Energy, Assistant Director
 

WASHINGTON MANAGEMENT SERVICE
RECRUITMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
March 31, 2008

Assistant Director, Energy Section
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission


AGENCY PROFILE
The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) regulates the rates, services and practices of privately-owned utilities and transportation companies, including electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water and solid waste collection companies, private commercial ferries, buses and household goods movers, and also enforces pipeline and railroad safety standards. The mission of the UTC is to protect consumers by ensuring fairly priced, available, reliable and safe utility and transportation services. The UTC is located in Olympia, Washington. For more information about UTC please visit www.utc.wa.gov.

ABOUT ENERGY REGULATION
The commission regulates the services of three investor-owned electric companies, serving 2 million customers or about 40 percent of the state’s electric customers. It also regulates four investor-owned natural-gas distribution companies serving over 1 million customers. The energy industry today is dynamic, as companies address adequacy of infrastructure, rising commodity prices and changing federal and state regulations, including mandates to promote renewable energy and reduce reliance on carbon-generating resources

NATURE AND SCOPE OF POSITION
The assistant director of Energy leads a section of professionals responsible for the review of general rate increase requests and other company filings, company mergers, analysis of financial reports, energy resource planning, service quality and reliability, rulemaking, and many other issues. The assistant director works to ensure that, energy rates are fair, energy companies have a reasonable opportunity to earn a fair return and make adequate investments in infrastructure, service is reliable and safe, and companies make planning decisions that balance financial and environmental concerns. The section makes recommendations to the commission on cases and presents testimony and exhibits in formal hearings. The assistant director reports to the Regulatory Services division director.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION
• Successfully manage company requests for rate increases, mergers and acquisitions.
• Promote utility service quality and reliability.
• Advise the commissioners and senior managers on energy economic regulatory issues and policies.
• Provide leadership in strategic planning and measuring section performance.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
CANDIDATE PROFILE
• A J.D., bachelors or master’s degree in business administration, public administration, economics or related field.
• 3 or more years of senior management experience leading a team of professional staff.
• Preference may be given to candidates with management experience in business regulation or energy and/or utility management.

PUBLIC POLICY AND MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
• Management experience working closely with government agencies, businesses, advocate organizations and other stakeholders.
• Public agency regulatory policy development experience.
• Demonstrated ability to use effectively a combination of advanced leadership and management skills.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to work as a team leader and team member within and across organizational boundaries.
• Ability to negotiate multi-party settlements where appropriate to resolve complex and contentious issues.
• Ability to interact successfully with diverse individuals and groups.

COMPENSATION
The annual salary is up to $91,926 depending on qualifications. The benefit package is competitive and includes a state retirement plan, deferred compensation, training opportunities, paid holidays and vacation, sick leave, and a full array of health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance coverage. For information on benefit costs and options you may go to www.hca.wa.gov and retirement information can be found at the www.drs.wa.gov.

ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE
Within Washington’s boundaries, one can find ocean, rain forests, mountains, and deserts. For the outdoor enthusiast, the options for recreation are almost limitless and include skiing, backpacking, fishing, boating and camping. Olympia, Washington’s capitol is located on picturesque Budd Inlet. Local residents enjoy a quality of life enhanced by natural beauty and a mild year-round climate. For more information, visit www.experiencewa.com.

APPLICATION PROCESS
This position is open until filled. To apply submit a letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement, a current resume, salary history, and the attached optional affirmative action information. Attached is the Applicant Profile Data Form.


The UTC is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format should call (360) 664-1130 or e-mail pgay@utc.wa.gov. Our statewide toll free TTY number is 800-416-5289.

To ensure consideration for initial interviews, please submit your materials by May 5, 2008 to:

E-mail: jobs@utc.wa.gov
Subject Line: 0308 2848 WMS
Fax: (360) 586-9155

Electronic applications packages are encouraged. Please be aware that we reserve the right and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process.

SPECIAL NOTES:
Conflicts of interest: RCW 80.01.020 limits UTC’s ability to employ any person who owns stock in any company the UTC regulates or is otherwise financially interested in such company. Such interests include those of an employee’s spouse.

Authorization to Work: UTC may hire only those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. If you are not a US citizen, please let us know your visa or residency status.