Working Title: Energy Infrastructure Permitting Unit Manager

Job Class: Public Utilities Regulation Unit Manager

Agency: Public Utilities Commission

• Job ID : 84862

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 03/14/2025

• Closing Date : 04/04/2025

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Public Utilities Commission (PUC) / Managerial

• Division/Unit : Regulatory / Energy Infrastructure Permitting Unit

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $46.68 - $67.01 / hourly; $97,467 - $139,916 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Managerial

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive

• 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.

This position will lead the new Energy Infrastructure Permitting (EIP) unit, providing overarching strategic direction, personnel management, stakeholder management, resource planning and operational accountability. The EIP unit conducts environmental review for proposed energy generation (wind, solar, thermal, nuclear) and energy transportation (transmission, pipeline) projects. It also supports the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC’s) regulatory process and manages review of the public record through dockets. This role will be responsible for managing all facets of the PUC’s permitting activities, ensuring compliance with the new law and adherence to public engagement best practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Six (6) years of advanced professional-level experience in a utility industry, economic regulation, permitting, environmental review, or government regulatory work.

• Five (5) years of supervisory experience with demonstrated supervisory skills/abilities sufficient to motivate staff and provide leadership to a team, as well as develop the supervisory skills of Energy Infrastructure Permitting unit supervisors.

• Thorough knowledge of environmental review and permitting processes, utility operations and regulations as well as regional and federal energy issues and potential impacts on Minnesota.

• Effective and persuasive written and oral communication skills sufficient to present material to decision makers and be an effective public speaker in formal proceedings and negotiations.

• Ability to comprehend and correctly apply & interpret/analyze complex written material (e.g., complex issues; state statutes, rules and regulations; and other policies and procedures relating to utility jurisdiction).

• Human relations skills sufficient to establish effective relationships with various regulatory agencies and staff (e.g., Public Utilities Commissioners, Executive Secretary, Regulatory Unit Supervisors, Attorney General staff, Minnesota electric and natural gas utility companies, project developers, stakeholders, and the MN legislature).

• Ability to keep abreast of changes in environmental review and permitting, utility regulation, related fields of energy, and public involvement.

*Bachelor’s degree in Public or Business Administration, Environmental Sciences, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Statistics or related field may substitute for one year of experience.

*Master’s degree in Public or Business Administration, Environmental Sciences, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Statistics or relevant field may substitute for 18 months of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public or Business Administration, Environmental Sciences, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Statistics or related field.

• Experience with Native American governments, sovereignty, treaties, laws, and policies that impact their community.

• Experience working with consultants and managing contracts.

• Knowledge of state and federal agency requirements, applicable regulatory laws, rules and issues to prioritize issue workload, provide technical guidance, evaluate project status, coordinate policy development, evaluate alternative actions and communicate relevant information.

• Experience working on issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion or experience working with 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.