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

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/newprint/4491922)

Apply



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

Salary

$7,606.00 - $9,880.00 Monthly

Location

Denver Metro, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

SGA-5027-04/24

Department

Department of Regulatory Agencies

Division

Public Utilities Commission

Opening Date

05/01/2024

Closing Date

5/31/2024 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Primary Physical Work Address

1560 Broadway Denver, CO 80202

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

Addison Dittrich: addison.dittrich@state.co.us

Salary Note

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.

Type of Announcement

A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

Hiring Pay Rate

The salary range posted for this position is $91,272 - $118,560 annually ($7,606.00 - $9,880.00 Monthly); although a salary range is listed, hiring salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. New employees to the State will be paid biweekly. There are 26 biweekly pay periods in a year.

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Department Information

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 is a progressive, innovative government agency where employees and customers alike are valued. If you are interested in becoming a part of an environment where creative thinking, customer service, and protecting consumers through healthy regulation is valued, DORA is the place for you! In addition to rewarding, challenging, and meaningful work, the State of Colorado at the Department of Regulatory Agencies offers an excellent total compensation package including:

• 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 a telecommuting program, 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 10 paid holidays.

• Short- and long-term disability coverage.

• Tuition assistance program.

Description of Job

DORA’s 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 PUC is engaged in a long-term process to implement multiple legislative and regulatory requirements that seek to transform the gas industry in Colorado. Senate Bill 21-264 requires gas distribution utilities to submit clean heat plans through which they will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Regulated gas utilities are also submitting first-of-their-kind infrastructure plans which will include consideration of alternatives to capital investments. Recent legislation also requires further evaluation of gas commodity purchasing and management. This combination of legislative and regulatory requirements positions Colorado as a vanguard state in considering emerging gas industry issues.

The Policy Advisory Unit directly supports the Commissioners of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission and the Commission’s 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 as adjudicated cases and rulemakings. Advisors also occasionally assist the Commissioners and ALJs with research and analysis outside of formal proceedings, such as through hosting workshops and overseeing 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 Commission’s staff.

Position: SGA 5027

This Analyst VI position makes recommendations to the Commissioners and ALJs on issues related to natural gas distribution system engineering. The position makes recommendations in matters involving the provision of safe, reliable, and economic service to utility customers using data from diverse sources, including testimony, third-party reports, and industry-specific resources.

In particular, the position will review engineering-related testimony and advise on engineering questions related to natural gas distribution systems, including planning and costing, use and usefulness of infrastructure, implementation of “non-pipelines alternatives,” and the development of 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. While the focus is anticipated to be on natural gas issues, the position may also address engineering issues related to electric generation, transmission, and distribution. The position will work on high-profile cases that include technology and policy issues which may be at the forefront of industry trends in Colorado and nationwide.

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, draft orders, and other materials to assist with decision-making 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 regarding the technical, policy, and practical 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 rules changes for discussion with Commissioners prior to a formal proceeding being initiated.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (MQs):

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in engineering (including aerospace, chemical, civil, electrical, environmental, industrial, materials, metallurgical, mechanical, or power engineering); and

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible, professional* experience in the energy and/or utilities industries:

• Performing analytical work;

• Preparing regulatory filings; and/or

• Managing engineering or other technical projects.

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

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• A combination of professional* work experience as described above, which provided the same kind, amount and level of knowledge acquired in the required education, may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis;

• A master's or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study related to the work assignment may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

*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:

• Experience with gas distribution systems, including engineering planning, design, costing, construction, maintenance, safety, or environmental management;

• Experience with gas pipeline operations, including through performing monitoring or inspections;

• Experience with non-pipelines or non-wires alternatives program design or deployment;

• Experience working on projects or efforts that are dependent upon an explicit stakeholder process for completion;

• Experience and expertise in working as an engineer-in-training or as a professional engineer;

• Experience interpreting and analyzing legislative proposals;

• Project management or consulting experience, including the ability to develop scopes of work, meet deadlines, coordinate across teams, and navigate complex or conflicting client needs;

• Experience filing written comments and/or testimony in regulatory proceedings;

• Experience explaining and breaking down complex, technical engineering concepts into layperson’s terms (written or oral); and

• 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 and oral communication skills (which includes being cognizant that not all recipients of such communications are professional engineers);

• Professional demeanor;

• Demonstrated ability to conduct research and gather pertinent information;

• Attention to detail;

• Comfortable demonstrating expertise in front of authorities;

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team;

• Strong judgment and confidence in decision-making skills;

• Creativity and flexibility in regard to problem-solving, with an ability to adapt to new changes;

• Strategic thinking, including the ability to identify emerging issues, anticipate trends, and provide recommendations on strategies to minimize risk impacts;

• Time management, including the ability to manage numerous, competing priorities;

• Ability to read, analyze and understand laws, rules, regulations and policies;

• Flexibility and adaptability with regard to change management, including the ability to adhere to changes in work processes, adapt to changing priorities, and maintain a willingness to comply with and support organizational change(s);

• Demonstrated ability to understand and abide by workplace principles, practices and behaviors as internally identified and defined by the division;

• Ability to represent the department and the PUC in a positive, professional and objective manner, and support a positive workplace environment;

• Ability to handle sensitive and/or highly confidential information in a professional and ethical manner, and in accordance with state and federal laws;

• Proficiency in the use of various PC software applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.), Google Docs, etc., as well as in the use of databases.

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, 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.

• Effective September 20, 2021, employees will be required to attest to and verify that they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Upon hire, new employees will have three (3) business days to provide attestation to their status with 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 & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, as defined by theState of Colorado’s Public Health Order (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b3w36DgcK8pNlPz0DVibaUhhDcb-YyJH/view) and 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 résumé," "see attachment," or "see addendum" statements, will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application form.

2.A current email addresson your application, as all communication pertaining to this position will be conducted via email. Please set up your email to accept messages from info@governmentjobs.com 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.

Veterans' Preference: Candidates who wish to assert Veterans' Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 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.

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, Rachael Alkayali, at dora_hr@state.co.us or call (303) 894-2441.

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 department’s 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.

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01

DORA Q1: Please provide your Social Security Number. NOTE: This information will be kept strictly confidential and is only accessible to Human Resources Personnel.

02

DORA Q2: Are you a current or previous State of Colorado employee? Enter "yes" or "no" in the space provided. If "yes", enter 1) the State agency name, 2) dates of employment, and 3) your official classification title.

03

DORA Q3: If you are a current or former State of Colorado classified employee, have you ever been disciplinary terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-6, Automatic Resignation)? NOTE: Current and former State Personnel System employees who were disciplinary terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or who were deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-6, Automatic Resignation) must disclose this information on the application. Failure to disclose this information and/or falsification of application materials may result in being removed from consideration for this position.

• N/A - I am not a current or former State of Colorado classified employee.

• YES, I have been disciplinary terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-6, Automatic Resignation).

• NO, I have NEVER been disciplinary terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-6, Automatic Resignation).

  04

  DORA Q4: Current or Former Classified Employees: Are you a transfer, non-disciplinary (voluntary) demotion, or reinstatement applicant?

• Yes

• No

• N/A - I am not a current or former State of Colorado classified employee.

  05

  DORA Q5: VETERAN'S PREFERENCE NOTE: If you are not eligible for/seeking Veteran's Preference, please skip down to the bottom and select option "N/A". REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: Candidates who wish to assert Veterans' Preference should attach a copy of their DD214 reflecting dates of service, type of discharge, and, if appropriate, a campaign badge or service medal. If information regarding a campaign badge or service medal is necessary to award preference points and is not reflected on the DD214, other documents reflecting the grade or medal must be provided. Other types of documentation may be required for ten point preference. *Note 1: For a complete list of service dates and campaigns used in awarding preference points visit: http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vgmedal2.htm Note 2: Medal holders and Gulf War veterans who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty on or after October 14, 1982, without having previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty; must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. *Note 3: Effective October 1, 1980, military retirees at or above the rank of major or equivalent, are not entitled to preference unless they qualify as disabled veterans. Reservists who are retired from the Reserves but are not receiving retirement pay are not considered "retired military" for purposes of veterans' preference. REMINDER: Proof of eligibility must be provided before points are allowed. Please attach documentation to your application. If you have not done so, please go back and do so now. Veteran's Preference points WILL NOT be applied without the appropriate documentation. PLEASE CHECK ALL THAT APPLY:

• N/A - I am not eligible for/seeking Veteran's Preference.

• A) I was honorably separated (this means an honorable or general discharge) and I served on active duty (excluding active duty for training) in the Armed Forces: During any war declared by Congress

• B) I was honorably separated (this means an honorable or general discharge) and I served on active duty (excluding active duty for training) in the Armed Forces: During the period April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955;

• C) I was honorably separated (this means an honorable or general discharge) and I served on active duty (excluding active duty for training) in the Armed Forces: For more than 180 consecutive days, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976;

• D) I was honorably separated (this means an honorable or general discharge) and I served on active duty (excluding active duty for training) in the Armed Forces: During the Gulf War period beginning August 2, 1990, and ending January 2, 1992;

• E) I was honorably separated (this means an honorable or general discharge) and I served on active duty (excluding active duty for training) in the Armed Forces: For more than 180 consecutive days, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on the date prescribed by Presidential proclamation or by law as the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom; or,

• F) I was honorably separated (this means an honorable or general discharge) and I served on active duty (excluding active duty for training) in the Armed Forces: In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized*, such as El Salvador, Lebanon, Granada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti.

• G) I have served on active duty in the Armed Forces at any time and have a present service connected disability or are receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the Department of Veterans Affairs; or

• H) I am a Purple Heart recipient;

• I) I am the spouse of a veteran unable to work because of a service-connected disability;

• J) I am the unmarried widow/widower of certain deceased veterans; and

• K) I am the mother of a veteran who died in service or who is permanently and totally disabled.

  06

  DORA Q6: Part of the required application materials includes 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. Q: Have you included this cover letter as an attachment to your application? (If not, you may go back and do so now). Yes, I have attached the required cover letter explaining how I meet the required competencies and how my accomplishments, qualifications, skills, areas of expertise, personal characteristics, etc. make me a good fit for this position; I may also attach additional documents that demonstrate this. No, I have not attached the required cover letter to my application. Note: I understand that failure to include this information and follow instructions may prevent me from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.

• Yes

• No

  07

  DORA Q7: Please explain in detail how you meet the following Minimum Qualification: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in engineering (including aerospace, chemical, civil, electrical, environmental, industrial, materials, metallurgical, mechanical, or power engineering).

  08

  DORA Q8: Please explain in detail how you meet the following Minimum Qualifications: Five (5) years of progressively responsible, professional* experience in the energy and/or utilities industries: -Performing analytical work; -Preparing regulatory filings; and/or -Managing engineering or other technical projects.

  09

  DORA Q9: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualification: Experience with gas distribution systems, including engineering planning, design, costing, construction, maintenance, safety, or environmental management.

  10

  DORA Q10: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualification: Experience with gas pipeline operations, including through performing monitoring or inspections.

  11

  DORA Q11: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualification: Experience with non-pipelines or non-wires alternatives program design or deployment.

  12

  DORA Q12: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualification: Experience working on projects or efforts that are dependent upon an explicit stakeholder process for completion.

  13

  DORA Q13: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualification: Experience and expertise in working as an engineer-in-training or as a professional engineer.

  14

  DORA Q14: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualification: Project management or consulting experience, including the ability to develop scopes of work, meet deadlines, coordinate across teams, and navigate complex or conflicting client needs.

  15

  DORA Q15: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualification: Project management or consulting experience, including the ability to develop scopes of work, meet deadlines, coordinate across teams, and navigate complex or conflicting client needs.

  16

  DORA Q16: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualification: Experience filing written comments and/or testimony in regulatory proceedings.

  17

  DORA Q17: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualification: Experience explaining and breaking down complex, technical engineering concepts into layperson's terms (written or oral).

  18

  DORA Q18: Please explain in detail how you meet the following preferred qualification: Experience with testimony on, presentation of, and/or leading public discussion on engineering projects/processes affecting the public interest.

  19

  DORA Q19: The salary range posted for this position is $91,272 - $118,644 annually ($7,606.00 - $9,887.00 Monthly); while appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum, the salary will be set based on the qualifications of the candidate appointed and relevant factors. Please share your salary expectations below.

  20

  DORA Q20: If you move forward in this process and are selected for this position, what is the earliest date that you would be able to start?

  Required Question

Agency

State of Colorado

Address

See the full announcement by clicking

the "Printer" icon located above the job title

Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --

Website

https://careers.colorado.gov/

Apply

Please verify your email addressVerify Email