Location: Hallowell,Maine,United States
Utility Analyst, Interconnection Ombudsman - (Public Service Coordinator III)
Electric and Natural Gas Division
Code: YC01
Opening date: December 2, 2024
Closing date: January 3, 2025
Salary: Salary begins at $80,000 and is commensurate with experience.
The Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) is seeking candidates interested in a rewarding public service career as an Interconnection Ombudsman / Utility Analyst within the Commission’s Electric & Natural Gas Division. The Interconnection Ombudsman, created pursuant to 35-A M.R.S. §3474(4) and as set forth in Chapter 328 of the Commission’s rules, will assist customers seeking interconnections governed by Chapter 324 of the Commission’s rules. Utility Analysts provide expert analysis and advise and support the MPUC Commissioners. The successful candidate may also be involved in Commission cases.
In this role you can expect to:
·Facilitate the efficient and fair resolution of disputes between customers seeking to interconnect and investor-owned transmission and distribution utilities;
·Review investor-owned transmission and distribution utility interconnection policies to assess opportunities for reducing interconnection disputes;
·Convene stakeholder groups as necessary to facilitate effective communication between interconnection stakeholders; and
·Track interconnection disputes;
·Prepare reports that detail the number, type, resolution timeline and outcome of interconnection disputes.
In addition, you may be expected to:
·Participate in other MPUC proceedings as assigned, including investigating and providing analysis of electric and natural gas utility filings and other Commission initiated matters.
·Request and synthesize data and other information from various sources, including from the utilities, to draw conclusions and form the basis for recommendations. Maintain work papers and other documentation supporting conclusions and recommendations.
·Research, interpret and apply applicable laws, Commission rules, regulatory principles and Commission precedent.
·Prepare various Commission reports including staff analyses, Recommended Decisions and reports to the legislature.
(The above is a representative list and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.)
A career at the MPUC offers the opportunity to do challenging work that directly impacts all Mainers. This position offers a hybrid work schedule (up to 3 days remote; 2 in-office at the Commission’s Hallowell, Maine office).
Qualifications:
The successful candidate must possess technical expertise related to interconnection and interconnection procedures.
Preferred qualifications for this position include any of the following:
·Experience facilitating dispute resolution with positive outcomes;
·Experience convening and facilitating productive stakeholder processes;
·Knowledge of the Maine and New England energy systems and markets;
·Knowledge and experience applicable to technical, operational and/or policy issues in the utility and energy sectors;
Additional minimum qualifications include:
·A degree in engineering, law, public policy, or a related discipline;
·The ability to pay close attention to detail and to organize and analyze information to make sound recommendations;
·Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
·Initiative and self-direction;
·The ability to work effectively in teams and to maintain professional working relationships both internally and with representatives of utility companies, other stakeholders and the general public.
Preference will be given to candidates with two or more years of relevant experience.
Application Instructions:
Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button. Applicants must also upload a cover letter, a current resume, and a writing sample. If you require a paper application, please go to the following link: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process.
Contact Information:
For more information or questions, please contact Celeste Gaylord, Public Utilities Commission, at celeste.gaylord@maine.gov or 207-287-1360.
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 -$13,172.88 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($358.08 annual value).
- Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
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Information provided during the application, interview and selection process will be verified.
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