Salary : $86,663.00 - $113,374.00 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Remote Optional
Job Number: 2024-12278
Department: Dept. of Commerce
Division: Energy Division
Opening Date: 11/05/2024
Closing Date: 11/19/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionSolar Energy Section Manager (WMS 2)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.
The Energy Division (Energy) works toward a more clean, affordable and just energy future. This position works within Energy and reports directly to the Managing Director of the Energy Programs in Communities (EPIC) Unit. This position is responsible for overseeing the Solar Energy Section, comprised of several ongoing programs that include a mix of state and federal funding. The Solar Energy Section Manager is responsible for providing direction, oversight, management, and administration of solar energy programs that provide funding and technical assistance to a diverse set of stakeholders.
This position manages the Solar Energy Section of the EPIC unit, which includes, but is not limited to, approximately $265 million in federal and state solar energy programs that provide funding and technical assistance to a diverse set of stakeholders. This position is responsible for strategic planning, oversight of programs, budgets, policy development, technical assistance, legislative tasks, and external relations and outreach.
The solar energy programs provide pass-through funding, technical assistance and education to a wide array of sub recipients, including local governments, tribes, non-profits, schools, small business, utilities, and lenders statewide. The Solar Energy Section collects client-level data on the use of funds to guide policy making and planning, assess service delivery gaps, develop plans to address needs based on data, stakeholder input and national best practices to help drive clean energy innovation that allows the state to reach our emissions targets.
Duties Solar Energy Section Management: • Represents the Solar Energy Section, the EPIC Unit, and the agency at local, state, regional and national meetings, including legislative work sessions as the recognized subject matter expert.
• Leads the guidance and consultation to staff, other agency programs, executive management, and external stakeholders and partners.
• Oversees the administration and implementation of nine distinct funding sources and related solicitations including, but not limited to, stakeholder engagement, incorporating legislative intent and proviso requirements, managing complex federal funding sources, ensuring policies and procedures are followed, and approving program guidelines.
• Leads the development of administrative procedures and allocates staff resources. Determines and assesses organizational goals and adjusts resource levels associated with mandatory requirements.
• Designs and facilitates the application review and rating processes. Responsible for making the final funding recommendations to Energy Division leadership for all solar energy grant programs.
• Provides oversight of the program's contract development (~260+ active contracts), negotiation and execution processes. Leads the team responsible for ensuring appropriate terms and conditions, scope of work, certifications, and other documents are identified to mitigate risk to the agency and comply with state and federal laws, agency requirements, and program policies.
• Statewide subject matter expert leading a team who provides complex technical assistance to nonprofits, local governments, small businesses, and tribes. Oversees technical assistance and outreach efforts to support potential applicants and effectively market the programs and their resources.
• Evaluates program effectiveness and alignment with state clean energy and environmental justice policy goals. Collects, analyzes, and reports program performance data on a quarterly basis. Ensures data for the section is reported accurately and timely. Develops executive reports and summaries for leadership as requested.
Budget and Fiscal Management: • Responsible for providing direction, oversight, management, and administration of approximately $265 million in federal and state solar energy programs that provide funding and technical assistance to a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Assists the Energy Division Deputy Assistant Director, EPIC Managing Director and Budget Manager in the development of biennial and federal budgets and allotments, assists in the re-appropriation process, and manages spending projections.
• Develops systems for contractor authority, invoicing, reasonableness, approval, and processing.
• Establishes fiscal process and resources for staff in accordance with agency and state policies, rules, and regulations.
• Provides fiscal information and assistance for unit, division, and agency budget and financial meetings. Responds to fiscal information requests from the Office of the Governor, the Legislature, OFM, and Commerce Executive Management.
Legislative Activities: • Prepares decision packages and drafts legislation to implement solar energy capital, operating, and federal programs and promotes state policy objectives.
• Identifies legislative initiatives that will affect the solar energy programs and its stakeholders. Tracks capital budget throughout the legislative process, prepares analysis on draft budget bills and document issues/concerns for management review.
• Oversees the preparation of legislatively mandated reports as required.
• Responsible for the development of presentations, briefings, and statements for legislative hearings and work sessions related to solar energy programs.
Leadership: • Leads a team of ten professional staff, including two Commerce Specialist 5's, six Commerce Specialist 3's and two Commerce Specialist 2's. Oversees all work performed for the solar energy programs and relevant direct appropriations, delegates workload responsibilities, priorities, and assignments to staff.
• Evaluates staff performance and addresses concerns as necessary. Addresses and resolves conflicts between staff as they occur. Recommends corrective or disciplinary action to the Managing Director.
• Oversees support staff professional development goals and growth opportunities. Works with staff to determine training needs.
• Develops and supports the culture of the section and the EPIC unit, recognizing the need to consider culture in a continuous and deliberate way.
Managing Director Support: • Assists the Managing Director with agency and executive leadership team assignments and tasks.
• Represents the Managing Director, the unit and associated programs in internal and external meetings, workgroups, and taskforces, as needed.
Qualifications Nine years of professional-level experience managing complex programs, procurement processes, grants, or loans. Two of the nine years of professional-level experience must include supervision in a professional setting.
ORAn Associate's Degree in public/business administration, public policy, environmental science, or a closely related field and seven years of professional-level experience must include supervision in a professional setting.
ORBachelor's degree in public/business administration, public policy, environmental science, or a closely related field and five years of professional-level experience managing complex programs, procurement processes, grants, or loans. Two of the five years of professional-level experience must include supervision in a professional setting.
Required Competencies: • Accountability--Meets commitments, works independently, accepts accountability, handles change, sets personal standards, stays focused under pressure, meets attendance/punctuality requirements
• Communication--Communicates well both verbally and in writing, creates accurate and punctual reports, delivers presentations, shares information and ideas with others, has good listening skills.
• Computer Skills--Skilled in the use of computers, adapts to new technology, keeps abreast of changes, learns new programs quickly, use computers to improve productivity.
• Customer Service--Handles customer questions and complaints, communicates with customers, handles service problems politely and efficiently, always available for customers, follows procedure to solve customer problems, understands company products and services, maintains pleasant and professional image.
• Integrity--Deals with others in a straightforward and honest manner, is accountable for actions, maintains confidentiality, supports company values, and conveys good news and bad.
• Leadership--Supports the unit's, division's, and agency's expectations and a modern work environment. Nurtures and drives the team's culture. Provides professional development support and opportunities for staff. Allows staff to bring their best selves to work, own their work, and encourage an environment of trust and support.
• Organizational Savvy--Operates within the organization's formal and informal structures, builds allies and relationships across departments, uses allies to build consensus and create results, is appropriately diplomatic, understands others' roles and perspectives, can sell projects and ideas across the organization.
• Results Focus--Targets and achieves results, sets challenging goals, prioritizes tasks, overcomes obstacles, sets team standards and responsibilities, provides leadership/motivation.
• Teamwork--Meets all team deadlines and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, helps team leader to meet goals, welcomes newcomers and promotes a team atmosphere.
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion - Collaborates with and involves others with divergent viewpoints, as well as diverse people and groups, contributing to developing an environment that is equitable, inclusive, respectful and cooperative. Demonstrates a commitment to learning about and advancing environmental and climate justice initiatives.
Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies.
• Three years' experience managing solar energy projects or working in the solar energy sector. Advanced knowledge of solar energy technologies.
• Professional-level experience with federal funding and braiding state fund sources to increase impact.
• Technical knowledge and aptitude of state legislative and budget processes.
• Two years of experience working for, or in partnership with, organizations based in environmental or climate injustice and/or experience collaborating with historically marginalized communities, tribes and low-income populations.
Supplemental InformationTo be considered for this position the following are needed:- A complete and detailed online application.
- A cover letter (enter online).
- At least three professional references (enter online).
For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: - please reference the job number in your message.
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.
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.
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
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 Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov. 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.
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
In the space below, please write a formal cover letter describing your interest and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
02
How many years of combined professional-level experience managing complex programs, procurement processes, grants, or loans AND/OR formal education do you have?
- I do not have this experience
- Less than 5 years
- More than 5 years but less than 6 years
- More than 6 years but less than 7 years
- More than 7 years but less than 8 years
- More than 8 years but less than 9 years
- More than 9 years but less than 10 years
- More than 10 years
03
If you indicated you have experience noted above, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must also be reflected in the work experience of your application). If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.)
04
How many years of professional-level staff supervision experience do you have?
- I do not have supervisory experience
- I have less than 1 year of supervisory experience
- I have 1 year of supervisory experience
- I have 2 years of supervisory experience
- I have more than 3 years of supervisory experience
05
If you indicated you have experience noted above, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must also be reflected in the work experience of your application). If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.)
06
The Energy Division at Commerce plays a vital role in ensuring the transition to clean energy future is equitable and just. Please tell us about an equity or environmental justice practice, method, or skill development that you led or participated in. If you do not have this experience. please type N/A.
07
As a condition of employment, I understand and agree that I must reside in the state of Washington prior to or on the first day of state employment.
08
Are you a current or former employee of the state of Washington?
09
If you answered yes to the question above, what is the agency you are currently or formerly with? If you answered no, please type N/A.
10
Please select the option below that best indicates where you heard about this job opportunity.
- www.careers.wa.gov
- Aggregate job search website (Indeed.com, Simplyhired.com)
- Department of Commerce website
- Department of Commerce employee
- Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)
Required Question
