PUCT, Energy Efficiency Specialist (Management Analyst II)

Public Utility Commission of Texas; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) is seeking an Energy Efficiency Specialist to perform complex analytical and policy work involving energy efficiency, retail demand response, and distributed energy resources. You will research regulatory and industry issues, analyze datasets, and prepare testimony to support rulemaking and stakeholder processes.

The ideal candidate has a relevant degree and at least one year of analytical experience, with a passion for energy policy and public

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in environmental science, environmental studies, engineering, economics, public policy, public administration, political science, business administration, mathematics, statistics, energy management, or a related field.
• At least one year of experience applying analytical, quantitative, research, or data analysis skills through employment, internships, research projects, or similar experience.

Responsibilities

• Research regulatory and industry issues related to energy efficiency.
• Analyze complex datasets and develop analytical tools to track industry trends.
• Prepare expert testimony and participate in rulemaking and stakeholder processes.
• Collaborate with a team to advance energy efficiency across Texas.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Quantitative analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in environmental science, environmental studies, engineering, economics, public policy, public administration, political science, business administration, mathematics, statistics, energy management

Job description

JOIN A TEAM DEDICATED TO PUBLIC SERVICE

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of Texans? We are committed to building a highly skilled workforce. Our team boasts a wide range of expertise, from legal and engineering professionals to dedicated administrative staff. What unites us is our dedication to serving the public and our commitment to protecting customers, fostering competition, and promoting high quality utility infrastructure.

Make a Difference with Us

We recognize the importance of motivated and knowledgeable staff to accomplish our critical mission. If you're eager to contribute to ensuring compliance within the electric, telecommunications, and water and sewer utilities, we want to hear from you! A career at the PUC will not only expand your professional horizons but also make you part of a highly motivated, technically skilled, and supportive team environment.

Competitive Benefits Package

In addition to a positive and family-friendly work culture, the PUC offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees.

For a Detailed Overview, Please Visit PUCT Employee Benefits

DIVISION - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

DEPARTMENT - ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The Executive Director is the only statutorily required position at the Commission other than the Commissioners. Under PURA (Public Utility Regulatory Act) 12.103, the Executive Director is responsible for the daily operations of the Commission and coordinates the activities of commission employees. The Executive Director reports to the Commissioners.

The Executive Director's Office oversees the Critical Infrastructure Security and Risk Management (CISRM) and Energy Efficiency program areas, along with the Infrastructure, Legal, and Rate Regulation Divisions, ensuring effective leadership, strategic direction, and alignment with the agency's mission to protect Texas utility consumers and promote reliable utility services.

Critical Infrastructure Security and Risk Management

The Critical Infrastructure Security and Risk Management department collaborates with utilities to ensure that cyber and physical security best business practices are utilized, provides emergency management assistance and coordination, and connects utilities to available state and federal resources.

Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency is responsible for the regulation of the eight investor-owned utilities required to provide energy efficiency programs to reduce residential and commercial customers’ energy consumption and manage consumer energy costs. The department focuses on the intersection of the distribution grid and retail market with attention to distributed energy resources and residential demand response.

Help Shape the Future of Energy Efficiency in Texas!

Are you interested in how energy policy, emerging technologies, and regulatory decisions shape Texas’ electric industry? Do you enjoy researching complex issues and turning information into meaningful recommendations? The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) is seeking a motivated, analytical professional to join our Energy Efficiency team and contribute to regulatory decisions that promote energy efficiency, utility oversight, and exceptional public service.

Energy Efficiency Specialist

The Energy Efficiency Department is seeking an Energy Efficiency Specialist to perform complex analytical and policy work involving energy efficiency, retail demand response, and distributed energy resources. This position is responsible for researching regulatory and industry issues, analyzing complex datasets, developing analytical tools to track industry issues, analyzing complex datasets, developing analytical tools to track industry trends, preparing expert testimony, and participating in rulemaking and stakeholder processes. The ideal candidate is a critical thinker who enjoys researching complex issues, developing recommendations, and collaborating with a team dedicated to advancing energy efficiency across Texas.

If you're passionate about energy policy, solving complex problems, and making a meaningful impact through public service, we encourage you apply and become part of a collaborative team dedicated to advancing energy efficiency across Texas.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree or higher in environmental science, environmental studies, engineering, economics, public policy, public administration, political science, business administration, mathematics, statistics, energy management, or a related field.
• At least one year of experience applying analytical, quantitative, research, or data analysis skills through employment, internships, research projects, or similar experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or education in energy efficiency, demand response, distributed energy resources, or the electric utility industry.
• Experience conducting research and analysis of regulatory issues, public policies, or government programs.
• Experience analyzing data, identifying trends, and preparing technical reports, policy analyses, or recommendations.

WORK SCHEDULE

The PUCT operates on a standard work schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Employees may request an alternative work schedule in accordance with the PUCT's Alternative Work Schedule Policy. Approval of such requests is based on business needs and management discretion and is not guaranteed.

Newly hired employees are required to complete a waiting period before becoming eligible to telecommute. After 30 days of employment and with supervisor approval, a new hire may telecommute up to one day per week. After 90 days of employment and with supervisor approval, a new hire may telecommute up to two days per week. Supervisors may require new hires to report to the office more frequently if necessary to support training, performance, or business needs.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE

Veterans, Reservists, or Guardsmen with a Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) or additional duties that fall in the fields listed in the below link who meet the minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply.

The MOS codes applicable to this position can be accessed at:

MOS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY SPECIALIST

If you qualify for a Veteran Employment Preference, it is mandatory that you provide the required documentation with your State of Texas Application. Documentation must be provided before a Veteran Preference can be granted. Required documentation is as follows: Veteran - DD Form 214; Surviving Spouse of a Veteran who has not remarried - Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300; Orphan of a Veteran who was killed during active duty - Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300.

A detailed job description can be viewed on our website: https://puc.texas.gov/HumanResources/Home/Jobs

Starting salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience within the advertised salary range. The salary of an ERS retiree or non-contributing member may be 6% less than the recommended salary.

REMARKS

• Due to the volume of applications received, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The timing of application review and interviews may vary based on the needs of the agency and the recruitment process.
• All information provided in connection with an employment application must be accurate and complete. Any misstatement, falsification, or omission of information may result in refusal to hire or, if hired, termination.
• If the position requires it, licensure as a Professional Engineer or to practice law in Texas will be verified through the Professional Board of Engineers or the State Bar of Texas for the selected candidate.
• A satisfactory driving record is necessary for driving a state or personal vehicle for agency business. Selected candidates will have their driving records evaluated according to the Commission's Traffic Safety policy.
• For males born on or after January 1, 1960, the PUC will verify Selective Service registration through the online Selective Service System. Males born after January 1, 1960, who are not registered must provide proof of exemption from the Selective Service registration requirement.
• The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) participates in the EVerify+ system to confirm employment eligibility for all newly hired employees. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire.
• Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of the EVerify+ employment eligibility process.
• The PUCT does not have the ability to sponsor employees for work authorization and does not have a formal training program to participate in the STEM OPT extension program sponsored through U.S. Universities.
• Your application for a position with access to sensitive systems, confidential records, or information related to critical infrastructure facilities may subject you to a criminal background check pursuant to Texas Government Code 411.14031 and Texas Utilities Code 12.107 after a conditional offer of employment is made. Your consent for this criminal background check will be requested following a conditional offer of employment.
• The Public Utility Regulatory Act imposes certain restrictions on PUCT employees' investments, professional activities, and relationships with public utilities, with some limited exceptions. PUCT employees are also prohibited from having a financial interest in a public utility, an affiliate of a public utility, and a person a significant portion of whose business consists of furnishing goods or services to public utilities or affiliates.
• The PUCT has a Post-Employment Restriction - details furnished upon request.
• The PUCT is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Internal Applicant Eligibility Requirements

• Newly hired employees must successfully complete their six-month probationary period and have a satisfactory performance review on file before becoming eligible to apply for other positions within the PUCT.
• Employees who transfer to a new position or division must remain in their new role for at least six months and have a satisfactory performance review before applying for another position within the PUCT.
• Employees are not eligible to apply for positions within their classification series in their current division. This restriction does not apply for supervisory positions within the same classification series. Advancement within a classification series in the same division occurs through the promotional process based on demonstrated performance at the high level.