STATE OF MONTANA JOB VACANCY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICE REGULATION
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
3 PAGE DOCUMENT
TITLE:UTILITY POLICYANALYST
POSITION NO.:42100033
DEPARTMENT:PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
LOCATION:HELENA, MONTANA
PAY BAND:7
SALARY:$42,000 - $47,000
STATUS:PERMANEMENT FULL-TIME
BARGAINING UNIT:N/A
APPLICATION DEADLINE:April 18, 2014
APPLICATION SUPPLEMENT:Yes
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A training assignment at a lower salary level may be required if minimum qualifications are not met.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications may be completed online at mailed and postmarked by the closing date to the Public Service Commission, PO Box 202601, Helena, Montana 59620-2601, or e-mailed to: y Midnight, MST on the closing date.
TYPICAL DUTIES
The Policy Analyst performs research, analysis, and professional guidance for the PSC regarding a broad range of regulatory issues under minimal supervision of the Bureau Chief. The Policy Analyst duties and responsibilities include:
Advise the PSC on emerging regulatory policy issues and regional electricity transmission topics.
a)Conduct research and analysis as assigned on a broad range of utility and regulatory issues.
b)Formulate and present policy recommendations and technical explanation for PSC consideration on regional electricity transmission issues and, as assigned, regulatory policy issues. Present written and verbal recommendations at PSC business meetings.
c)Monitor local, regional and national transmission and public policy issues and trends.
d)Actively participate in numerous regional electricity transmission stakeholder groups that discuss and develop regional electricity transmission policies that affect Montana utilities and their ratepayers.
e)Prepare memoranda for PSC review that summarize issues and testimony that may be examined during the course of PSC proceedings.
f)Review proposed administrative rules and legislation and make and support policy recommendations regarding them to the PSC. Participate in legislative activities, which may include analyzing bills, drafting legislation, and preparing comments or testimony.
g)Participate on work teams with other agency staff members to review, analyze, investigate and make recommendations on utility proceedings before the PSC.
h)Formulate staff positions on policy issues and present written and verbal staff positions on them at Commission business meetings as well as prehearing and post-hearing work sessions.
i)Analyze and evaluate the causes and effects of policy changes in state and federal laws and Commission orders.
j)Prepare data requests and cross-examination of utility and intervener witnesses for PSC dockets and hearings.
k)Prepare fact sheets and memos for PSC review that summarize issues examined during the course of docketed proceedings.
l)At direction of the Commission, represent the Commission in proceedings of interest to the Commission.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
A Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, Finance, Business Administration,Accounting, or a related field is required. A minimum of 1-2 years of job-related work experience is desired, although an advanced degree or work towards an advanced degree in one of the acceptable degree areas may be allowed to substitute for job-related work experience.Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case by case basis.
COMPETENCIES
The position must possess considerable knowledge and education in one or more of the following fields: economics, engineering, accounting, auditing, income taxes, finance, or ratemaking theory and law. The position requires a working knowledge of statistics, computer spreadsheet, work processing and graphics software, various utility systems of accounts, current utility industry events, federal regulatory agency decisions and policies, and PSC rules, policies and procedures. The ability to make verbal and written presentations of complex and technical topics to non-expert audiences is essential. Skill in cooperation and coordination with other staff and stakeholders on key utility issues is significant. Ability to solve problems for which no precedent exists is necessary.
The incumbent must be able to provide public information about agency policies and procedures; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, government, agency and utility employees. The incumbent must have the ability and initiative to organize and structure workloads in such a manner that work assignments are completed on time with minimal supervision.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
Selection procedures to be used in evaluating applicant’s qualifications may include, but are not limited to: an evaluation of the Montana State Application Form; an evaluation of education, training and experience; a structured oral interview; supplemental questions; and reference checks.
- All applicants must submit a State of Montana Application. The online form may be accessed at or contact your local job service.
- All applicants must submit a writing sample or a description of a major economic study they have prepared and a sample of one such study.
- All applicants must submit a certified transcript to the Public Service Commission, PO Box 202601, Helena, MT 59620-2601.
- All applicants must submit a cover letter.
- All applicants must include the names and telephone numbers of three personal references and three work-related references.
Applicants claiming the Veteran’s or Handicapped Person’s Employment Preferences (see State of Montana Employment Application, PD-25) must provide verification of eligibility with the application materials.
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the successful applicant must produce within 3 days of hire, documentation that he/she is authorized to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or social security card, along with a driver’s license or other picture ID, a U.S. Passport or a Green Card.
Statement of Selective Service Registration Status
If you are a male born on or after January 1, 1960, and are at least 18 years of age, the Montana Compliance with Military Selective Service Act requires that you register with the Selective Service System unless you meet certain exemptions under Selective Service law. If you are required to register, but fail to do so, you are not eligible for employment with the state of Montana.
A false statement may be grounds for not hiring you, or for dismissing you if you have already begun work. Also, you may be punished by fine or imprisonment.