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Energy Forecaster
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
About the Minnesota Department of Commerce (Commerce)
Commerce protects the public interest through a broad range of regulations and programs. We oversee more than 40 industry areas in Minnesota and license about 250,000 professionals and businesses to ensure that their services and products are fair, accessible and comply with state laws.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals:
- Training, classes, and professional development
- Tuition reimbursement
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
- A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.
- Salary Range:
- PURA3: $34.07 - $50.53 / hourly; $71,138 - $105,506 / annually
- PURA4: $36.59 - $54.25 / hourly; $76,400 - $113,274 / annually
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Classified Status: Classified
- Working Title: Energy Forecaster
- Job Class: Public Utilities Rates Analyst 3 or 4
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Commerce Department / Commerce-MAPE
- Division/Unit: Regulatory Analysis Section
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
- FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: Yes - Up to 10% of the time
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes
Job Summary
Hybrid work schedule available, up to 50% telework depending on business needs. Telework can be outside of the state of Minnesota if the candidate lives in a state bordering Minnesota and lives 50 miles or less from the primary work location. Primary work location will be the Golden Rule Building in St. Paul.
Internal candidates should contact Human Resources with questions.
This position is being posted at two (2) job class levels: Public Utilities Rates Analyst 3 (PURA3) and Public Utilities Rates Analyst 4 (PURA4). Final job class will be determined based on successful applicant's qualifications.
Travel: This position will require 10% travel for out of state and in state meetings.
The Department of Commerce serves as the consumer advocate on a wide range of energy matters across Minnesota. This position supports the Division of Energy Resources Regulatory Analysis Section, with an emphasis on rate cases, energy and sales forecasting and modelling, and rate design. As a rates analyst, you will analyze proposals from utilities in Minnesota, conduct analyses, and write comments with recommendations for the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission supported by technical analysis results. This position also serves as a technical expert in contested case proceedings and must be comfortable preparing testimony and testifying before an administrative law judge.
For both PURA3 and PURA4, responsibilities include:
- Reviewing and analyzing energy dockets filed with the Public Utilities Commission.
- Conducting independent analyses.
- Drafting well-supported recommendations based on results of technical analyses.
- Assessing compliance with applicable statutes, rules, and Commission orders.
- Serving as a technical expert in contested case proceedings.
- Preparing testimony.
- Monitoring energy and best practices regionally and nationally.
- Helping develop policy positions in collaboration with internal and external partners.
- Briefing leadership.
Additional responsibilities for the PURA4 include:
- Serving as a technical expert in contested case proceedings.
- Providing leadwork direction for junior-level staff and leading complex energy dockets and analyses necessary to advise decision makers in electric and gas rate cases as well as other energy dockets, as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
At the PURA3 Level:
Three (3) years of experience performing analysis, exercising judgment, and relying on knowledge in energy planning, environmental or energy policy, economic forecasting and modeling pertaining to energy generation, distribution, transmission or operations, energy project development, energy markets, or other energy regulation related fields.
A Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Public Policy, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Pre-Law, or related field is equivalent to one (1) year of experience.
An Advanced degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Public Policy, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Law, or a related field is equivalent to eighteen (18) months of experience. Credit will be granted based on the highest degree earned.
Applicants who meet the above education/experience requirements will be further evaluated based on the following:
- Experience writing regulatory, legal, or similar types of documents that advocate for a specific outcome before a decision-making body. (e.g. legal briefs, formal comments, testimony, technical reports, resolutions, environmental assessments, findings of fact, or administrative enforcement determinations).
- Written and oral communication skills to write and present findings and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience developing and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders as well as working on interdisciplinary teams.
At the PURA4 Level:
Four (4) years of experience performing analyses, exercising judgment, and knowledge in energy planning, environmental or energy policy, economic forecasting and modelling pertaining to energy generation, distribution, transmission, or operations, energy project development, energy markets, or other energy regulation-related fields.
A Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Public Policy, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Pre-Law, or related field is equivalent to one (1) year of experience.
An Advanced degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Public Policy, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Law, or a related field is equivalent to eighteen (18) months of experience. Credit will be granted based on the highest degree earned.
Applicants who meet the above education/experience requirements will be further evaluated based on the following:
- Experience writing regulatory, legal, or similar types of documents that advocate for a specific outcome before a decision-making body. (e.g. legal briefs, formal comments, testimony, technical reports, resolutions, environmental assessments, findings of fact, or administrative enforcement determinations).
- Experience managing complex projects, leading teams, and providing direction and mentoring junior staff.
- Experience analyzing projects for compliance with applicable rules, statutes, and regulations.
- Written and oral communication skills to write and present findings and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience using software such as Python, Stata, EnCompass, EViews, or Plexos to conduct modelling and forecasting for gas and electric utilities.
Preferred Qualifications
At the PURA3 Level:
- Advanced degree in Law, Environmental Science, Planning, Public Policy, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a related energy field.
- Experience providing expert testimony or working on a contested case regulatory proceeding before a court.
- Knowledge of rate case structures, rate design, and energy policy.
- Experience advocating before decision-making bodies, such as, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Legislative Committees, or County Boards.
- Experience conducting modeling and forecasting for rate regulated gas and electric utilities.
At the PURA4 Level:
- Advanced degree in Law, Environmental Science, Planning, Public Policy, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or related energy field.
- Experience providing expert testimony or working on a contested case regulatory proceeding before a court.
- Knowledge of regional transmission planning, regional energy markets, or the regulatory landscape at the State, Regional Transmission Organization, and Federal Level.
- Experience advocating before decision-making bodies, such as, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Legislative Committees, or County Boards.
Physical Requirements
Requires occasional moving of articles such as boxes, accounting records, laptop computer, and portable printer.
Additional Requirements
Job offer is contingent upon passing reference checks to verify job-related credentials, a criminal background check and drivers' license check prior to appointment.
- Job ID: 97813
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
Application Details
How to Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of the State's job posting page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 651-539-1506.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Human Resources at [email protected].
