• Job Description

  Req#: 5364807
  Salary: $91,968.00 - $123,959.00 Annually
  Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
  Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
  Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
  Job Number: 2026-04620
  Department: Dept. of Commerce
  Division: Energy Division
  Opening Date: 06/03/2026
  Closing Date: 6/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
  
  Description
  Senior Energy Policy Specialist - Electric Transmission and Distribution (EMS 2)
  At the Department of Commerce, we're reimagining what's possible in government. We're builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we're turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places.
  Our agency's strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact.
  Let's build what's next, together.
  
  The Energy Division partners with diverse energy stakeholders to create a clean, affordable and just energy future.
  This position leads the analysis, development and implementation of state energy and climate policy in the policy subject area described below. The position is inherently energy interdisciplinary, covering a range of energy technologies, programs, policies, and strategies that contribute to a more resilient, sustainable and dynamic energy economy in Washington. This work will help Washington achieve state climate policy goals through program design, alignment, and implementation.
  
  This position serves as a statewide convener with diverse stakeholders, including legislators and other elected officials, experts and leaders in state and local government agencies, advocacy organizations, businesses, and program managers within Commerce.
  
  The policy subject area of this position is electric transmission and distribution infrastructure policy, planning, and development. The 2021 State Energy Strategy identifies expanded high voltage transmission access as a key opportunity to meet the state's energy and climate objectives by using clean electric generating resources across the western United States. The 2021 State Energy Strategy also emphasizes that a smart, flexible and optimized grid is foundational to meeting the mandates of our state's clean electricity law and electrifying the economy while assuring system reliability and resilience at both the distribution and transmission levels.
  This position works with transmission system operators, electric utilities, state and federal regulators, and public interest organizations to increase the capacity and reliability of the bulk power transmission system and the distribution grid serving Washington customers. It will require participation in statewide, multi-state, and federal activities including regular coordination and collaboration with the Western Transmission Expansion Coalition (WestTEC) and the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). In addition, the Washington legislature passed a law in 2026 (ESSB 6355) creating the Washington Electric Transmission Authority (WETA). This position will support and maintain oversight of WETA until an executive director is hired in mid-2027 and carryout other duties assigned to Commerce in the law. This position will continue to collaborate closely with WETA on an ongoing basis.
  Duties
  Responsibilities of this position include:
  
  1. Develop legislative and policy initiatives within the position's subject area to advance the energy and climate objectives and requirements of Washington and the recommendations of the State Energy Strategy.
  2. Engage stakeholders and experts in government, industry, advocacy organizations, and research institutions to identify policy options and barriers.
  3. Develop, recommend, and implement policy options that increase racial equity, improve economic justice, support economic development, and reduce pollution from greenhouse gases, consistent with the recommendations of the State Energy Strategy and the requirements of the HEAL Act.
  4. Prepare testimony, reports, presentations, website materials, and other communications materials to advance understanding of the state's energy and climate policies and programs.
  5. Provide technical and policy expertise during the development and implementation of agency grant programs in the position's focus area. Work with external stakeholders in program design and in outreach to potential applicants and evaluators.
  6. Provide analytical and policy support to other statewide initiatives within the Energy Division and the agency, as identified by senior managers.
  7. Coordinate and support the consistent interpretation and programmatic support of state clean energy laws and rules among involved state agencies, including the Governor's Policy Office, Utilities and Transportation Commission, the State Department of Transportation, Energy Facilities Site Evaluation Council, and the Department of Ecology.
  
  Qualifications
  Required Education, and Experience:
  
  Any combination of Six (6) total years of experience. This could be gained by a combination of relevant education beyond high school equivalency and/or professional-level experience in economics, public/business administration, public policy, or related field.
  
  Experience must include the following, (years can be counted concurrently):
  
  • Five years of experience in public policy, energy policy, or climate policy.
  • Two years of experience working on electric transmission and distribution infrastructure.
  • Two years of experience working with electric utilities, state or federal regulators.
  
  Education involves study ofeconomics, public/business administration, public policy, engineering, or a related field. Additional education beyond undergraduate will be counted on a year for year basis.
  
  Examples of how to qualify:
  
  • 6 years of experience
  • 5 years of experience and 1 year of education
  
  Required Position Competencies:
  
  • Strong written, verbal and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate energy and climate issues to non-technical audiences
  • Ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders
  • Sensitivity to public attitudes and concerns
  • High-level facilitative, collaborative and marketing skills
  • Knowledge of regulatory and economic environment in Washington
  
  Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies:
  
  • Master's degree or other related professional certifications strongly desired.
  • Knowledge of electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure including ways to appropriately accelerate new development, cost-effective non-wire alternatives to increase the capacity of existing electrical infrastructure, and grid enhancing technologies.
  • Demonstrated experience working within the political environment, including clear understanding of legislative process, influencing the continuation and maintenance of resources and policy development, and decision-making that impacts programs.
  • Demonstrated ability to take broad public policy conceptual ideas, provide appropriate guidance, leadership, and oversight, and bring such concepts into practical applications with minimal guidance and direction.
  • Demonstrated strategic planning experience.
  • Knowledge of integrated resource planning approaches, microeconomic analysis, regulation of public utilities, greenhouse gas reduction mechanisms, and finance and tax mechanisms for energy efficiency and renewable energy.
  • Strong communications skills, including mastery with English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary, and production of communication deliverables using software such as Word and PowerPoint.
  • Experience working with diverse stakeholder groups, including state and federal governmental agencies, city and county governments, non-profit organizations, businesses, and citizens.
  • Skills to anticipate problems and changes in the authorizing environment and respond quickly with short and long-term solutions.
  • A demonstrated ability to comply with ethics laws and standards as defined by federal or state law or policy
  • Capable of making critical recommendations and decisions affecting statewide economic and community development policy.
  • Strong analytic skills.
  • Successful project management experience.
  
  To be considered for this position the following are needed:
  • A complete and detailed online application.
  • A cover letter (enter online).
  • At least three professional references (enter online).
  For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: - please reference the job number in your message.
  Supplemental Information
  
  Work from Anywhere in Washington State
  This position may be located anywhere within Washington State though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. Many Commerce employees work remotely or have a hybrid schedule.
  
  This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.
  
  Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at
  
  Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity
  The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may email Human Resources at Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
  
  Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.
  More than Just a Paycheck!
  Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
  
  We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
  
  Read about our benefits:
  The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
  
  Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
  
  Insurance Benefits
  Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
  
  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
  
  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
  
  Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
  
  Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
  
  The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
  
  Retirement and Deferred Compensation
  State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
  
  Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
  
  Social Security
  All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
  
  Public Service Loan Forgiveness
  If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
  
  Holidays
  Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
  
  Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
  
  Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
  
  Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
  
  Sick Leave
  Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
  
  Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
  
  Vacation (Annual Leave)
  Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
  
  Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
  
  Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
  
  As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
  
  Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
  
  Military Leave
  Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
  
  Bereavement Leave
  Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
  
  Additional Leave
  Leave Sharing
  
  Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  Leave Without Pay
  
  Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
  
  Updated 01-07-2026
  01
  
  In the space below, please write a formal cover letter describing your interest and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
  02
  
  How many years of post-high school equivalent formal education (including college-level coursework, technical and/or vocational education, and/or certification programs.) involving economics, public/business administration, public policy, engineering, or a related field do you have?
  • Less than 1 year
  • More than 1 year but less than 2 years
  • More than 2 years but less than 3 years
  • More than 3 years but less than 4 years
  • More than 4 years but less than 5 years
  • 5 or more years
  
  03
  
  Do you have at least five years of experience in public policy, energy policy, or climate policy?
  • Yes
  • No
  
  04
  
  If you indicated you have experience noted above, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must also be reflected in the work experience of your application). If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.)
  05
  
  Do you have at least two years of experience working on electric transmission and distribution infrastructure?
  • Yes
  • No
  
  06
  
  If you indicated you have experience noted above, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must also be reflected in the work experience of your application). If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.)
  07
  
  Do you have at least two years of experience working with electric utilities, state or federal regulators?
  • Yes
  • No
  
  08
  
  If you indicated you have experience noted above, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must also be reflected in the work experience of your application). If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.)
  09
  
  Please describe your familiarity with the Washington energy landscape and with Bonneville Power Administration.
  10
  
  Please describe how you meet the Required Position Competencies. If you do not, please type N/A in the text box below.
  11
  
  Please describe how you meet the Desired Qualifications. If you do not, please type N/A in the text box below.
  12
  
  As a condition of employment, I understand and agree that I must reside in the state of Washington prior to or on the first day of state employment.
  • Yes
  • No
  
  13
  
  Are you a current or former employee of the state of Washington?
  • Yes
  • No
  
  14
  
  If you answered yes to the question above, what is the agency you are currently or formerly with? If you answered no, please type N/A.
  15
  
  Please select the option below that best indicates where you heard about this job opportunity.
  • www.careers.wa.gov
  • Aggregate job search website (Indeed.com, Simplyhired.com)
  • Department of Commerce website
  • Department of Commerce employee
  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)
  
  Required Question

• About the company

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