LIVE, WORK AND PLAY!
Chelan County PUD is located in the geographical center of Washington State at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers. A public power leader, the complex and progressive nature of PUD operations offer a unique mix of challenges and opportunities.
We rely on the mighty Columbia River for much of our hydropower generation and we're proud to take a leadership role in environmental stewardship as related to this great river system. Each year we dedicate millions of dollars and thousands of work hours to protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plant ecosystems. As part of hydropower operations, we've also built 14 parks that serve more than 3 million visitors each year.
Rated by Forbes in 2017 and 2019 as one of the top 25 places to retire, Wenatchee is a recreational paradise with an abundance of adventure. The natural scenic beauty of the Wenatchee Valley provides a vivid backdrop to its thriving economy, where the quality of life is high and the climate is moderate with four distinct seasons, including more than 200 days of sunshine!
We are a small town to some and big city to others. We invest in our children and believe that education is the key to our future success.
We live a life of abundant choices and enjoy water sports on the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers, hiking, biking, rock climbing and unlimited golfing. Downhill and cross-country skiing are just minutes away. The area is also known for producing quality wines.
Consider Chelan PUD as a career choice today! The community is waiting for you.
Chelan PUD is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce. M/F/Vet/Disabled
APPLICATION MATERIALS
Applicants are required to submit a combined cover letter and resume in one document. Your cover letter must summarize the following:
- Your experience across the spectrum of utility operations
- Your experience with elected officials, legislative process, and executive level engagement
- Your experience with community engagement
Incomplete materials will not be considered.
To expedite the application process, combine your cover letter and resume into one PDF or WORD document before applying and upload electronically when requested in the online application process.
This position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED and applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. The first review date for application materials is scheduled for December 27, 2021.
Interested parties are also invited to contact Human Resources at joblist@chelanpud.org to discuss the position.
SALARY RANGE
In addition to a competitive starting salary range of $92,325 - $123,100 (based on qualifications, skills and abilities), Chelan PUD employees also enjoy outstanding benefits which include the option of a zero cost medical plan (medical, dental and vision for all eligible dependents), short and long-term disability, Washington State Public Employee's Retirement System, Deferred Compensation (with company matching funds up to 5%), 11 holidays and initial personal leave accrual at 21 days per year.
Introductory Period: New employees holding regular positions must complete an introductory period of twelve months.
JOB POSTING
JOB PURPOSE: Under the direction of the Director – External Affairs, this position is responsible for managing and implementing the state governmental affairs program, stakeholder outreach, and coordination with internal programs and departments. Coordinate the development of strategic and policy direction with external consultants, internal technical experts, management, and external associations supporting the District’s long-term business plans and objectives. Develop and implement political strategies and develop, maintain, and manage key legislative and other stakeholder relationships. Monitor trends and analyze potential changes to regulatory/legal landscape. Prepare position papers and develop coordinated approaches to policy issues. A primary function is to “see the big picture” from a long-term policy perspective, perform analysis and make recommendations in support of internal client objectives before an emerging issue becomes a threat so that the District can maximize its response options. This work may require regular regional travel.
JOB FUNCTIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the job satisfactorily.
1. Lead the development and implementation of the District’s state legislative program in conjunction with the External Affairs director, external consultants, and senior management. Lead the internal liaison team aligning priorities, strategies, and reporting. Prepare District Management and staff for participation in regulatory and legislative activities. Represent the District or coordinate staff representation of District views with legislative staff and elected officials. Establish, maintain and manage effective working relationships with key legislative and regulatory officials. Coordinate with communications staff to develop strategic advocacy approaches. Participate in state and regional organizations, industry associations, working groups and conferences as assigned.
2. Identify, investigate, analyze, and assist with the negotiation and development of stakeholder relationships to create mutually beneficial agreements and working relationships supporting the District’s goals and objectives. Lead the creation of unified solutions meeting regulatory requirements and coordinate with partners to ensure District obligations are met according to agreed upon terms.
3. Monitor regulatory issues and evaluate impacts to District assets and activities. Identify issues, analyze risks, and provide periodic reports to management. Assist with maintaining regulatory agency relationships and out year planning requiring close coordination with External Affairs activities.
4. Make recommendations to management and staff about appropriate responses to emerging state and regional issues. Facilitate internal decision-making and issue prioritization by providing written policy briefs and options for the Board, senior management and technical staff. Research and analyze the consequences of different policy options and develop and present recommended courses of action. Facilitate internal strategic efforts to protect District interests and offset potential regulatory risks. Assist in the development of a consistent message once a course of action is selected.
5. Notify appropriate technical staff of emerging issues to facilitate detailed review of possible implications for the District. Educate staff on emerging regulatory and legislative issues, particularly those with a compliance component and those related to energy marketing and trading. Distribute new bills and regulations to District technical staff for review, implementation, and compliance.
6. Maintain broad knowledge related to laws, regulations and court decisions related to electric utility policy, environment and natural resources, water/wastewater, fiber and telecommunications, and human resources. Stay educated on regional and national policy, market, and industry trends that have the potential to impact the District. Review and analyze relevant reports from other stakeholders to be aware of the positions of other organizations.
7. Maintain regular and predictable attendance. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Complete all required training. Maintain a working knowledge and comply with District safety procedures and specific safety requirements of this position, and those in accordance with applicable provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
8. Is required to drive a motorized vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the District.
QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications listed below are representative of those required, but reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Post-Secondary Education: Bachelor's degree in Public Policy/Administration, Business Administration/Leadership, Political Science or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience: Typically requires a minimum of eight (8) years of diverse and progressively responsible experience in government, public or private sector policy/government affairs, and the electric utility industry or comparable regulated industry sector. Experience should demonstrate proficiency in a full range of legislative and regulatory processes. Active participation in relevant industry trade groups or associations preferred. Experience with the legislative branch of the state and federal governments, including an understanding of the authorization and appropriation processes is desired.
Specific KSA's: A fully skilled incumbent will have the following specific knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Knowledge:
- Detailed knowledge of Public Utility operations, role in the community, and strategic vision.
- Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate the implications of legislative concepts to specific business interests within the PUD.
- Able to comfortably engage in diverse settings within industry peer groups, legislative bodies, public testimony, rule-making, and the Board of Commissioners.
- Able to recognize industry, regulatory, legislative, or political trends that impact the interests of Chelan PUD.
- Able to multi-task and quickly determine relevance and significance of new issues as they arise. Broad knowledge of laws and regulations specifically relating to hydropower, environment, natural resources, transmission and power management, water/wastewater, human resources, and telecommunications.
- Familiarity with federal and state agency policies and rulemaking processes (i.e. CTED, Ecology, FERC, and fish and wildlife agencies).
- Familiarity with priorities of regional industry organizations such as the Bonneville Power Administration and the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, as well as advocacy associations including Public Generating Pool (PGP), Washington PUD Association (WPUDA), and others.
- Knowledge of authorization and appropriation processes used by the legislative branch of the state and federal governments.
Skills & Abilities
- Ability to establish, maintain and manage relationships with policy makers.
- Able to track legal and precedent setting decisions in areas of District interest and recommend participation in amicus curiae briefs, if appropriate.
- Ability to synthesize complex material, identify impacts to District interests, and present recommendations and summaries in a clear and concise manner to decision-makers.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including the ability to communicate technical information clearly to lay audiences both in writing and through public speaking.
- Must be proficient in reading, writing and speaking English.
Complexity: Manage and consult on highly complex business decisions and drives interaction and collaboration across business units. Adapts departmental plans and priorities to address resource and operational challenges. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility.
Decision Making: Identifies solutions to the most complex technical problems. Contributes to long-range strategy development. Considered a technical expert in at least one specialty area. Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience. May act as a team leader. Trains and mentors others or supervise one employee. Works independently with significant interaction with senior management.
Computers & Equipment: A fully skilled incumbent will have the ability to utilize the following software, hardware, or equipment: To perform this job successfully, an individual is required to have knowledge of PeopleSoft Timekeeping/HR; Microsoft Outlook; Microsoft Excel; Microsoft Word; Microsoft PowerPoint; general office equipment including cellular phones, computer, etc,; research software such as Lexus/Nexus; and proficiency with the U.S. Code, Federal Register, and http://thomas.loc.gov.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is frequently required to talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and perform repetitive hand or arm motion. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level is usually moderate.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: An employee may not be hired or transferred to a job, or continue in a job if currently employed, if they do not satisfy the following job requirements. These District requirements cannot be waived by supervisors.
A valid driver's license is required at hire. A valid Washington State driver's license is required within 30 days of employment.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
A valid driver's license is required for this position (verified upon hire). A valid Washington State driver's license is required within 30 days of employment.
DISCLAIMER
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. This should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.
EEO
Chelan PUD is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled). We value diversity at all levels of the organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected classifications as defined by law.
EEO Law Posters can be found on the main Careers page in English and Spanish.
Chelan PUD will not be offering any work visa sponsorship for this role.
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-I.35(c)