Senior Energy Policy Specialist – Electric Transmission and Distribution (EMS 2)

Senior Energy Policy Specialist – Electric Transmission and Distribution (EMS 2)
At the Department of Commerce, we’re reimagining what’s possible in government. We’re builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we’re turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places.

Our agency’s strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact.

Let’s build what’s next, together.

The Energy Division partners with diverse energy stakeholders to create a clean, affordable and just energy future. 

This position leads the analysis, development and implementation of state energy and climate policy in the policy subject area described below. The position is inherently energy interdisciplinary, covering a range of energy technologies, programs, policies, and strategies that contribute to a more resilient, sustainable and dynamic energy economy in Washington. This work will help Washington achieve state climate policy goals through program design, alignment, and implementation. 

This position serves as a statewide convener with diverse stakeholders, including legislators and other elected officials, experts and leaders in state and local government agencies, advocacy organizations, businesses, and program managers within Commerce.   

The policy subject area of this position is electric transmission and distribution infrastructure policy, planning, and development. The 2021 State Energy Strategy identifies expanded high voltage transmission access as a key opportunity to meet the state’s energy and climate objectives by using clean electric generating resources across the western United States. The 2021 State Energy Strategy also emphasizes that a smart, flexible and optimized grid is foundational to meeting the mandates of our state’s clean electricity law and electrifying the economy while assuring system reliability and resilience at both the distribution and transmission levels. 

This position works with transmission system operators, electric utilities, state and federal regulators, and public interest organizations to increase the capacity and reliability of the bulk power transmission system and the distribution grid serving Washington customers. It will require participation in statewide, multi-state, and federal activities including regular coordination and collaboration with the Western Transmission Expansion Coalition (WestTEC) and the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). In addition, the Washington legislature passed a law in 2026 (ESSB 6355) creating the Washington Electric Transmission Authority (WETA). This position will support and maintain oversight of WETA until an executive director is hired in mid-2027 and carryout other duties assigned to Commerce in the law. This position will continue to collaborate closely with WETA on an ongoing basis. 

Responsibilities of this position include:

1. Develop legislative and policy initiatives within the position’s subject area to advance the energy and climate objectives and requirements of Washington and the recommendations of the State Energy Strategy.
2. Engage stakeholders and experts in government, industry, advocacy organizations, and research institutions to identify policy options and barriers.
3. Develop, recommend, and implement policy options that increase racial equity, improve economic justice, support economic development, and reduce pollution from greenhouse gases, consistent with the recommendations of the State Energy Strategy and the requirements of the HEAL Act.
4. Prepare testimony, reports, presentations, website materials, and other communications materials to advance understanding of the state’s energy and climate policies and programs. 
5. Provide technical and policy expertise during the development and implementation of agency grant programs in the position’s focus area. Work with external stakeholders in program design and in outreach to potential applicants and evaluators. 
6. Provide analytical and policy support to other statewide initiatives within the Energy Division and the agency, as identified by senior managers.
7. Coordinate and support the consistent interpretation and programmatic support of state clean energy laws and rules among involved state agencies, including the Governor’s Policy Office, Utilities and Transportation Commission, the State Department of Transportation, Energy Facilities Site Evaluation Council, and the Department of Ecology.

Required Education, and Experience: 

Any combination of Six (6) total years of experience. This could be gained by a combination of relevant education beyond high school equivalency and/or professional-level experience in economics, public/business administration, public policy, or related field. 

Experience must include the following, (years can be counted concurrently):

• Five years of experience in public policy, energy policy, or climate policy.
• Two years of experience working on electric transmission and distribution infrastructure.
• Two years of experience working with electric utilities, state or federal regulators.

Education involves study of economics, public/business administration, public policy, engineering, or a related field. Additional education beyond undergraduate will be counted on a year for year basis. 

Examples of how to qualify:   

• 6 years of experience   
• 5 years of experience and 1 year of education   

Required Position Competencies: 

• Strong written, verbal and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate energy and climate issues to non-technical audiences
• Ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders
• Sensitivity to public attitudes and concerns
• High-level facilitative, collaborative and marketing skills
• Knowledge of regulatory and economic environment in Washington

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies:

• Master’s degree or other related professional certifications strongly desired.
• Knowledge of electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure including ways to appropriately accelerate new development, cost-effective non-wire alternatives to increase the capacity of existing electrical infrastructure, and grid enhancing technologies. 
• Demonstrated experience working within the political environment, including clear understanding of legislative process, influencing the continuation and maintenance of resources and policy development, and decision-making that impacts programs.
• Demonstrated ability to take broad public policy conceptual ideas, provide appropriate guidance, leadership, and oversight, and bring such concepts into practical applications with minimal guidance and direction.
• Demonstrated strategic planning experience.
• Knowledge of integrated resource planning approaches, microeconomic analysis, regulation of public utilities, greenhouse gas reduction mechanisms, and finance and tax mechanisms for energy efficiency and renewable energy.
• Strong communications skills, including mastery with English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary, and production of communication deliverables using software such as Word and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholder groups, including state and federal governmental agencies, city and county governments, non-profit organizations, businesses, and citizens.
• Skills to anticipate problems and changes in the authorizing environment and respond quickly with short and long-term solutions. 
• A demonstrated ability to comply with ethics laws and standards as defined by federal or state law or policy
• Capable of making critical recommendations and decisions affecting statewide economic and community development policy.
• Strong analytic skills.
• Successful project management experience.

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

• A complete and detailed online application.
• A cover letter (enter online).
• At least three professional references (enter online).

For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: comrecruitment@commerce.wa.gov- please reference the job number in your message.Work from Anywhere in Washington State
This position may be located anywhere within Washington State though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. Many Commerce employees work remotely or have a hybrid schedule.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.

Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at careershelp@des.wa.gov.
 
Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity 
The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may email Human Resources at Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov.  Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
               
Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.

Salary : $91,968 - $123,959