Assistant Director of EAP, Planning PROGRAM MANAGER II

State of Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland Public Service Commission in Baltimore seeks an Assistant Director of Energy Analysis and Planning to lead state energy forecasting, coordinate with the Strategic Energy Planning Office, and guide energy models to ensure grid reliability and address rising utility costs.

You will serve as an expert witness before the Commission, supervise staff, and collaborate with state agencies on energy policy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in economics, engineering, environmental science, finance, statistics, mathematics, public policy, or a closely related field.
• Four years of policy analysis experience in energy, utility, or economics domains; two years in energy planning.

Responsibilities

• Identify energy planning issues and recommend policy changes to the Commission.
• Coordinate with the Strategic Energy Planning Office and other state agencies on forecasting and planning.
• Sponsor expert testimony, comments, or reports on wholesale energy markets and the bulk power system.
• Lead or supervise staff in energy planning work groups and related activities.
• Prepare and deliver analyses to support regulatory decisions and grid reliability objectives.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Analytical skills

Policy analysis

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Economics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, Public Policy

Tools

Econometric software

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

Introduction

The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) is an independent agency responsible for regulating public utilities (gas, electric, telephone, water, and sewage disposal companies) and certain passenger transportation companies in Maryland. The PSC ensures that Maryland residents and businesses have access to safe, reliable, and economic utility services.

The Energy Analysis and Planning Division plays a pivotal role in charting the course for Maryland's energy future. Our work directly supports the Commission in making informed decisions that impact energy affordability, grid reliability, and environmental sustainability for all Marylanders.

The Maryland Public Service Commission has an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Director of Energy Analysis and Planning. The Assistant Director represents the Public Service Commission with a focus on energy planning, coordinating with the Strategic Energy Planning Office and other state agencies, monitoring energy planning issues, examining scenarios to meet the state’s energy needs and clean energy goals, serving as an expert witness or advisor before the Commission, and assisting in directing the Division.

This position is a special appointment.

GRADE

STD0020

LOCATION OF POSITION

6 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21202

Main Purpose of Job

This Program Manager II identifies energy planning issues which need addressing and recommends policy changes to the Commission. The Program Manager II coordinates with the Strategic Energy Planning Office and other state agencies, leading comprehensive state energy forecasting, managing bulk power system risk reports, and coordinating energy models to ensure grid reliability and address surging utility costs. This position will also examine scenarios to meet the state’s energy needs and clean energy goals, serve as an expert witness before the Commission, and assist the Director of the Energy Analysis and Planning Division with directing the Division.

POSITION DUTIES

• Monitor energy planning issues, examine scenarios to meet the state’s energy goals and energy needs. Coordinate with the Strategic Energy Planning Office and other state agencies.
• Sponsor expert testimony, comments, or reports and on matters related to the comprehensive wholesale energy markets and the bulk power system. Monitors the electric and gas industries to identify regulatory issues for Commission consideration.
• Support or direct work group activities including chairing and organizing meetings, reviewing and initiating relevant filings, answering inquiries from interested parties, and leading/supervising other Staff members in their work group activities.
• Perform Division administrative duties in the absence of the Director or as assigned by the Director.
• Supervise Junior Economists
• Answer Inquiries Promptly
• Perform Other Duties as Assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, in Economics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, Public Policy, or a closely related field.

Experience: Four years of experience performing legal, utility, energy, engineering, or economic policy analysis or related duties. Two years of experience working on issues related to energy planning.

Note: An advanced degree may be substituted on a yearly basis.

Desired / Preferred Qualifications

Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.

Proficiency in economic theory (microeconomics, industrial organization, regulatory economics) and its application.

Experience with statistical analysis, econometrics, and economic modeling software.

Sound professional judgment and a commitment to ethical public service.

Relevant professional experience in economic analysis, preferably in the energy sector, utility regulation, or a related field.

Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Familiarity with legislative and regulatory processes.

Knowledge and a practical understanding of the energy industry and related markets.

Ratemaking experience at state regulatory commission, consumer advocate, or utility.

Knowledge and practical understanding of FERC and PJM and the Federal Power Act.

Knowledge of transmission planning or operations or power plant operations.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle.

Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

Special Requirements

U.S. Citizen or Resident Alien Status.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The evaluation may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

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