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POLICY STRATEGIST

Posting Begin Date: 2025/12/04

Posting End Date: 2025/12/18

Category: Utilities

Work Type: Full Time

Minimum Salary: 35.42

Maximum Salary: 52.90

Pay Rate Type: Hourly

Description

State of Idaho Opportunity

Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

State of Idaho Employees: When searching for a new career within the state, browse and apply through Luma Opportunities. Applying through the State External Career website will cause duplicate profiles and will slow the processing of your application for a new job. Internal candidates should always use Luma Opportunities.

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has an exciting new opportunity for a full-time Policy Strategist in Boise on the State of Idaho Chinden Campus, located at 11331 W. Chinden Blvd, Building 8.

The Commission regulates investor-owned or privately-owned utilities that provide gas, water, electricity, or some telephone services for profit, as well as overseeing the safe operation of railroads and enforcing state and federal regulations safeguarding the transportation of hazardous materials by rail.

Benefits:

This position is eligible for the state benefits package, including:

+ Excellent low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance

+ Generous vacation and sick leave accrual beginning as soon as you start

+ Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

+ Paid parental leave

+ Eleven paid holidays a year

+ Participation in one of the nation's best state retirement systems: PERSI

+ Multiple retirement plans

+ Life insurance

+ Wellness programs; ongoing training opportunities; and more

Summary:

This is a non-classified position reporting to the Deputy Division Administrator. This position formulates and recommends policies and strategies that have statewide and national implications. Work consists of projects and assignments generally affecting major segments of the utility industry, involves identifying emerging issues, and pursuing comprehensive policies and strategies in multiple forums.

The Policy Strategist provides assistance and advice on major litigated issues before the Commission; acts as a liaison between the Commission, its staff, utility representatives, public officials and agencies, and other organizations having interests in utility issues. As necessary, the position involves representing the Commission on utility industry issues before the Legislature and other state, local, regional, and federal entities.

The Policy Strategist may also be called upon to act as a Hearing Examiner to preside over investigations, inquiries, or hearings, and to provide written findings and recommendations to the Commission.

Example of Duties:

The following is a general outline of the primary . Policy Strategist duties include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Case Filings

+ Review case filings as they are filed with the Commission.

+ Provide analysis and assistance to Commissioners when the Policy Strategist determines that a new case filing presents a significant issue, or when requested by a Commissioner.

+ Identify the Commission’s past and current policies and precedents related to cases and issues before it, and advise Commissioners when party recommendations conflict with those policies or precedents.

+ Review case decision memorandums provided by staff and advise Commissioners where there is any significant variation between the staff position and a position held by the Policy Strategist.

+ Provide Commissioners with aNo Action Takennotice on all cases where preliminary analysis indicates that the case filing is routine and no additional action is anticipated to be required of the Policy Strategist.

2. Hearings

+ For all hearings: review case applications, related pre-filed testimony, intervenor filings and all exhibits.

+ Assist Commissioner preparation for the hearings; provide issue summaries; develop questions for Commissioners that address or develop key issues of the case.

+ Clarify points at issue between staff, intervenors , and the applicant.

+ Identify the Commission’s past and current policies and precedents related to cases and issues before it, and advise Commissioners when party recommendations conflict with those policies or precedents .

3. Provide information and/or assistance to Commissioners as specifically requested.

+ Provide white papers (1 pagers - hot topics - bullet points) that inform Commissioners about relevant or current / trend topics. In addition , these white papers may be used by Commissioners for speeches, staffing panels , or other appropriate venues.

+ Review current studies applicable to Commission regulatory interests and develop point papers or outlines on the merit of applicable studies .

4. Assist Commissioners, Administrator, and Commission Secretary in preparation of speeches and audio-visual suitable for presentation to the Idaho legislature, other state and federal agencies and the general public.

+ Develop and update Power Point charts, graphs and pictorial displays that will help Commissioners inform and educate the legislature , executive branch and general public.

5. Participate in state, regional, or national forums as directed by the Commissioners.

+ Provide analysis of ongoing issues and efforts that directly affect or relate to Commission regulatory interests .

+ Participate in, and contribute to, NARUC, Western Conference, or other regulatory/advisory body activities as approved by the Commissioners.

Minimum Qualifications:

+ Good knowledge of research methods

+ Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex or technical (analytical/research) information clearly to a range of audiences.

+ Excellent organizational, quantitative, and analytical skills.

+ Ability to exercise good judgement and professionalism in a political environment.

+ Ability to prioritize tasks; work independently and as part of a team in a professional manner.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Experience planning and implementing a project.

+ Strong skills in economic, legal, or technical analysis of electricity, gas, and water utility operations, with the ability to evaluate costs, reliability, and compliance with regulatory standards.

+ Preferred Juris Doctor (JD);or Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration, Political Science, Law, Engineering, Economics, or Environmental Science or equivalent related experience.

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email[email protected].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.