Policy and Regulatory Associate (Montana)

NW Energy Coalition is hiring a Montana based Policy and Regulatory Associate

The NW Energy Coalition is seeking a dynamic and analytical individual to join our Coalition team and work with us in Montana and Idaho to help advance regulatory and policy action, as well as best practices for utility programs to help the region decarbonize the energy and transportation sectors and advance equitable energy services that bring economic and environmental benefits to communities. Location preference for Helena or Missoula, and can discuss options for other locations in Western Montana.

About NW Energy Coalition

Established in 1981, the Coalition is an alliance of over 100 environmental, civic, and human service organizations, utilities, local government agencies, and clean energy and energy efficiency businesses in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and British Columbia.

Our mission is to advance clean, equitable, and affordable energy policies by leveraging our analytic expertise and convening a broad alliance of people and organizations. We envision the Northwest comprised of communities that benefit from a carbon-free energy system that equitably meets the needs of people and preserves the region’s natural resources.

We promote the development of renewable energy, energy efficiency, transportation electrification, consumer protection, equitable and affordable clean energy services for all consumers, and fish and wildlife restoration on the Columbia and Snake rivers. The Coalition is committed to advancing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) and we are committed to addressing the harm that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) have endured due to the energy system, policies, and practices in the Northwest. We are mindful of the intersectional nature of race, economic wellbeing, and geography (urban/rural), and recognize that our commitment to racial justice will help with energy justice more broadly.

Position description

We are seeking an individual that will analyze, develop, and advance clean energy policies and programs in Idaho and Montana that further the mission of the NW Energy Coalition. This position will advocate for strong utility planning and programs, and regulatory and policy drivers that support investment in clean energy resources, transportation electrification and demand management, energy efficiency, and gas utility decarbonization to provide clean and equitable energy solutions for communities. This position will work closely with the Coalition’s existing members and allies and work to build new relationships to ensure that the voices of low-income consumers and communities of color are brought to the table and represented in energy policy and program decisions. Must be available for travel to Boise ID, within Western Montana as needed, and Seattle/Portland on occasion.

This position will report to the Policy Director. This staffer will actively participate, with all staff, in diversity, equity and inclusion within the organization and our program work.

Principal duties and responsibilities

·      Participate in regulatory, agency, legislative and utility proceedings on behalf of the Coalition to ensure these efforts maintain affordable and equitable power and energy benefits for all customers.

·      Develop, initiate, and advocate for durable and effective policies and programs in state and local regulatory, utility and policy proceedings that advance decarbonization of the energy system through submitting written comments, testifying at public hearings, and communicating directly with decisionmakers.

·      Analyze utility regulatory filings and advocate for smart and strategic investments by utilities by working in collaboration with Coalition staff, members, and allies.

·      Serve on utility and government advisory committees, as appropriate.

·      Prepare position and policy papers; write articles and reports for Coalition publications.

·      Work with diverse Coalition members, environmental justice and community-based organizations to develop mutually supportive policy positions and nurture collaborative working relationships.

Qualifications

·      5+ years of experience in public policy and regulatory work or equivalent life experience; significant experience in the utility or energy system policy or legal world may qualify someone for a Senior role.

·      Excellent relationship-building skills and the ability to engage with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.

·      Strong analytic and policy skills and ability to handle multiple projects and priorities.

·      Familiarity with utilities, decarbonization and electricity systems, and environmental justice a plus.

·      Strong written communication and public speaking skills, especially the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences.

·      Proven ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment.

Salary and benefits

Salary $68,000 to $78,000 depending on experience, consideration of a senior position as appropriate based on experience. Excellent benefits include 100% employer paid medical, dental and vision insurance; four weeks paid vacation; 12 paid holidays; paid sick leave; paid family and medical leave; 401k plan and organizational match of up to 2% of annual salary; flexible work arrangements.

NWEC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request.

This position is open until filled. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, starting on August 6. To help us efficiently process applications and ensure your application is received, please observe the following:

1.     Please email a resume, cover letter, and a short writing sample (less than 2 pages) to Kat Plimpton at kat@nwenergy.org

2.     Make the subject line of your e-mail: “Your Full Name, MT/ID Policy”

3.     In your cover letter, please indicate where you learned about the position