Planner Principal State or Planning Director State

Job Details

Working Title: Regional Energy Program Advisor
Job Class: Planner Principal State or Planning Director State
Agency: Public Utilities Commission

• Job ID: 89320
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, see note
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/08/2025
• Closing Date: 10/29/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Public Utilities Commission / MAPE
• Division/Unit: Regulatory / Regional Energy Program
• Work Shift/Work Hours:Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Up to 20%
• Planner Principal StateSalary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
• Planning Director StateSalary Range: $37.26 - $55.42 / hourly; $77,798 - $115,716 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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.

Job Summary

Please Note:

The Public Utilities Commission will be filling one (1) vacancy in the Regional Energy Program at either the Planner Principal or Planning Director State classification level based on the education and experience of the successful candidate(s). Please make certain that your resume and application materials reflect all required minimum qualifications and experience as listed in the minimum qualifications for the classification level that you are interested in applying for.

This career opportunity is based at the PUC offices in St. Paul, MN with some remote work and travel. Candidates must be available to appear for briefings, meetings, and hearings in St. Paul and Eagan regularly. This position also requires out of state travel up to 20 percent of the time. This position is a hybrid work position with some telework and some in-office hours, dependent on the performance of the successful candidate and the business needs of the Commission. This position will be required to work onsite or in-person for at least 50% of scheduled workdays each month (including travel and off-site meetings).

Job Summary:

The Regional Energy Program Planners lead and coordinate the agency’s activities related to regional transmission planning, regional energy markets, federal transmission and energy market actions, and complex docketed matters coming before the Commission in close coordination with the Regional Energy Program Supervisor, the Regulatory Division Manager, and Commissioners.

Job Duties:

A Planner Principal

• Provides technical, policy, and planning analysis and advice relating to regional transmission planning and energy markets.
• Monitors, analyzes, and participates in the activities of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), Organization of MISO States (OMS), and the related activities at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
• Serves as an advisor to the designated SPP and MISO lead Commissioners and all other Commissioners on these issues.
• Assures 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 before the Commission.
• Coordinates with staff at the Minnesota Department of Commerce and other relevant Minnesota state agencies on these issues.
• Helps coordinate and carry out complex technical and policy tasks relating to energy planning and markets, transmission infrastructure, forecasting, and other related issues.

A Planning Director performs the job duties of a Planner Principal at an advanced level. The incumbent leads complex technical and policy tasks and leads regional or national workgroups.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications for Planner Principal:

• At least 4 years* of work experience demonstrating the following duties:
  • Analyzing and advising on electric regulation and economics;
  • Experience and proficiency in translating complex ideas, policy issues, and data related to energy regulation and markets into useable information for decision-makers.

• Doctorate degree in accounting, finance, electrical engineering, economics, public administration, public policy, law, or related field may substitute for two years of experience
• Master’s degree in the above areas may substitute for 18 months of experience
• Bachelor’s degree in the above areas may substitute for one year of experience
• Associate’s degree in the above areas may substitute for six months of experience

Applicants who meet the above experience requirements will be further evaluated based on:

• Interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to conduct research and analysis on complex issues, and to clearly and concisely present the results, both in writing and orally.

Minimum Qualifications for Planning Director:

• At least 5 years* of advanced work experience as a Planner Principal or equivalent, demonstrating the following duties:
  • Analyzing and advising on electric regulation and economics;
  • Experience and proficiency in translating complex ideas, policy issues, and data related to energy regulation and markets into useable information for decision-makers.
  • Providing technical direction to other staff,
  • Leading teams on complex technical and policy projects,

• Doctorate degree in accounting, finance, electrical engineering, economics, public administration, public policy, law, or related field may substitute for two years of experience
• Master’s degree in the above areas may substitute for 18 months of experience
• Bachelor’s degree in the above areas may substitute for one year of experience
• Associate’s degree in the above areas may substitute for six months of experience

Applicants who meet the above experience requirements will be further evaluated based on:

• Interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to conduct research and analysis on complex issues, and to clearly and concisely present the results, both in writing and orally.
• Use of professional judgement in making recommendations to advance organization objectives and policy positions

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications for Planner Principal and Planning Director - State

• Additional work or educational experience on regional energy issues; such as resource planning, wholesale electricity markets, long range transmission planning, utility regulatory models and regulation.
• Experience with system modeling tools such as Strategist, Encompass, Plexos, or similar tools.
• Direct experience working with governmental agencies, utilities, and other stakeholders and regulatory programs.
• Thorough knowledge of state, federal and regional energy industry issues and trends.
• Demonstrated understanding of energy utility regulatory concepts and practices at state, regional, and federal level relevant to Minnesota.
• Ability to manage workload and multiple projects at one time.
• Understanding of conflict management and negotiation principles
• Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and marginalized communities.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a reference check and background screening.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jennifer Forside at jennifer.forside@state.mn.us or 651-539-1066.

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 Jennifer Forside at jennifer.forside@state.mn.us.

About the Public Utilities Commission

The mission of the Commission is to improve the lives of all Minnesotans by ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable utility services at just and reasonable rates.

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
• 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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.