A very important position is open at the PUC working on Colorado's dynamic natural gas energy policy. This is a unique opportunity to bring expertise to cutting edge energy policy. The PUC has an excellent team and working environment. The closing date is 5/14/2025. If you have already submitted an application there is no need to reapply.  Must be a Colorado "resident."

https://lnkd.in/g2fP5U3V

In particular, the position applies engineering principles to the analysis and review of utility filings. The position considers and applies established theories, principles, conceptual models, professional standards, and precedents as part of this technical review. For example, the position will advise on engineering questions related to natural gas distribution systems, including planning and costing, use and usefulness of infrastructure, implementation of “non-pipeline alternatives,” and regulatory rules and practices that are needed to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the system given state goals and market trends related to decarbonization. Accordingly, the position fills a gap on the Advisory Policy Unit and meets a critical need given the volume of legislation and newly promulgated Commission rules related to the gas industry and electrification within the last few years.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Analyzing and evaluating filings by utilities and other stakeholders in formal Commission proceedings, including applications, advice letters, tariff filings, testimony, plans, reports, rules, statutes, and other requests or proposals; 

• Preparing recommendations on technical and policy issues for decision-makers, such as Commissioners, ALJs, and other senior Commission staff; 

• Preparing memorandums, information summaries, exhibit lists, 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; 

• Answering Commissioner inquiries based on expert knowledge of proceeding records; and 

• Assisting legal counsel in regard to procedures and matters regarding the technical aspects of utility engineering practices.

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.

• Developing the scope, providing preliminary research, and suggesting redlines for potential industry rule changes for discussion with Commissioners prior to a formal proceeding being initiated.

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

Option 1: Experience

• Nine (9) years of relevant full-time experience progressively responsible, professional* experience in the energy and/or utilities fields in any two (2) of the following:

  • Performing analytical work, including engineering, financial, and/or policy analysis;

  • Preparing regulatory filings; and/or

  • Managing engineering or other technical projects.

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 an engineering-related program (including aerospace, chemical, civil, electrical, environmental, industrial, materials, metallurgical, mechanical, or power engineering), or a field of study related to the work assignment; AND

• Seven (7) years of relevant full-time experience progressively responsible, professional* experience in the energy and/or utilities fields in any two (2) of the following:

  • Performing analytical work, including engineering, financial, and/or policy analysis;

  • Preparing regulatory filings; and/or

  • Managing engineering or other technical projects.

OR 

• Bachelor’s Degree and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in an engineering-related program (including aerospace, chemical, civil, electrical, environmental, industrial, materials, metallurgical, mechanical, or power engineering), or a field of study related to the work assignment; AND

• Five (5) years of relevant full-time experience progressively responsible, professional* experience in the energy and/or utilities fields in any two (2) of the following:

  • Performing analytical work, including engineering, financial, and/or policy analysis;

  • Preparing regulatory filings; and/or

  • Managing engineering or other technical projects.

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:

• Demonstrated professional* experience with gas distribution systems, including engineering planning, design, costing, construction, maintenance, safety, or environmental management;

• Demonstrated experience conducting general pipeline inspections to evaluate operational effectiveness and ensure compliance with associated regulations;

• Demonstrated experience and expertise in natural gas engineering principles and natural gas pipeline operations, including working with Colorado-specific safety regulations/inspections, such as environmental codes/compliance, safety codes, and/or engineering codes;

• Demonstrated professional* experience and expertise  in working as an engineer-in-training or as a professional engineer;

• Experience explaining and breaking down complex, technical engineering concepts into layperson’s terms (written or oral);

• Demonstrated professional* consulting experience, including the ability to develop scopes of work, meet deadlines, and navigate complex or conflicting client needs;

• Demonstrated professional* experience with testimony on, presentation of, and/or leading public discussion on engineering projects/processes affecting the public interest;

• Demonstrated experience working in state government, evaluating and implementing policies related to new technologies, energy efficiency, electric and gas rate design, etc.

About Colorado Public Utilities Commission

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) includes three members who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate for a term of four years. A Director manages the staff and daily operations of the PUC. The agency is authorized 122.1 full time employees. These staff members have specialized knowledge in engineering, economics, law, finance, support or management.

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