State of Oregon
Initial Posting Date:
09/17/2025Application Deadline:
10/15/2025Agency:
Public Utility CommissionSalary Range:
$8,097 - $12,522Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Energy Resources and Planning Division AdministratorJob Description:
The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) seeks a Division Administrator to lead the Energy Resources and Planning Division. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the implementation of state energy policy and advise agency leadership in promoting affordability, resilience, and justice through Oregon’s clean energy transition. This role is responsible for leading two individual sections, comprised of analysts developing innovative regulatory approaches for electric and natural gas system planning, policy compliance, and customer programs. In addition, this position supports the PUC’s engagement in inter-agency policy coordination and regional transmission and market development efforts.
This is a Management Service, Supervisory, exempt position and is not eligible for overtime. This position is allocated to the classification of Public Utilities Manager 3 (PUM 3).
The PUC sets utility rates and terms of service through broad delegated powers and must balance the interests and rights of multiple organizations and individuals representing divergent and conflicting business, consumer, and public interests. Investor-owned utilities currently receive approximately $5 billion in revenues annually from 2.4 million Oregon consumers. The PUC’s decisions directly impact the cost and reliability of essential utilities for Oregon consumers. The PUC receives no General or Lottery funds, and, instead, is funded through a dedicated per-month fee on regulated natural gas, electric, telecommunication, and water utility bills.
Our mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. We use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest and arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, independent decisions supported by fact and law. More information about our vision and values can be found at: PUC Strategic Plan and PUC Diversity Equity and Inclusion Plan.
Become a critical part of an important state agency at a dynamic time.
Play a central role in protecting Oregonian ratepayers and achieving climate objectives set for the agency by the legislature, while balancing the competing needs of utilities and stakeholders.
Utilize your leadership and management skills, help chart a path to achieving affordability and climate goals, and serve as an expert resource to agency leadership.
Join colleagues who are innovative and passionate about public service.
Enjoy work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package.
Have opportunities for advancement and learning that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.
Access eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
More information about the PUC can be found online at: www.oregon.gov/PUC.
Please Note: New employees to PUC who are Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members (those meeting eligibility requirements at time of hire) are paid within the PERS-eligible/AP salary range for this position as follows:
Public Utilities Manager 3 (PUM3) / PERS-AP Salary Range: $8,658 - $13,392 monthly (for active PERS members reflecting a monthly 6% contribution/increase)
Employees new to State of Oregon employment, or who are not yet a PERS participating member, will receive the 6% increase (6% employee contribution) upon meeting PERS eligibility, generally, after completion of six months of qualifying State of Oregon employment.
This position is accountable for ensuring compliance with state and federal utility regulations, overseeing contested cases with multi-million-dollar impacts, and directing division resources to meet statutory mandates and Commission priorities.
You will lead the Energy Resources and Planning Division. The Energy Resources and Planning Division advances key aspects of the agency’s mission by performing economic, financial, accounting, policy, and engineering research and analysis in utility regulatory proceedings including:
Scrutinizing integrated resource plans, competitive resource procurements, and emissions reduction strategies.
Reviewing distribution system investment strategies and grid modernization proposals.
Overseeing utility customer programs and pilots, including development of microgrid frameworks, community-driven clean energy programs, and demand flexibility programs.
Evaluating the impact of utility proposals on different communities, populations, and customer classes.
Developing recommendations through an open public process that broadens participation, inclusion, and diverse perspectives in regulatory and policy decisions.
As the Administrator you would supervise, lead, and direct the work of managers overseeing teams of economists and utility analysts. Major duties include:
Sets division priorities and develops strategies to carry out agency goals and state policies.
Mentors managers and staff on analytical approaches, regulatory strategy, and the development of sound recommendations.
Oversees division budget and resource allocation, ensuring efficient use of funds and alignment of staffing resources with agency priorities.
Coaches and motivates managers on assignments, workflow management, performance standards, and fostering a collaborative and engaged team culture.
Coordinates with other divisions and programs within agency about regulatory strategies, priorities, and external engagement approaches.
Serves as a representative of the Commission in state, regional, and national forums on energy resource planning, market design, and climate policy.
Serves as a strategic advisor to Commissioners and agency leadership.
Expands leadership skills and technical expertise through training, conferences, and review of industry publications and academic literature.
The PUC offices are located in downtown Salem, in close proximity to the State Capitol, and we maintain a Portland satellite office.
Currently, employees who live in the State of Oregon may request approval for hybrid work (generally performed from the employee’s personal residence). The ability to report to Salem and Portland is required when business or operational needs are necessary for onsite activities. Hybrid work is evaluated periodically by the agency to ensure business needs are being met and can be adjusted at any time.
Seven years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience; OR four years of related experience and a bachelor's degree in a related field.
The most competitive candidates will demonstrate the following requested skills and work experience:
(Note: You do not need to have education or work experience related to all the following requested skills to be considered for this position.)
Post-graduate degree in economics, public administration, public policy, finance, engineering, law, accounting, or a closely related field.
A highly-engaged leader with proven ability to coach and motivate team members, deliver on organizational goals and priorities, and maintain effective and collaborative workplace relationships.
Work experience providing performance feedback and overseeing team member training and development.
Work experience providing strategic policy direction, advice, and consultation to an organization’s key decision makers and stakeholders regarding public policy or regulatory matters.
Work experience in energy utility planning, operations, and/or customer programs.
Work experience analyzing complex and sensitive issues and situations, identifying alternative solutions, considering consequences of proposed actions, and implementing recommendations in support of established goals.
Work experience managing division-level budgets and staff resource planning in a regulatory or governmental environment.
To submit a complete application, you must use the State of Oregon “Workday” recruitment system. Using the Workday system:
1) Click “Apply” at the top of this job announcement.
2) Create a new Workday account OR login to your existing Workday account;
2) Complete and submit your electronic application; and
3) Upload a resume as an attachment to your Workday application, detailing how you meet the above “Minimum Qualifications” and “Requested Skills” for this position.
The PUC will consider only complete applications submitted online by the closing date/time posted on this announcement.
**If you are a current employee of the State of Oregon, you MUST apply through your internal State of Oregon employee Workday account and attach the required resume.**
Please ensure you’ve provided a thorough and updated application as it pertains to the position for which you are applying. If you are hired, your application materials will be used to determine salary based on an equal pay calculator. For further information, please visit the Oregon Department of Administrative Services’ Equal Pay homepage.
Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given Veterans' Preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources. NOTE: If claiming Veterans’ Preference, please be sure to check your Workday account for pending tasks, or actions, under your “My Applications” section.
If you need assistance to participate in the application process, including an accommodation request under the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact PUC Senior Human Resource Analyst Stacy Traxler at 503-510-9416.
The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.
The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduations dates from an educational institution during the application process.
The PUC does not offer VISA sponsorships. Within three-days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States.
If you are hired, you may be required to provide facts about past employment and present financial interests if they could be connected with the businesses regulated by the PUC.
Hybrid work may be provided to PUC staff in accordance with the Department of Administrative Services, “Working Remotely” statewide policy. Requests are evaluated based on the agency’s business needs. Staff with approval for Hybrid work must demonstrate suitability for remote work and have access to a high/speed internet connection that meets or exceeds the minimum acceptable requirements.
This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates; this list will be used to fill the current opening and may be used to fill other openings as they occur.
The pay and benefits on all announcements may change without notice.
The PUC is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce.