Project Specialist

This is a senior level position with the purpose of performing complex tasks given a thorough knowledge of various responsibilities within State Regulatory Affairs. Acts as a technical expert when dealing with the tactics surrounding regulatory initiatives. Will represent the company to regulators on varying issues which have a significant impact. This person is responsible for juggling multiple priorities and significant issues simultaneously and leading some initiatives and projects.

• Coordinating complex regulatory proceedings including large construction activities, rate recovery petitions, purchased gas adjustment and reconciliation filings, and gas rate cases.
• Developing complex applications to be filed with regulatory agencies for major initiatives/ projects (i.e. major construction applications).
• Maintaining and operating (and as necessary designing and constructing) various technical models that support operational initiatives (e.g. cost of service or rate design models).
• Participating on inter and intra company project development teams, representing the Company, to ensure the success of regulatory filings in which Company has a joint interest with other parties.
• Monitoring, reviewing and interpreting state regulations and filing requirements to ensure consistent application of those regulations affecting gas utilities in Minnesota. This includes providing guidance to internal project teams to applications developed to comply with these requirements.
• Overseeing the collection of historical economic data and forecasts for dissemination to various corporate users (e.g. Supply Chain, Finance, CO, CS).
• Performing the preparation of periodic (monthly, quarterly, and annual) reports for external organizations (e.g. PSCW, EEI, AGA, EIA, etc.).
• Fielding inquiries from regulatory staff regarding filings and petitions currently being reviewed, requests for information on system events and operating conditions. Coordinate and develop the Company's response to these inquiries.
• Interfacing, as needed, with other utilities and regulatory bodies in the furtherance of developing initiatives, responding to regulatory requirements and developing effective working relationships.
• Coordinating with account management teams to develop customer contracts, as / when required.
• Coordinating with applicable business units to develop responses to resolve customer complaints before regulatory agencies in Minnesota.
• Representing the Company in regulatory proceedings; preparing written and oral testimony in regulatory proceedings in Minnesota.
• Leading load research activities, including performing and reviewing complex analysis of associated data.
  

• Bachelor's degree required in Business/Economics/Mathematics/Engineering or related field. In lieu of a Bachelor's degree, a 2 year degree in Legal related area plus 8 years of related experience will be considered.
• Requires a minimum of five years of experience, with demonstrated expertise/experience in the specific area being sought i.e. regulatory construction, load research, forecasting, etc.
• Also required is experience negotiating complex technical issues
• Must have exceptional analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to work well both independently and as a part of a team.
• Must have demonstrated excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, project management skills and the ability to function in a complex, ambiguous environment.
• Must possess the ability to work on multiple projects/priorities simultaneously.
• Strong proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Pro (or similar PDF creation software), SharePoint (or similar file management software), Microsoft SQL, Utilities International (UI) Modeling Platform Excel, or Audit Command Language (ACL) - or similar tools.
• Strong Proficiency in internet usage and accessing and using computer information systems with large amounts of data.