The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is hiring their next Regional Energy Program supervisor. This position administers, directs, and coordinates the agency's activities related to regional transmission planning, regional energy markets, and federal transmission and energy market actions, in close coordination with Regulatory Analysis Division Supervisors. Additionally, the supervisor provides technical, policy, and planning analysis and advice relating to regional transmission planning and energy markets, as well as serves as principal advisor to the designated regional state committee lead Commissioner, and all other Commissioners, on these issues. The position assures that managers, supervisors, and staff of all relevant units in the agency are informed of major regional and federal matters that impact energy policies and dockets developed by the Commission. Lastly, they coordinate with staff at the Minnesota Department of Commerce and other relevant Minnesota state agencies on these issues.
Please note: As of June 1st, 2025, this position will have a flexible work arrangement that allows for up to 50% telework with a minimum of 50% working in at the Commission offices in Saint Paul, Minnesota per month.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Statistics, Law degree or related field; AND a combination of six (6) years of professional-level experience in government, the utility industry, or other entity with primary focus on regional energy markets, utility resource planning, and transmission planning
OR
Seven (7) years of professional-level experience related to electric and/or natural gas utility services with a focus on regional energy markets, utility resource planning, and transmission planning.
Successful completion of the State of Minnesota’s Emerging Leadership Institute (ELI) or Senior Leadership Institute (SLI) or an equivalent leadership program may substitute for one year of advanced professional experience.
Master's degree in public utility regulation and/or economics related field may substitute for 18 months of experience.
Doctorate degree in public utility regulation and/or economics related field may substitute for 2 years of experience.
In addition to the above, applicants must have:
Demonstrated extensive knowledge of regional energy markets, utility resource planning, and transmission planning including state Commission authority.
Experience as a lead worker providing guidance to professional staff, and the ability to lead and mentor a team.
Ability to comprehend and correctly apply, interpret, and analyze complex written material.
Human relations skills and cultural sensitivity sufficient to establish effective relationships with various regulatory agencies and staff. Ability to work effectively with public utility companies, energy industry stakeholders, the general public, and diverse communities.
Effective and persuasive written and oral communication skills sufficient to present material to decision makers and be an effective public speaker in formal proceedings and negotiations.
Ability to travel.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in a supervisory position
Demonstrated success in mentorship and/or managing teams
Demonstrated project management skills
Demonstrated ability to review and edit written materials on regulatory or policy issues
Experience with diverse communities and Native American issues
Understanding of regulation of natural gas and/or electric industry in Minnesota
Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of a reference check and background screening.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy, i.e., electricity, natural gas and telephone.
The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies. It does so by providing independent, consistent, professional and comprehensive oversight and regulation of utility service providers. One of the key functions of the commission in performing this mission is to balance the private and public interests affected in each docket, and to make decisions that appropriately balance these interests in a manner that is “consistent with the public interest.”