Western Resource Advocates (WRA) is seeking a Clean Energy Policy Analyst or Senior Analyst to join our team in Arizona. This position will develop and advocate for policies and mechanisms that reduce the environmental impact of electricity production in the Interior West and more rapidly move the region toward a cleaner energy economy. The Analyst will report to the Clean Energy Program Deputy Director and will work closely with our Senior Staff Attorney and Government Affairs Manager in Arizona. This position provides an exciting opportunity to shape equitable state-level energy policy and build a clean energy future for the communities and economies we enjoy in the Interior West.

ABOUT WESTERN RESOURCE ADVOCATES

Founded in 1989, Western Resource Advocates is dedicated to protecting the West’s land, air, and water to ensure that vibrant communities exist in balance with nature. We use law, science, and economics to craft innovative solutions to the most pressing conservation issues in the region within three core program areas: Clean Energy, Healthy Rivers and Western Lands.
In the face of population growth and climate change, the Western United States needs a strong and effective advocacy voice at the regional level to address changes that are already underway and to steer the West towards a sustainable future. WRA has aggressive plans to tackle these challenges. We envision a future in the West where:

• Western rivers and lakes will have abundant clean water to support habitat for fish and wildlife, communities and agriculture, and world class recreational opportunities. The Colorado River will flow to the sea;
• Our homes, buildings and transportation systems will be powered by clean energy. The West will prosper in a zero-carbon economy;
• Half of western landscapes and habitat will be protected and connected to support thriving wildlife populations and unparalleled opportunities to enjoy the West’s natural beauty; and
• The West will have clean air and clean water to support healthy communities and vital habitat.

LOCATION

This position will be based in WRA’s Phoenix, Arizona office. WRA employees are strongly encouraged to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND ADVOCACY

• Develop and advocate for equitable policies, mechanisms and organizational positions that reduce the environmental impact of electricity production, spur a rapid transition to a clean energy economy, and address climate change in the Interior.
• Represent WRA in regulatory, legislative, and other policy forums, including those dealing with electric utility resource planning.
• Prepare expert witness testimony for regulatory proceedings, such as rate cases and resource plans.
• Assist in negotiating and drafting complex settlement agreements, and developing WRA positions for those agreements.
• Monitor and track relevant state and federal policy developments.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

• Along with WRA’s other Arizona staff, work with the region’s electric utilities, the business community, consumer advocates, the environmental community, and other stakeholders to advance clean.

TRAVEL

• This position requires some travel to meetings and events, primarily in Arizona and the Interior West (post COVID-19).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND ADVOCACY

• Excellent quantitative and analytical skills.
• Experience working on electricity or other energy issues, particularly with regard to electric utilities.
• Background in economics, public policy, utility resource planning, engineering, or related disciplines.
• Familiarity with utility regulation, clean energy technologies and the electricity sector.
• Eye for equitable and inclusive policies and mechanisms.

COMMUNICATON SKILLS

• Strong written and oral communication abilities.
• Comfort and skill in communicating with a variety of policymakers, constituencies, and audiences.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholders.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

This section is made up of skills that a candidate may come in with, and if not, may be trained on the job. They are not required and candidates who do not possess these skills yet, should not be discouraged from applying.

• Experience testifying as an expert witness before public utility commissions is desirable.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary range for this position is $55,000-$75,000 for a Clean Energy Policy Analyst or $75,000-$105,000 for a Senior Clean Energy Policy Analyst; salary depends on relevant experience and new staff rarely start at the top of the range – most start close to the midpoint of the range.  WRA’s excellent benefits package includes health, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, life & disability insurance, 3 weeks paid vacation leave, sick leave, parental leave, and sabbatical leave after five years. Position is full-time exempt.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021

Diversity and inclusion are a critical component of our business strategy, mission and vision. We welcome candidates from an array of backgrounds and experiences to join our team. Learn more about our commitment here: https://westernresourceadvocates.org/#commitment-to-diversity.

Western Resource Advocates is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion,  gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or veteran status.

APPLY HERE: https://westernresourceadvocates.org/careers/clean-energy-policy-analyst/