STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Research Analyst

Hybrid

Recruitment #220622-6855AR-001

Introduction



Do you have the desire to make a difference on a new and dynamic team? 
Are you passionate about clean energy and fighting climate change?
If so, we have a fantastic opportunity for you! 

The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has an exciting position available for an energy professional to join our team as a Research Analyst. This position will work join the Utility Performance and Analysis unit within the Office of Technical and Regulatory Analysis located in New Britain, CT. 

About Us: 

The CT DEEP is charged with developing policies and programs to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, conserve, improve and protect Connecticut's natural resources and environment, and provide equitable access to broadband and affordable, clean and reliable energy to the people and businesses of the state. 

The agency is also committed to playing a positive role in rebuilding Connecticut's economy and creating jobs - and to fostering a sustainable, equitable and prosperous economic future.
Position Highlights: 

PURA has an opportunity for two (2) Research Analysts in its dynamic new Utility Performance and Analysis (UPA) unit focused on innovative approaches to realizing Connecticut's public policy goals, including advancing the State's ambitious greenhouse gas emission targets, modernizing utility regulation, and, improving public utility performance. 

The Research Analyst will support the work of UPA in meeting these goals in effectuating the agency's Equitable Modern Grid (EMG) initiative. Through the EMG initiative, PURA has already developed new programs such as the Energy Storage Solutions Program and the Electric Vehicle Charging Program, and is currently working to:
  • Advance innovative approaches to deploying novel technologies, 
  • Improve the integration and interconnection of distributed energy resources, 
  • Provide opportunities for non-wires solutions to replace traditional poles and wires, 
  • And increase grid resilience and equitable outcomes for all ratepayers. 
This position may also assist PURA in establishing a performance-based regulation (PBR) framework for the state's electric distribution companies (EDCs). The PBR proceeding is a comprehensive review of Connecticut's EDC regulatory approach with the potential to transform EDC incentives and business models to ensure alignment with the public interest and policy goals such as greenhouse gas emissions reduction and customer empowerment. Additionally, the Research Analyst will aid with implementation of key portions of Public Act 20-5, known as the "Take Back Our Grid" Act, and Public Act No. 21-159, An Act Concerning Equitable Access to Broadband. 

Further, the Research Analyst may also support PURA's future investigation(s) into the utilities' distribution planning practices and analysis. 

This position will be located at Ten Franklin Square, New Britain, CT. The incumbent will work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with telework options and hours between 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. 
What we can offer you: 

State of Connecticut employees participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes: 
  • Excellent health and dental coverage; 
  • A generous retirement plan; 
  • Paid time off; 
  • A healthy work - life balance! 
Learn more about how you can make an impact below! 
            

Selection Plan

Application Process:

In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the minimum qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date, unless otherwise specified.

The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.

All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.

Please ensure that your application is complete. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the state of Connecticut.

Selection Process:

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error.

During the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc. at the discretion of the agency.

Contact Information:

Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Tyler Cashman at Tyler.Cashman@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in research design and implementation.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Conducts technical and policy research and analysis on topics assigned to the Utility Performance and Analysis unit including, but not limited to, renewable energy, affordability, clean energy innovation, broadband, reliability, security, and resilience programs inclusive of cybersecurity and vegetation management, distribution planning, performance-based utility regulation, among others; acts a project manager for discrete agency investigations, as assigned, developing procedural schedules for all dockets under their purview in order to ensure that the Authority’s objectives for each proceeding are achieved and all standard practices are followed; studies and recommends methods of providing services more closely associated with cost and performance based rates; assists in establishing and maintaining a database on costs, demand characteristics and rates of companies for trend analysis, econometric analysis and special studies; and, assists in preparation for staff participation in formal hearings before department.                                                

Develops and implements formal research projects and assists in these activities on more comprehensive and complex research assignments; analyzes, interprets and prepares data in a variety of ways; prepares narrative and statistical reports; develops computerized databases and analyzes and interprets computer generated reports; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of research methods and techniques; knowledge of statistics; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to analyze data; ability to develop programs and use prepackaged computer programs to perform data analysis; ability to understand agency related policies and procedures as they relate to research.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years of professional experience in research, data analysis or economics.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

1. College training 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, statistics or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The preferred candidate will possess:
  • A bachelor's degree in political science, engineering, economics, finance, environmental studies, or a related field; 
  • An advanced degree in renewable energy, engineering, environmental studies, climate change, public utility regulation, finance, economics, or a related field; 
  • Experience working in utility regulation or energy policy; 
  • Experience working on utility grid modernization initiatives, deployment of clean and renewable energy programs, and/or climate change policy; 
  • Experience writing technical reports, white papers, position papers, policy papers, and/or academic articles for a general audience that provide conclusions or recommendations supported by documented evidence; 
  • Experience conducting quantitative analysis and synthesizing results; 
  • Experience with project management, working on more than 2 projects simultaneously, while adhering to deadlines; 
  • Experience using Microsoft Office 365 applications. 

Conclusion

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.