Public Utilities Rates Analyst 2, 3, or 4

Working Title: Public Utilities Rates Analyst 2, 3, or 4
Job Class: Public Utilities Rates Analyst 2, 3, or 4
Agency: Public Utilities Commission

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/17/2023
• Closing Date: 08/15/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
• Division/Unit: Public Utilities Commission / Economic Analysis Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, less then 5%
• Public Utilities Rates Analyst 2 Salary Range: $26.14 - $38.38/ hourly; $54,580 - $80,137 / annually
• Public Utilities Rates Analyst 3 Salary Range: $29.92 - $44.38 / hourly; $62,472 - $92,665 / annually
• Public Utilities Rates Analyst 4 Salary Range: $32.13 - $47.65 / hourly; $67,087 - $99,493 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Job Summary

The Public Utilities Commission will be filling up to two (2) vacancies at either the Rates Analyst 2, Rates Analyst 3 or Rates Analyst 4 level based on the education and experience of the successful candidate(s). Please make certain that your resume reflects all of the minimum qualifications and experience required in the job posting that you wish to be considered for.

This position will work in the Commission’s Economic Analysis Unit providing policy and technical analysis and interpretation of complex gas and electric utility regulatory matters and other energy-related issues. Depending on the candidate qualifications and agency work priorities, this position could work on electric utility integrated resource planning, integrated distribution planning, resource acquisition issues, natural gas utility innovation plans under the state’s recently passed Natural Gas Innovation Act, and the Commission’s effort to examine natural gas regulatory and policy changes needed to achieve Minnesota’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.

A Rates Analyst 2 and 3 advises the Commission on complex economic, regulatory and energy policy issues. The incumbent would be expected to examine and interpret, orally and in writing, utility filings on such topics as the interaction of electricity and natural gas policies, comprehensive electric and natural gas utility planning, and related utility regulatory and energy policy issues, particularly as the Commission implements recently passed clean energy and decarbonization legislation. The incumbent would also be responsible for conducting research and preparing written or oral reports on other regulatory and policy issues before the Commission.

A Rates Analyst 4 advises the Commission on complex economic, regulatory and energy policy issues, and coordinates and provides technical direction to other staff. The incumbent would be expected to examine and interpret, orally and in writing, utility filings on such topics as the interaction of electricity and natural gas policies, comprehensive electric and natural gas utility planning, and related utility regulatory and energy policy issues, particularly as the Commission implements recently passed clean energy and decarbonization legislation. The incumbent would also be responsible for evaluating, conducting, and leading research on other complex regulatory and policy issues before the Commission to ensure complete and relevant information is provided to the Commission, preparing written and oral reports, and providing direction to other staff. The incumbent may also lead or participate in workgroups, regional/national forums, and legislative issues.

This career opportunity is based at the PUC offices in St. Paul, MN and is not available for full-time remote work. Candidates must be available to appear for briefings, meetings and hearings in St. Paul regularly. This position will be a hybrid work position of some telework and some in-office hours, dependent on the performance of the successful candidate(s) and the business needs of the Commission.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Public Utilities Rates Analyst 2 or 3 Minimum Qualifications

A combination of relevant education and/or professional work experience (2 -3 years respectively) in in a utility regulatory agency, telecommunications company, or other relevant experience.

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

• Knowledge of basic economic, financial, and other business principles.
• Experience writing formal reports for external distribution
• Ability to effectively communicate in both verbal and written communications
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel

Public Utilities Rates Analyst 4 Minimum Qualifications:

A combination of 4 years of relevant education and/or professional work experience in a regulatory setting, or other relevant experience.

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

• Knowledge of basic economic, financial, utility regulatory, and other business principles.
• Experience writing formal reports for external distribution
• Ability to effectively communicate in both verbal and written communications
• Experience leading and coordinating teams on complex projects or programs
• Ability to manage workload and multiple projects at one time
• Experience conducting research, investigations, and complex analyses of regulatory and policy issues
• Experience with stakeholder process design and facilitation
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel

A degree in accounting, economics, business, finance, energy, law, public policy, statistics or related field will substitute for professional experience as follows:

Master’s degree = 18 months of experience

Bachelor’s degree = 12 months of experience

Associates degree = 6 months

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications for Public Utilities Rates Analyst 2 and 3:

• Demonstrated interest and passion in a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State energy policies; as well as addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the energy industries.
• Demonstrated skill at presenting various arguments and analyses in a clear and objective manner
• Good understanding of the electric and/or natural gas industries.
• Good understanding of utility economic, financial, ratemaking, energy forecasting, and other regulatory concepts and practices.
• Ability to perform and present data analysis.
• Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and marginalized communities.

Preferred Qualifications Public Utilities Rates Analyst 4:

• Thorough understanding of electric and natural gas industries
• Thorough understanding of energy policy, utility ratemaking and regulatory concepts and practices
• Exceptional ability to distill and communicate competing arguments and analyses in a clear and objective manner, both written and orally
• Solid quantitative and data analysis skills and the ability to present analysis to a broad audience
• Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and marginalized communities
• Demonstrated experience in a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State energy policies as well as addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the energy industries

Additional Requirements

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

Application Details

How to Apply

Applicants must apply to the MN Careers website http://www.mn.gov/careers Job ID 65718. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Matthew Leo at matthew.leo@state.mn.us or 651-201-2393.

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 Matthew Leo at matthew.leo@state.mn.us.

About Public Utilities Commission

The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies .One of the key functions of the Commission in performing this mission is to balance the private and public interests affected in each docket, and to make decisions that appropriately balance these interests in a manner "consistent with the public interest."

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.