STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Research Analyst

Hybrid

Recruitment #221006-6855AR-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 the opportunity for you!

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) currently has an exciting opportunity for an energy professional to join the Clean and Affordable Energy (CAE) unit within the Office of Technical and Regulatory Analysis as a Research Analyst located in New Britain.

Position Details:
The CAE Unit is tasked with oversight of the statutory and public policy programs that seek to increase the deployment of clean energy and improve customer affordability, along with the associated utility regulatory ratemaking processes and mechanisms. Further, CAE staff support the ongoing efforts of PURA’s Equitable Modern Grid (EMG) initiative to enhance customer access to clean and affordable service, in support of the state’s climate and renewable energy goals. For example, the CAE Unit is responsible for overseeing the following programs:
In addition, CAE staff may assist other units with PURA’s performance-based regulation framework, utility rate cases, and other matters. Most work will focus on the electric utility industry, but may also include other utilities, such as gas and water.
 
The position will be located at Ten Franklin Square, New Britain, CT, with an opportunity for a hybrid teleworking arrangement.

This position is 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm.

We offer a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off, including 12 paid holidays per calendar year!

Selection Plan

Before you apply, make note of the following:
  • 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 on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • Ensure that your application is complete and detailed before submitting it. In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. You will not be able to make revisions once your application is submitted into the JobAps system.
  • 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.
Important information for after you apply:
  • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the questionnaire's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
  • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
Questions about this position should be directed to Jake Ferrari via email at jake.ferrari@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 Clean and Affordable Energy unit including, but not limited to, renewable energy, customer affordability, grid modernization, clean energy innovation, 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; assists in preparation for staff participation in formal hearings before department; and, participates in drafting recommendations for department decisions.

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; and
  • An advanced degree in renewable energy, engineering, environmental studies, climate change, public utility regulation, finance, economics, or a related field.
  • Work experience 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 two (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.