Economist II

Company: Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Location: Boston
Posted on: April 5, 2025

Job Description:

An Official website of the Commonwealth of MassachusettsALERTEffective January 25, 2024, Executive Order #627 cements the Commonwealth's well-established practice of skills-based hiring, paving the way to a more equitable hiring process. The Commonwealth is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to serve our citizens. Join us today!Job Description - Economist II (2500021S)Who We Are:The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts' environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.Who We Are as an Employer:At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is the state agency responsible for overseeing investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water companies in Massachusetts. It regulates the safety of bus companies, moving companies, transportation network companies, and oversees the safety of natural gas pipelines and the MBTA.Job Opening: The Department of Public Utilities seeks applicants for an Economist II to perform the following duties:Position OverviewAs the Energy Facilities Siting Economist, you will be a key member of the Siting Division's project teams that review the siting of proposed (and sometimes controversial) major energy facilities. These include electric generating and energy storage facilities; electric transmission lines and substations needed for reliability, electrification, and connecting offshore wind resources; intrastate natural gas pipelines; and large LNG storage facilities.Siting Division reviews include evaluation of need for the project, alternative project options (such as energy efficiency, advanced transmission technologies, and distributed energy resources), environmental impacts and mitigation measures, cost-effectiveness, and consistency with state energy/environmental policies, statutes, and regulations. EFSB/DPU siting authority includes construction permits, exemptions from local zoning, issuance of other state and local permits, advisory rulings and determinations, and compliance oversight. If you are ready to leverage your education and passion for public service to help the Commonwealth advance its clean energy future, the Energy Facilities Siting Economist role is an ideal next step in your energy/environmental career!The Energy Facilities Siting Economist role is an entry-level position that will nonetheless challenge you in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collegial environment. In addition to the review of major energy facilities, you will also get extensive opportunities to learn about and gain expertise on cutting-edge energy technologies.Key Duties of the Energy Facilities Siting Economist Include:

• Analyzing detailed energy project proposals of utilities and other energy project developers
• Identifying issues in need of exploration during the proceeding, and developing potential solutions and recommended findings
• Conducting site visits of proposed facility locations
• Drafting key sections of agency decisions and work products based on case evidence and sound analysis
• Developing subject matter expertise on cases, special projects, and ongoing Division initiatives
• Advising agency staff, DPU Commissioners, and EFSB Board members on pending cases and other matters with solid understanding, creative solutions, and sound judgment
• Organizing and participating in public comment hearings, and exemplifying the importance of community engagement, environmental justice, and active public participation in our proceedings
• Developing a robust evidentiary record by written questions to applicants and consultants
• Questioning expert witnesses during hearings
• Receiving and providing feedback on work products and other deliverables with team members
• Reporting to the Assistant Director of the Siting Division and receiving guidance and training from members of the DivisionQualifications of the Energy Facilities Siting Economist include:The successful candidate will have:
• Strong interest in energy and environmental matters
• Strong analytical skills, and an inquisitive approach
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of interdisciplinary case teams
• Ability to manage time effectively, and work in a productive, organized, and methodical way
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid remote work setting with certain required in-office daysDivision OverviewThe Siting Division of the DPU is a diverse team of planners, engineers, economists, lawyers, and environmental specialists that reviews major energy facility proposals requiring EFSB/DPU regulatory approvals. Our mission is to ensure that approved projects are consistent with applicable statutes, regulations, and policies, and serve the public interest. The work of the Siting Division takes place in a rapidly evolving energy landscape, with significant technological, regulatory, and market changes, and a growing emphasis on both mitigating and adapting to climate change, while maintaining reliable, safe, and cost-effective energy supplies vital to the Massachusetts economy. The projects we review are at the forefront of important energy, environmental, and technological trends that are transforming energy infrastructure in Massachusetts.First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.Minimum Entrance Requirements:Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the field of economics, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.Substitutions:
• A Bachelor's degree with a major in economics may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required experience.
• A Graduate degree with a major in economics may be substituted for the required experience.
• A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in economics may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.Special Requirements: None.When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.Primary LocationJobJob: Environmental and EnergyAgencyAgency: Department of Public UtilitiesScheduleSchedule: Full-timeShiftShift: DayJob PostingJob Posting: Feb 27, 2025, 4:59:35 PMNumber of OpeningsNumber of Openings: 1Salary: 69,369.82 - 100,264.58 YearlyIf you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Melixza G. Esenyie - 6176261282Bargaining Unit : 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.Confidential : NoPotentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes
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Keywords: Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston , Economist II, Other , Boston, Massachusetts