Policy Researcher III

About the role

The Energy Markets and Planning (EMP) Department analyzes key issues in the U.S. energy sector to inform public and private decision-making on electricity planning, energy resources and delivery, large new loads, reliability, affordability, and utility regulation.

Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to advanced research on utility regulation, electricity planning, grid technologies, energy delivery, large new loads, and affordability
• Provide technical assistance to public utility commissions, state energy offices, and utilities
• Develop and apply analytical methods to evaluate technical and regulatory issues
• Identify research priorities and support proposal and budget development for DOE and other sponsors
• Lead smaller projects or serve as a senior contributor on major projects, managing scopes, budgets, timelines, and staff work
• Manage subcontractors and external consultants
• Present technical findings to decision-makers and stakeholders at meetings and conferences
• Contribute to technical reports and written publications
• Travel domestically as needed (typically 5–10 trips annually)
• May supervise exempt and nonexempt staff

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent knowledge) in Energy & Resources, Public Policy, Economics, Business Administration, City & Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Engineering, or a related discipline and a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience with increasing responsibility in program administration, planning, and conducting research projects, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated experience with electric utility regulation
• Demonstrated experience with electricity technologies and programs
• Broad familiarity with energy-related policies, programs, regulations, and initiatives
• Demonstrated familiarity with electric power systems, programs and technologies
• Demonstrated experience with electricity system planning or operations
• Demonstrated experience with leading partnerships and managing day-to-day interactions with clients/funders, government agencies, industry partners and stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience with project management; knowledgeable and skilled in program/project planning, resource management (budget and staff) and scheduling
• Demonstrated ability to determine program requirements, estimate budget requirements, arrange for subcontracts where necessary, develop organizational and program plans
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including proven ability to identify and obtain information from diverse sources, conduct interviews, lead the production of high-quality, policy-relevant reports, and collaborate with other researchers
• Strong quantitative skills to conduct technical analysis
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high quality results on time and within budget
• Proficiency with MS Office suite
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary research methods and data analysis tools and techniques
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to lead, motivate, and provide clear technical and policy guidance to a project team
• Ability to both work independently with minimal supervision and work effectively with a multidisciplinary team

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent knowledge) in Energy & Resources, Public Policy, Economics, Business Administration, City & Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Engineering or a related discipline and a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience with increasing responsibility in program administration, planning, and conducting research projects, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Skills

• Masters degree in Energy & Resources, Public Policy, Economics, Business Administration, City and Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Engineering or a related field with a minimum 6 years of experience, or Ph.D. degree in Energy & Resources, Public Policy, Economics, Business Administration, City and Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Engineering or a related field with a minimum of 3 years experience
• Professional experience, ideally working with utilities, states or local governments, on electricity-related regulatory issues or technologies
• Demonstrated experience with distribution system planning or operations
• Demonstrated experience with large loads or energy affordability
• Demonstrated experience with using energy-related software tools, datasets and/or databases, and engineering, environmental, or energy system models

Benefits

We offer exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans, opportunities to grow in your career, and a culture where you’ll belong. Additionally, we provide parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers), pet insurance, and a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year. We also offer travel domestically as needed (typically 5–10 trips annually).

Pay

The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $148,120.20 - $163,711.80. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and also aligned with the internal peer group.

Schedule

This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.