkers, interactions with coworkers, utility representatives and other parties with whom we interact; Maintains cordial relations with coworkers; Exercises self-awareness, recognizing and controlling behavior that is disrespectful, aggressive, unnecessarily argumentative or overly confrontational; Sets aside personal differences to complete work as part of a team; Respects the point of view of others and approaches disagreements with patience, tact and good will.
- Public Speaking - Presents information and responds to questions clearly and accurately in public and in formal legal settings. Presents analytical findings and recommendations at open public meetings before the Commission. Defends analysis and recommendations against cross-examination by opposing counsel in formal adjudicative proceedings.
- Self-Development - Demonstrates proactive learning and keeps energy knowledge and skills up to date. Solicits and accepts constructive feedback. Turns challenges into learning opportunities and seeks developmental assignments to improve skills.
Demonstration of UTC Values (expected of all employees and leadership):- Respect: We treat every person and interaction with consideration and goodwill.
- Professionalism: We are committed to excellence in our work and conduct.
- Integrity: We do the right things for the right reasons- trusting others to do the same.
Demonstration of EDI Competencies (expected of all employees):- EDI Knowledge, Understanding, & Commitment
- Self-Awareness and Commitment to Growth
- Cultivating Mutually Beneficial and Trusting Strategic Partnerships
- Inclusive Excellence & Allyship
Demonstration of UTC Core Competencies (expected of all employees):- Accountability - With courage, we hold ourselves and each other accountable for exhibiting respect, professionalism, and integrity.
- DEI Knowledge, Understanding, & Commitment - Ability to be exposed to, know, and understand the language and concepts of DEI and be committed to being part of creating, maintaining, and improving a diverse, equitable, respectful, and inclusive workplace.
- Self-Awareness and Commitment to Growth - Engages in self-reflection, lifelong learning, and growth.
- Cultivating Mutually Beneficial and Trusting Strategic Partnerships - Conducts themselves in a manner that builds trust, enhances work relationships, and meaningfully partner and engage with those they serve and serve with.
- Inclusive Excellence & Allyship - Ability to demonstrate that all people are valued and engaged as members of the group, team, organization, or community through equitable, inclusive, and respectful behavior.
- Measuring Success and Improvement - Ability to develop, implement, evaluate, and continually improve strategies that promote equity and inclusion in their organization and with the communities they serve.
- Customer Focus - Responsive to both internal and external customers. Works with customer to identify needs; assumes responsibility for own role in meeting those needs. Ensures commitments to customers are met. Receptive to customer feedback.
- Results Focus - Accepts personal accountability for individual results or share of team results. Manages workload and interpersonal relationships to achieve results: prioritizes tasks appropriately, overcomes obstacles, works with others as necessary, and meets deadlines and quality standards.
- Communication Skills - Demonstrates communication skills (reading comprehension, writing, listening, speaking) appropriate to the position. Shows respect and courtesy in interpersonal communications.
- Adaptability/Flexibility - Open to new ideas. Responds constructively to change and stressful situations. In consultation with supervisor, adjusts plans to meet changing needs.
- Self-Development - Demonstrates proactive learning. Keeps knowledge and skills up to date. Solicits and accepts constructive feedback. Seeks developmental assignments to improve skills. Turns challenges into learning opportunities.
- Continuous Process Improvement - Utilizes Lean tools and principles to continuously identify improvements, solve problems, and improve work processes. Participates on process improvement projects/teams. Actively engages in section/division huddles and incorporates visual management into daily work.
Desired Experience, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:- Advanced degree in a relevant field, such as science, engineering, business administration, economics, financial accounting, law, or public utility regulation.
- Demonstrated experience testifying before a public utility commission or other regulatory or legal body.
- Professional experience writing for decision makers or applying principles of legal or argumentative writing.
- Advanced training in standards of professional writing.
- Professional experience in science or engineering, economic analysis, financial accounting, public utility regulation, public utility law, or utility business operations.
- Experience writing administrative rules or participating on a rulemaking at a regulatory agency.
Supplemental InformationREAD THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY: - This position is included in the Washington Management Service (WMS) and covered under civil service rules.
- This position is exempt from the overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
- Ensure the accuracy, spelling, and grammar of your application and any requested attachments before submitting.
How to Apply: If you're interested in joining our Team
, please read the instructions below carefully; click
"Apply" at the top of the page to begin the process.
Your application will only be considered complete if the following attachments are submitted with you application:
- Letter of Interest describing how you meet the position qualifications and why you believe you are the ideal candidate.
- Resume detailing your applicable experience and education.
- References: At least three (3) professional references with current telephone numbers and email addresses; one (1) contact MUST be your current or most recent supervisor.
The initial screening of candidates will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the application, including answers provided to the Supplemental Questionnaire, along with the required attachments -
letter of interest, resume, and references submitted as part of the application process.
Please note: a resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa.
All information may be verified, and documentation may be required for verification. Candidates may be disqualified if the education and/or work experience does not include information used to meet the minimum qualifications of the job.
The UTC is an equal opportunity employer. We want to make sure you have an equal opportunity to join our team. Our commitment is making sure current and future employees are treated fairly and equally without regard to age, sex (including gender identity), race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or religious or political affiliation.
Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact humanresources@utc.wa.gov. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
For more information about the UTC, please visit:
www.utc.wa.gov, www.twitter.com/wautc and www.facebook.com/wautc
The State of Washington:
http://access.wa.gov
More than Just a Paycheck!Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance BenefitsEmployees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social SecurityAll state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan ForgivenessIf you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military LeaveWashington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional LeaveLeave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Have you attached the required materials for consideration, which includes your letter of interest, resume, and three (3) professional references to your application, one (1) of which being from your current or most recent supervisor?
02
Which statement best represents how you meet the qualifications for the position?
- I hold a bachelor's degree in a major study in science or engineering, economics, financial accounting, business administration, or other field directly relevant to electric and gas utility regulation, and have five (5) years of experience performing professional level research and analysis with an institution primarily engaged in regulatory matters or energy utility business operations.
- I have an advanced degree in a field directly applicable to public utility regulation, and five (5) years of experience performing professional level research and analysis with an institution primarily engaged in regulatory matters or energy utility business operations.
- I have a combination of education and experience in a field directly relevant to public utility regulation totaling nine (9) or more years.
- I do not possess the required qualifications as described.
03
Please briefly describe how you gained your experience related to question two (2). Please provide dates, agency/company, and position/role held. If you answered "yes" to an advanced degree, provide details regarding your education. Please indicate N/A if none.
04
Which of the following best describes your experience leading large, complex teams or projects, either in a supervisory or non-supervisory capacity?
- I do not have this experience but am willing to learn.
- I have 1 - 2 years of this experience, as detailed above.
- I have 3 - 4 years of experience, as detailed above.
- I have 5 or more years of experience, as detailed above.
05
For question number four (4), provide a brief summary of your experience leading large, complex teams or projects. Please provide dates, agency/company, and position/role held. Please indicate N/A if none.
06
Which of the following best describes your experience in energy planning, which may include providing written testimony or technical analysis of complex, politically sensitive, or impactful energy utility business operations or related issues?
- I do not have this experience but am willing to learn.
- I have 1 - 2 years of this experience, as detailed above.
- I have 3 - 4 years of experience, as detailed above.
- I have 5 or more years of experience, as detailed above.
07
For question number six (6), provide a brief summary of your experience providing either (1) written testimony in energy formal adjudications, or (2) research or analysis of complex, politically sensitive, or impactful energy utility business operations or related issues. Please provide dates, agency/company, and position/role held. Please indicate N/A if none.
Required Question
