VERMONT PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION
SEEKS STAFF ATTORNEY AND TWO ANALYSTS
Interested in designing a Clean Heat Standard for Vermont’s thermal sector while working for a small, dynamic State agency with opportunities for flexible, remote work? The Vermont Public Utility Commission is seeking to fill three new exempt positions beginning on July 3, 2022 – one permanent staff attorney, one permanent analyst, and one limited-service (up to three years) analyst. The Commission regulates electric, energy efficiency, natural gas, telecommunications, and water utilities in Vermont. Issues decided by the Commission include the siting of utility facilities and non-utility renewable generation facilities; utility rates and other financial matters; and renewable energy, energy efficiency, and telecommunications issues.
All three new positions will focus on designing and implementing Vermont’s Clean Heat Standard. This is a performance-based standard recommended by the Vermont Climate Council, and recently enacted by the Vermont Legislature, that is intended to achieve Vermont’s thermal sector greenhouse-gas-emissions reductions necessary to meet the requirements of the Vermont Global Warming Solutions Act of 2020. The recently enacted S. 5 requires the establishment of a “clean heat credit” evaluation program, a technical advisory group, an equity advisory group, a credit tracking and trading system, and a registration system. The program design must incorporate avenues for equitable distribution of clean heat measures, with priority given to low- and moderate-income Vermonters with high energy burdens. The Commission must develop and propose rules to the Vermont Legislature regarding the implementation of the Clean Heat Standard and must publish multiple technical reports on various aspects of the Clean Heat Standard, including estimates of the impact on customer fuel bills, fossil-fuel and greenhouse-gas-emission reductions, and impacts on economic activity and employment.
These three positions offer a unique chance to participate in Vermont’s energy policy and regulatory process. See http://puc.vermont.gov/. Specific duties of the positions include conducting public process regarding the Clean Heat Standard; researching how to establish a system of tradeable clean heat credits; establishing a registration system and records requirements for obligated entities; reviewing filings related to the Clean Heat Standard; appointing and supervising one or more default delivery agents to provide statewide clean heat measures; developing program budgets; evaluating clean heat measure credit values; drafting proposed rules; representing the Commission at legislative committee hearings regarding the Clean Heat Standard; assisting in the development of Commission policies related to implementation and enforcement of the Clean Heat Standard; and managing consultants assisting with the Clean Heat Standard.
Judicial temperament and excellent writing and analytical skills are required. A strong candidate will have experience and interest in one or more of the following areas: clean energy policies and technologies; greenhouse-gas-emissions accounting; clean energy program design and implementation; economic modeling and impact analysis; utility regulation; or related areas, including energy or environmental law or the energy industry. The Commission also values experience with financial and public policy analysis and formulation.
Candidates for the staff attorney position must be admitted (or eligible for admission) to the Vermont Bar and have at least five years’ relevant legal experience, ideally including experience litigating matters at the trial and appellate level. Candidates for the analyst positions typically have a bachelor’s degree and at least two years’ related experience – for example, in accounting, economic, financial, or technical analysis, business or public administration, permitting, planning, physical science, political science, engineering, public policy, or an environmental or natural resources field. Graduate work in related fields (including environmental law and policy) may be considered in lieu of experience. While legal training is not required and may not substitute for the required experience, candidates with law degrees may apply for the analyst positions.
Salary for the staff attorney position is commensurate with the applicant’s education and experience in accordance with the State of Vermont Attorney Pay Plan, which can be found at http://humanresources.vermont.gov/document/attorney-pay-plan-fy-23. Salary for each of the two analyst positions is commensurate with the applicant’s education and experience in accordance with the Public Utility Commission Pay Plan, which can be found at http://humanresources.vermont.gov/document/public-utility-commission-pa…. The State of Vermont offers many benefits as part of total employee compensation. Information about benefits for State employees can be found at https://humanresources.vermont.gov/benefits-wellness.
To apply, submit resume, cover letter, writing sample, and list of references via email to puc.businessmanager@vermont.gov by June 16th, 2023. Applicants must state which position(s) they are applying for. Applicants are welcome to list their personal pronouns in their application materials.
The State of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Commission seeks to attract and retain a diverse workforce, and we are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment for all employees.