Commission Advisor (Analyst VI): DORA/Public Utilities Commission – Hybrid

State of Colorado Job Opportunities

  • Full time
  • 1 month ago
  • Denver,CO
  • OnSite

Job Description

Department Information

This job announcement is being posted as an open continuous announcement (i.e.
applications are accepted for an extended length of time and/or on a continuing basis),

Hybrid Workplace Arrangement:
Although this position will be designated under the departments hybrid workplace program, it will still be required to report to the department office on a scheduled basis and at the discretion of the supervisor, based on business needs.
This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado.


Consumer protection is our mission.

DORA values and promotes diversity, supporting a workplace that is inclusive of people from different backgrounds and experiences; creating an environment that is reflective of our communities; promoting positive relationships; and putting forth unique perspectives to fulfill our mission.
  • Employer-sponsored RTD EcoPass, with offices located at Civic Center Plaza, above the RTD Civic Center station and just a few blocks from RTD light rail.
  • Extensive work-life programs such as flexible schedules, training and professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects, and more!
  • Employee wellness programs, including the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP), which provides free, confidential counseling services.
  • Bike-to-work programs, including access to storage lockers and bike racks.
  • Flexible retirement benefits, including a choice of the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans.
  • Medical and Dental Health Insurance for employees and optional coverage for their dependents.
  • Life Insurance for employees, and optional coverage for their dependents.
  • Paid Time Off, including 11 paid holidays.
  • Short- and long-term disability coverage.
  • Tuition assistance program.
Check out our excellent benefits package!

Description of Job

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) serves the public interest by effectively regulating utilities and facilities so that the people of Colorado receive safe, reliable, and reasonably priced services consistent with the economic, environmental, and social values of our state.
The Policy Advisory Unit directly supports the Commissioners of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission and the Commissions Administrative Law Judges (ALJs). Advisors provide technical analysis and policy advice; they manage or collaborate on cases; and they assist the Commissioners and ALJs in reaching their decisions in formal proceedings. Such proceedings include both adjudicated cases (cases involving a single specific applicant) and administrative cases (cases which address structural issues for one or more regulated industries, such as rulemakings). Advisors also occasionally assist the Commissioners and ALJs with research and analysis outside of formal proceedings, such as for workshops and special projects. Nearly all of the work completed by the Policy Advisory Unit is conducted within a privileged deliberative process that is distinct from all other members of the Commissions staff.
Position: SGA 5027

The Commission Advisor position principally provides technical and policy analysis to advise Commissioners and ALJs on issues related to natural gas distribution system engineering. The position makes recommendations in matters involving the provision of safe, reliable, adequate, and economic service to utility customers using data from diverse sources and specialized fields, including technical and industry-specific resources.
In particular, the position applies engineering principles to the analysis and review of utility filings. The position considers and applies established theories, principles, conceptual models, professional standards, and precedents as part of this technical review. For example, the position will advise on engineering questions related to natural gas distribution systems, including planning and costing, use and usefulness of infrastructure, implementation of non-pipeline alternatives, and regulatory rules and practices that are needed to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the system given state goals and market trends related to decarbonization. Accordingly, the position fills a gap on the Advisory Policy Unit and meets a critical need given the volume of legislation and newly promulgated Commission rules related to the gas industry and electrification within the last few years.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Analyzing and evaluating filings by utilities and other stakeholders in formal Commission proceedings, including applications, advice letters, tariff filings, testimony, plans, reports, rules, statutes, and other requests or proposals;
  • Preparing recommendations on technical and policy issues for decision-makers, such as Commissioners, ALJs, and other senior Commission staff;
  • Preparing memorandums, information summaries, exhibit lists, scripts, and draft orders in matters addressed by the Commissioners;
  • Assisting Commissioners and ALJs to prepare for pre-hearing conferences and evidentiary hearings;
  • Presenting concise and informative explanations and recommendations to Commissioners in open meetings;
  • Answering Commissioner inquiries based on expert knowledge of proceeding records; and
  • Assisting legal counsel in regard to procedures and matters regarding the technical aspects of utility engineering practices.
While specific tasks may vary, examples of work conducted by Advisors include:
  • Reviewing utility applications to identify where additional testimony could be requested in response to Commissioner concerns.
  • Developing proposals for workshops or informational meetings which may involve identifying and coordinating with potential speakers.
  • Identifying key requests by utilities and other stakeholders and synthesizing information in the evidentiary record to make recommendations to Commissioners on how they should resolve those requests in their orders.
  • Developing the scope, providing preliminary research, and suggesting redlines for potential industry rule changes for discussion with Commissioners prior to a formal proceeding being initiated.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (MQs):

There are two ways to qualify for this position: 1) Experience OR 2) A Combination of Education and Experience

Option 1: Experience

  • Nine (9) years of relevant full-time experience progressively responsible, professional* experience in the energy and/or utilities fields in any two (2) of the following:
    • Performing analytical work, including engineering, financial, and/or policy analysis;
    • Preparing regulatory filings; and/or
    • Managing engineering or other technical projects.

Option 2: A Combination of Education AND Experience

  • Associates Degree and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associates degree in an engineering-related program (including aerospace, chemical, civil, electrical, environmental, industrial, materials, metallurgical, mechanical, or power engineering), or a field of study related to the work assignment; AND
  • Seven (7) years of relevant full-time experience progressively responsible, professional* experience in the energy and/or utilities fields in any two (2) of the following:
    • Performing analytical work, including engineering, financial, and/or policy analysis;
    • Preparing regulatory filings; and/or
    • Managing engineering or other technical projects.
OR

  • Bachelors Degree and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in an engineering-related program (including aerospace, chemical, civil, electrical, environmental, industrial, materials, metallurgical, mechanical, or power engineering), or a field of study related to the work assignment; AND
  • Five (5) years of relevant full-time experience progressively responsible, professional* experience in the energy and/or utilities fields in any two (2) of the following:
    • Performing analytical work, including engineering, financial, and/or policy analysis;
    • Preparing regulatory filings; and/or
    • Managing engineering or other technical projects.

Document this experience in your application IN DETAIL, as your experience will not be inferred or assumed. Part time experience will be prorated.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

  • Partial credit toward the degree requirement will be given for completed college/university coursework that did not result in a degree. A master’s or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study related to the work assignment will substitute for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
  • Professional work involves exercising discretion, analytical skill, judgment and personal accountability and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, and sharing an organized body of knowledge that characteristically is: uniquely acquired through an intense education or training regimen at a recognized college or university; equivalent to the curriculum requirements for a bachelor’s or higher degree with major study in or pertinent to the specialized field; and continuously studied to explore, extend, and use additional discoveries, interpretations, and application and to improve data, materials, equipment, applications and methods.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated professional* experience with gas distribution systems, including engineering planning, design, costing, construction, maintenance, safety, or environmental management;
  • Demonstrated experience conducting general pipeline inspections to evaluate operational effectiveness and ensure compliance with associated regulations;
  • Demonstrated experience and expertise in natural gas engineering principles and natural gas pipeline operations, including working with Colorado-specific safety regulations/inspections, such as environmental codes/compliance, safety codes, and/or engineering codes;
  • Demonstrated professional* experience and expertise in working as an engineer-in-training or as a professional engineer;
  • Experience explaining and breaking down complex, technical engineering concepts into laypersons terms (written or oral);
  • Demonstrated professional* consulting experience, including the ability to develop scopes of work, meet deadlines, and navigate complex or conflicting client needs
  • Demonstrated professional* experience with testimony on, presentation of, and/or leading public discussion on engineering projects/processes affecting the public interest.

Required Competencies:The following knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal characteristics are required competencies and may be considered during the selection process (including examination and/or interview):

  • Demonstrated written communication skills, including the ability to convey information to various stakeholders in a clear, accurate, and concise written manner;
  • Demonstrated verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively convey information to audiences in a concise manner;
  • Demonstrated attention to detail;
  • Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills, including having the ability to evaluate information in order to apply knowledge and to decide on the most appropriate course of action;
  • Demonstrated prioritization skills, including planning, organizing tasks, and managing work assignments;
  • Demonstrated time management skills, including the ability to multi-task to effectively manage competing and constantly changing priorities in order to meet tight deadlines;
  • Interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders and work as part of a team
  • Demonstrated ability to understand and abide by workplace principles, practices and behaviors as internally identified and defined by the division and department;
  • Demonstrated ability to read, understand, interpret, apply, and explain laws, rules, policies, and procedures;
  • Sound judgment and the confidence to make decisions on a routine basis;
  • Ability to travel independently, including work in-office, as required by business needs and scheduled by the supervisor;
  • Integrity and high ethical standards;
  • Accountability, reliability, including attendance;
  • Ability to maintain confidential, controversial, or sensitive information;
  • Self-starter, including the ability to work independently, learn new processes, utilize own knowledge and that of the supervisor, and complete work with minimal supervision;
  • Demonstrated professional demeanor;
  • Knowledge and understanding in the use of PC software applications including Microsoft Office (Access, Word, Excel, etc.), and Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc).


Conditions of Employment:Candidates who fail to meet the conditions of employment will be removed from consideration.

  • The successful passing of a reference check and/or, if required, a background check.
    • A reference check may include but is not limited to: contacting previous and current supervisors to verify employment and discuss performance, a review of the personnel file, a review of the performance record, a review of job-related public information, etc.
    • The type of background check depends on the job duties of the position, and can include a review of any criminal record, credit report, and/or driving record.
  • Ability to travel independently, including work in-office, as required by business needs and scheduled by the supervisor.
  • Effective September 20, 2021, employees will be required to attest to and verify whether or not they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Employees who have not been fully vaccinated may be required to submit to serial testing in the future. Upon hire, new employees will have three (3) business days to provide attestation to their status with proof of vaccination. Vaccinated employees must provide proof of vaccination.
  • Note: Fully Vaccinated means two (2) weeks after a second dose in a two-dose series of the COVID-19 vaccine, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two (2) weeks after the single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnsons Janssen vaccine, as defined by the most recent State of Colorados Public Health Order and current guidance issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment.

Supplemental Information

PLEASE READ – Required Application Materials

Interested individuals must submit the following online:

1. A completed State of Colorado Application (log-in to your current NeoGov account or create a NeoGov account to complete the online application). Note: Incomplete applications, including incomplete work history sections or “see rsum,” “see attachment,” or “see addendum” statements, will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application form.

2. A current email address on your application, as all communication pertaining to this position will be conducted via email. Please set up your email to accept messages from [email protected] and @state.co.us addresses, and check your email often. Note: The department cannot guarantee the successful delivery of email, including incorrect filtering into junk mail folders.

3. A detailed cover letter, explaining how you meet the required competencies and how your accomplishments, qualifications, skills, areas of expertise, personal characteristics, etc. make you a good fit for this position; you may also attach additional documents that demonstrate this.

Comparative Analysis Process: Structured Application Review
Part of, if not the entire, comparative analysis process for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials; Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application and cover letter, you describe the extent to which you possess the education, experience, and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the required and/or preferred qualifications/competencies. You are also encouraged to attach additional documents to that effect. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may affect your score and prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.
Part of the comparative analysis process and/or the interview process may be conducted through remote video conferencing (i.e. Google Meet, Zoom, etc.)
Veterans Preference: Candidates who wish to assert Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD214 to their application. Failure to do so will result in being denied Veterans Preference.

PLEASE NOTE:
Former State Personnel System employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information on the application. Colorado Revised Statutes require that all state employees be hired and promoted through competitive examination of merit and fitness. Failure to include the required information, failure to follow instructions, and/or failure to submit materials by the application deadline may result in your application not being considered for the position and may affect your score or inclusion in the final pool of qualified candidates.
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
ADAAA Accommodations: DORA is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, at [email protected].
Check out our excellent benefits package!
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE VACANCIES
While a salary range is posted for this position, an eventual salary offer is determined by a comprehensive salary analysis, which considers multiple factors including but not limited to education and experience compared to others in the organization doing substantially similar work.
Appeal Rights:
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email, US Mail, faxed or hand-delivered within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the departments action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to spb.colorado.gov or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
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