Associate Economist

At the State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), we are dedicated to conserving, improving and protecting our natural resources and the environment, and increasing the availability of cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy.  

DEEP's Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy (BETP)  was established in 2011 to develop and implement comprehensive state-wide energy policy. BETP develops plans, programs, strategies and initiatives designed to promote a cleaner, reliable and least cost energy options for Connecticut. BETP includes three offices: the Office of Energy Demand (OED), the Office of Climate Change, Technology and Research, and the Office of Energy Supply (OES).

The Office of Energy Demand (OED) is responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of state-wide policies on consumer utilization of energy resources.  The OED: Oversees state-wide  energy efficiency investments and programs sponsored by the State and  the utilities; Applies for and oversee federal grant funds in support of  energy demand policy goals and objectives; Sets policy goals and  objectives, establishes metrics and oversees state-wide data collection  and analysis efforts regarding the use of energy resources by consumers.

The Office of Climate Change, Technology and Research is responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of state-wide policies and  programs to further Connecticut's climate change goals required under  Connecticut General Statutes section 22a-200a-200b the Global Warming  Solutions Act. The Office also provides program oversight and direction for Connecticut's Regional Greenhouse gas Initiative (RGGI) and the Transportation Climate Initiative. The Office also works on programs to promote innovative renewable energy, and energy efficiency technologies.

The Office of Energy Supply (OES) leads the development of Connecticut's Comprehensive Energy Strategy pursuant to C.G.S. section the evaluation of energy infrastructure, and energy reliability issues for electric, gas, renewables and delivered fuels. OES also is responsible for implementing several innovative energy programs including a statewide micro grid program and programs focused on grid modernization and the integration of energy storage.

OES is recruiting for an Associate Economist for our New Britain office located at 10 Franklin Square. This position shall  provide support in a wide range of areas including researching and analyzing inputs, outputs and assumptions included in energy and financial models supporting renewable and clean energy programs.

This position is 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application. 

Questions about this opportunity should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office: DEEP.HumanResources@ct.gov, (860)424-3006. 

This position is competitive. Open to the public. 

Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position. 

Outside candidates selected for interview will be asked to provide three (3) professional references. 

State employees selected for interview will be asked to provide a copy of their last two service ratings.

Due to the volume of applications anticipated, the Human Resources department is unable to provide confirmation of receipt and/or the status of applications during the recruitment process.

Updates will be provided through your JobAps portal account. 

The selected candidate must have a driver's license. Travel may be required.  

In a state agency, this class is accountable for performing as a specialist in economic research and developing economic strategy.

Performs specialized related duties in the area of economics; assists in planning, development and improvement of business and commerce in state; conducts economic studies including research and analysis in industrial, commercial, labor, financial and regulatory areas; reports findings and writes articles; formulates recommendations and drafts proposals; assigns and maintains cost benefit analyses on economic development programs; studies trends in labor and/or business activity and its components; researches and provides oral and written reports; elicits and evaluates testimony on legislative proposals; cross examines witnesses about economic impact, models and methodologies; develops procedures and econometric tests for improved monitoring of financial institutions; builds economic models and forecasts; performs studies of corporate expansion into Connecticut including site location, fiscal incentive, utilities rate and labor market skills availability; may participate in grant preparation; performs related duties as required.

This specific position will:

Research and analyze inputs, outputs and assumptions included in energy and financial models supporting renewable and clean energy programs.

Developing economic modeling assumptions for renewable and clean energy procurements, researching and analyzing technical reports and developing supporting materials in proceedings before the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, New England System Operator, and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Analyze, develop, and draft recommended policy mechanisms supporting clean and renewable energy for major energy policy planning documents like the Comprehensive Energy Strategy and Integrated Resources Plan.

Develop ratepayer impacts for various energy policy mechanisms.

Act as a project leader on various initiatives within OES.

Considerable knowledge of economic theory and analysis; considerable knowledge of principles, techniques and factors involved in financial and/or regulatory economic development; considerable knowledge of urban and regional economics; considerable knowledge of methods and techniques of inferential statistics and econometric modeling; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to develop programs and use prepackaged computer programs to perform economic, statistical and econometric analysis; ability to construct and destruct econometric models; ability to determine need for, organize and conduct economic studies and surveys.

1. College training in economics or a closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in economics or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience
3. A Doctoral degree in economics or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

Considerable analytical and technical skills in areas such as finance, accounting, economics or ratemaking;

Demonstrated experience in managing complex projects in a team environment;

Considerable interpersonal skills;     

Demonstrated ability to professionally present information and analysis orally in technical, formal settings such as utility regulatory proceedings;

Considerable knowledge and/or experience in emerging issues in the electric industry, including deployment of clean and renewable energy, grid modernization, and the integration of distributed energy resources and electric vehicles on the electric system.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.