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WORKING AT THE OREGON DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

At the Oregon Department of Energy, we're helping shape the state's energy future. Our team is dedicated to keeping Oregon on the leading edge of renewable energy and efficiency while supporting energy innovation, investment, equity, and resilience. From helping Oregonians save energy at home; to overseeing the state's interests in the world's largest environmental cleanup at the Hanford nuclear site in Washington, our work is challenging, rewarding, and diverse. We work with developers and communities on proposed energy facilities, with schools and manufacturers looking to save energy and money, and with other agencies and stakeholders on meeting the challenges of climate change. Oregon is one of the most energy-efficient states in the country, routinely landing near the top of annual national rankings. ODOE is committed to helping Oregon remain an energy leader, and that starts with hiring engaged team members ready to deliver for all Oregonians.

The Energy Planning and Innovation Division prioritizes diversifying Oregon's energy mix, successfully integrating renewable energy resources into our energy systems, developing innovative approaches to saving energy, better managing our use of energy, and supporting statewide efforts to meet Oregon's future energy and climate goals. Through statewide programs and projects, the division provides policy expertise and leadership on topics such as renewable and conventional energy resources, alternative fuel vehicles, demand response, energy storage, energy efficiency, and energy system resiliency. The team supports promising initiatives to advance energy innovation – from providing grants to energy technology demonstration projects, to developing energy policy recommendations, to providing technical expertise on emerging energy issues. In 1999, we were the first state in the nation to adopt carbon dioxide emission standards. Today, the division plays a key role in informing greenhouse gas policy discussions and developing options to meet both the state's energy needs and climate goals.

We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our positions and hope you will join us on our path to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are an agency that embraces social equity through our values, strategic planning, and actions. Leaning into our equity priorities means we continually examine what we do, the impact we have, and our progress toward weaving social equity into who we are.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

You will coordinate and perform complex analysis of the economic costs and benefits associated with energy policies relating to energy technologies, resources, and markets that affect Oregon.

This position is eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule. The incumbent will be expected to work at the central workplace located at 550 Capitol St. NE in Salem, Oregon, at least eight times per year. This includes attendance at in-person all-staff meetings. The position may also be required to work at the central workplace on a more frequent basis with advance notice, as needed.

For a complete listing of the duties and responsibilities for this position, please review the position description by clicking here.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

You will be a member of a diverse team built on collaboration and support.

We offer full medical, vision, and dental benefits with paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays a year.

This is a full-time, limited-duration position that is not represented by a union.

Limited-duration positions are benefit-eligible positions with a designated maximum length of service. This position is expected to end on June 30, 2029.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• A Master's degree in economics or a related field and four years’ experience doing economic research or econometric forecasting;

-OR-

• A Ph.D. in economics or a related field and one year of experience doing economic research.

The most successful candidate will also have the following skills, experience, and background:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in economic analysis in one or more (additional preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate experience in multiple areas) of the following energy areas:
• Life cycle cost analysis for electricity generation and transmission; transportation and natural gas fuel extraction, production, distribution; and infrastructure depreciation.
• Life cycle cost analysis for demand side resources and energy efficiency.
• Demonstrated experience in energy modeling, including utility integrated resource planning economics.
• Carbon pricing and decarbonization market mechanisms and costs.
• Valuation of non-energy costs and benefits of energy projects or programs, such as: energy resilience, reliability, health, jobs, and workforce development, environmental, and land use.
• Effects to consumer-side energy costs resulting from broad policy changes, including effects on energy cost burden.
• Demonstrated familiarity with state and federal energy incentives, including from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act.
• Demonstrated familiarity with state legislative processes.
• Experience communicating economic analyses to lay audiences.
• Preference may be given to an applicant with an advanced degree in economics, natural resources, energy management, engineering or any degree demonstrating the capacity for knowledge and skill in economic analysis to inform policy relating to energy markets and valuations.

Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe they meet all the desired attributes. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position. We strongly encourage candidates to apply, even those who might not believe they possess every one of the desired attributes. Applicants who most closely exhibit the desired attributes will be invited to continue in the application process.

HOW TO APPLY

• Visit the State of Oregon Career Site by clicking this link: Economist.
• Click the "Apply" button above and complete the online application.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this job posting. Please attach both documents to the “My Experience” section under Resume/CV in the application.
• Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans’ preference. For further information, please visit the following website: Veterans Resources. You may also call the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-692-9666.
• Answer all the supplemental questions.

GET NOTICED

Help your application rise to the top! Don’t forget to showcase your amazing skills and experience in your application package that make you the best candidate for the position. Submissions will be screened for consistency of information and communication skills at the professional level (attention to detail, spelling, grammar, etc.).

Employment will be contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

The Oregon Department of Energy 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.

QUESTIONS/NEED HELP?

If you have questions about the recruitment and selection process, or need assistance to participate in the application process, including an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Kate Steele, at kate.steele@energy.oregon.gov or call (971) 240-7520.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

THE OREGON DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE BASED ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ETHNICITY, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, RELIGION, AGE, OR DISABILITY AND IS COMMITTED TO WORKPLACE DIVERSITY.

About Oregon Department of Energy

The Oregon Department of Energy is a statewide agency created in 1975. We have four core agency divisions: Nuclear Safety and Emergency Preparedness Energy Planning and Innovation Energy Facility Siting Energy Development Services We help homeowners and renters across the state. ODOE has helped hundreds of thousands of Oregonians heat and cool their homes more efficiently, weatherize their homes, and move to more efficient devices. With our guidance, cutting edge energy efficient options have become commonplace. Since 1978, our residential programs have saved or displaced enough energy in the state to serve about 400,000 households for one year. We help local, regional, and state public agencies and schools. We’ve helped state of Oregon agencies reduce energy use and meet efficiency goals ahead of schedule. Programs designed specifically for K-12 schools have helped more than 100 districts implement energy efficiency projects, resulting in more comfortable classrooms and better learning environments for students and educators. We help businesses, farmers, nonprofits, and tribes. Our technical expertise and financial programs help support energy conservation, al...ternative fuel vehicles, and renewable energy development for businesses, ranchers, farmers, nonprofits, and others who want to save energy and generate clean power. We’re ready to serve Oregon in the future. Across the state, we’re advancing energy innovation and accessibility – from energy storage to facility siting and oversight. We prioritize diversifying Oregon’s energy mix, successfully integrating new energy sources into the grid, and overseeing nuclear energy safety. We also support statewide efforts to meet Oregon’s future energy needs and responsibilities, including pressing issues like climate change. ?

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