The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is responsible for regulatory oversight of investor-owned electric, natural gas, and water utilities in the Commonwealth. In coordination with the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB), the DPU and the EFSB jointly oversee the siting of major energy facilities in the Commonwealth to ensure a reliable supply of energy, with a minimum impact on the environment, at the lowest possible cost.

The Siting Division of the DPU supports the review and adjudication of energy facility proposals requiring EFSB/DPU regulatory approvals by conducting comprehensive environmental, technical, economic, and legal reviews, consistent with applicable statutes, regulations, and precedent. The Siting Division also participates in siting proceedings conducted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for interstate natural gas pipelines that are relevant to Massachusetts.

The Department of Public Utilities is accepting resumes and applications for the position of Energy Facilities Economist (Economist III). The work of the Energy Facilities Economist and other members of the Siting Division takes place in a rapidly evolving energy landscape, with significant technological, regulatory, and market changes, and a growing emphasis on both mitigating and adapting to climate change, while maintaining reliable, safe, and cost-effective energy supplies vital to the Massachusetts economy.

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached to the requisition.

The Energy Facilities Economist is a key member of the Siting Division’s interdisciplinary case teams that review proposed (and sometimes controversial) major energy facilities such as electric generation and storage facilities, electric transmission lines and substations, natural gas pipelines and related equipment, and large fuel storage facilities. These reviews include an evaluation of need for the project, alternative project options (such as energy efficiency and distributed generation), environmental impacts and potential mitigation measures, costs, and consistency with state energy/environmental policies, statutes, and regulations. Depending on the project, regulatory authority exercised by the EFSB/DPU may include approval to construct, exemptions from local zoning ordinances, issuance of other state and local permits, advisory rulings and determinations, and post-approval compliance oversight. The Energy Facilities Economist plays a key role as a subject matter lead and must develop a detailed understanding of the facts involved and their significance to the agency's decision-making process.

Duties of the Energy Facilities Economist include:

Reviewing and analyzing energy project proposals;

Attending public comment hearings and considering public input, developing written questions, questioning expert witnesses during evidentiary hearings, and writing sections of agency decisions;

Advising agency staff, DPU Commissioners, and EFSB Board members on pending cases and other matters.

The successful candidate will have a strong interest in energy and environmental matters, strong analytical skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of interdisciplinary case teams.

Qualifications First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the field of economics, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in economics may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required experience.*

II. A Graduate degree with a major in economics may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required experience.*

III. A Bachelor's or higher degree with major other than in economics may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.*

• Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Special Requirements: None.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Official Title : Economist III

Primary Location : United States-Massachusetts-Boston-1 South Station

Job : Economics

Agency : Department of Public Utilities

Schedule : Full-time

Shift : Day

Job Posting : Nov 4, 2022, 8:19:12 AM

Number of Openings : 1

Salary : 68,016.52 - 98,517.12 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Melixza Esenyie - 6176261282

Bargaining Unit : 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.

Confidential : No

Hybrid Work Eligible : Yes