Working Title: Energy Infrastructure Permitting Unit Manager

Job Class: Public Utilities Regulation Unit Manager

Agency: Public Utilities Commission

• Job ID: 84862
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 03/14/2025
• Closing Date: 04/04/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Public Utilities Commission (PUC) / Managerial
• Division/Unit: Regulatory / Energy Infrastructure Permitting Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $46.68 - $67.01 / hourly; $97,467 - $139,916 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Managerial
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
  
  

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position will lead the new Energy Infrastructure Permitting (EIP) unit, providing overarching strategic direction, personnel management, stakeholder management, resource planning and operational accountability. The EIP unit conducts environmental review for proposed energy generation (wind, solar, thermal, nuclear) and energy transportation (transmission, pipeline) projects. It also supports the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC’s) regulatory process and manages review of the public record through dockets. This role will be responsible for managing all facets of the PUC’s permitting activities, ensuring compliance with the new law and adherence to public engagement best practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Six (6) years of advanced professional-level experience in a utility industry, economic regulation, permitting, environmental review, or government regulatory work.
• Five (5) years of supervisory experience with demonstrated supervisory skills/abilities sufficient to motivate staff and provide leadership to a team, as well as develop the supervisory skills of Energy Infrastructure Permitting unit supervisors.
• Thorough knowledge of environmental review and permitting processes, utility operations and regulations as well as regional and federal energy issues and potential impacts on Minnesota.
• Effective and persuasive written and oral communication skills sufficient to present material to decision makers and be an effective public speaker in formal proceedings and negotiations.
• Ability to comprehend and correctly apply & interpret/analyze complex written material (e.g., complex issues; state statutes, rules and regulations; and other policies and procedures relating to utility jurisdiction).
• Human relations skills sufficient to establish effective relationships with various regulatory agencies and staff (e.g., Public Utilities Commissioners, Executive Secretary, Regulatory Unit Supervisors, Attorney General staff, Minnesota electric and natural gas utility companies, project developers, stakeholders, and the MN legislature).
• Ability to keep abreast of changes in environmental review and permitting, utility regulation, related fields of energy, and public involvement.
• Bachelor’s degree in Public or Business Administration, Environmental Sciences, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Statistics or related field may substitute for one year of experience.
• Master’s degree in Public or Business Administration, Environmental Sciences, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Statistics or relevant field may substitute for 18 months of experience.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public or Business Administration, Environmental Sciences, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Statistics or related field.
• Experience with Native American governments, sovereignty, treaties, laws, and policies that impact their community.
• Experience working with consultants and managing contracts.
• Knowledge of state and federal agency requirements, applicable regulatory laws, rules and issues to prioritize issue workload, provide technical guidance, evaluate project status, coordinate policy development, evaluate alternative actions and communicate relevant information.
• Experience working on issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion or experience working with marginalized communities.
  
  

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a reference check and background screening.

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Morgan Stafford at [email protected] or 651-201-2208.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Morgan Stafford at [email protected].

About The Public Utilities Commission

The mission of the Commission is to improve the lives of all Minnesotans by ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable utility services at just and reasonable rates.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
  
  

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
  
  

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
  
  

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
  
  

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.