Working Title: Regional Energy Program Advisor
Job Class: Planner Principal State or Planning Director State
Agency: Public Utilities Commission
Job ID : 89320
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes, see note
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 10/08/2025
Closing Date : 10/29/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Public Utilities Commission / MAPE
Division/Unit : Regulatory / Regional Energy Program
Work Shift/Work Hours :Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Up to 20%
Planner Principal StateSalary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
Planning Director StateSalary Range: $37.26 - $55.42 / hourly; $77,798 - $115,716 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MAPE
FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Please Note:
The Public Utilities Commission will be filling one (1) vacancy in the Regional Energy Program at either the Planner Principal or Planning Director State classification level based on the education and experience of the successful candidate(s). Please make certain that your resume and application materials reflect all required minimum qualifications and experience as listed in the minimum qualifications for the classification level that you are interested in applying for.
This career opportunity is based at the PUC offices in St. Paul, MN with some remote work and travel. Candidates must be available to appear for briefings, meetings, and hearings in St. Paul and Eagan regularly. This position also requires out of state travel up to 20 percent of the time. This position is a hybrid work position with some telework and some in-office hours, dependent on the performance of the successful candidate and the business needs of the Commission. This position will be required to work onsite or in-person for at least 50% of scheduled workdays each month (including travel and off-site meetings).
Job Summary:
The Regional Energy Program Planners lead and coordinate the agency's activities related to regional transmission planning, regional energy markets, federal transmission and energy market actions, and complex docketed matters coming before the Commission in close coordination with the Regional Energy Program Supervisor, the Regulatory Division Manager, and Commissioners.
Job Duties:
A Planner Principal
Provides technical, policy, and planning analysis and advice relating to regional transmission planning and energy markets.
Monitors, analyzes, and participates in the activities of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), Organization of MISO States (OMS), and the related activities at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Serves as an advisor to the designated SPP and MISO lead Commissioners and all other Commissioners on these issues.
Assures managers, supervisors, and staff of all relevant units in the agency are informed of major regional and federal matters that impact energy policies and dockets before the Commission.
Coordinates with staff at the Minnesota Department of Commerce and other relevant Minnesota state agencies on these issues.
Helps coordinate and carry out complex technical and policy tasks relating to energy planning and markets, transmission infrastructure, forecasting, and other related issues.
A Planning Director performs the job duties of a Planner Principal at an advanced level. The incumbent leads complex technical and policy tasks and leads regional or national workgroups.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications for Planner Principal :
At least 4 years* of work experience demonstrating the following duties:
Analyzing and advising on electric regulation and economics;
Experience and proficiency in translating complex ideas, policy issues, and data related to energy regulation and markets into useable information for decision-makers.
*Doctorate degree in accounting, finance, electrical engineering, economics, public administration, public policy, law, or related field may substitute for two years of experience
*Master's degree in the above areas may substitute for 18 months of experience
*Bachelor's degree in the above areas may substitute for one year of experience
*Associate's degree in the above areas may substitute for six months of experience
Applicants who meet the above experience requirements will be further evaluated based on:
Interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to conduct research and analysis on complex issues, and to clearly and concisely present the results, both in writing and orally.
Minimum Qualifications for Planning Director :
At least 5 years* of advanced work experience as a Planner Principal or equivalent, demonstrating the following duties:
Analyzing and advising on electric regulation and economics;
Experience and proficiency in translating complex ideas, policy issues, and data related to energy regulation and markets into useable information for decision-makers.
Providing technical direction to other staff,
Leading teams on complex technical and policy projects,
*Doctorate degree in accounting, finance, electrical engineering, economics, public administration, public policy, law, or related field may substitute for two years of experience
*Master's degree in the above areas may substitute for 18 months of experience
*Bachelor's degree in the above areas may substitute for one year of experience
*Associate's degree in the above areas may substitute for six months of experience
Applicants who meet the above experience requirements will be further evaluated based on:
Interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to conduct research and analysis on complex issues, and to clearly and concisely present the results, both in writing and orally.
Use of professional judgement in making recommendations to advance organization objectives and policy positions
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications for Planner Principal and Planning Director - State
Additional work or educational experience on regional energy issues; such as resource planning, wholesale electricity markets, long range transmission planning, utility regulatory models and regulation.
Experience with system modeling tools such as Strategist, Encompass, Plexos, or similar tools.
Direct experience working with governmental agencies, utilities, and other stakeholders and regulatory programs.
Thorough knowledge of state, federal and regional energy industry issues and trends.
Demonstrated understanding of energy utility regulatory concepts and practices at state, regional, and federal level relevant to Minnesota.
Ability to manage workload and multiple projects at one time.
Understanding of conflict management and negotiation principles
Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and marginalized communities.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of a reference check and background screening.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
