Careers

Transportation, Alternative Fuels, and Climate Change Policy Associate

Full-Time Position

Seattle, Washington

Background

The NW Energy Coalition is an alliance of about 100 environmental, civic, and human service organizations, progressive utilities and clean energy businesses in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and British Columbia. We promote development of energy efficiency and renewable energy, low-income and consumer protection in energy policy decisions, and fish and wildlife restoration on the Columbia and Snake Rivers.

Energy policy is critical to the Northwest’s economic and environmental health. Ensuring that individual utilities, state governments and the region pursue clean and affordable energy strategies for meeting the region’s energy needs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) is a central focus. The Coalition is committed to advancing policies and programs that support communities and ensure affordable energy for all.

Position description

The primary focus of this position will be to analyze, develop and advance electrification of transportation and renewable fuels and promote GHG emission reduction policies and rules as they relate to the electric and natural gas utility industries. In order to foster the development of and create a market for electric vehicles and renewable natural gas, this position will advocate for strong utility programs, supportive state and local policies, and regulatory drivers that support investments in the necessary infrastructure and markets. This position will also encourage smart utility distribution system planning that integrates with resource planning to create opportunities for growth of a variety of demand-side resources. This position will work collaboratively with a broad set of stakeholders and will actively engage with environmental justice and community-based organizations to advance shared goals.

This position is located at our downtown Seattle office in the historic Colman building, and open to possible location in Olympia, WA. While this position will prioritize work in Washington and Oregon, this position is part of the Coalition policy team and will work with staff in Idaho and Montana as appropriate. This position reports to the policy director.

 Principal duties and responsibilities

• Represent the Coalition in regulatory, agency, legislative and community proceedings
• Advocate for durable and effective policies and programs in regional, state and local regulatory, utility and legislative proceedings and other public policy settings
• Represent the Coalition on utility and government advisory committees as appropriate
• Develop and initiate policy and program strategies that accelerate the electrification of vehicles and renewable fuels and ensure carbon reduction efforts are affordable and equitable for all customers
• Prepare position and policy papers; write articles and reports for Coalition publications
• Work with diverse Coalition members, environmental justice and community-based organizations to develop mutually supportive policy positions and nurture collaborative working relationships
• Assist outreach staff in mobilizing Coalition member organizations and community activists for public hearings and related public involvement
• Respond to media inquiries as needed
• Work collaboratively with Coalition staff, board and member organizations
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

• Experience with electrification of transportation and carbon policy and programs, public policy development and regulations, and with electric and natural gas utilities
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills, especially the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences from technical experts to the general public
• A demonstrated commitment to principles of environmental justice and a willingness to work with a diverse set of stakeholders, including community-based organizations and the full breadth of Coalition membership
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and respond quickly in time-sensitive policy deliberations
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment
• Ability to travel throughout the Northwest, including Olympia, Portland and Salem.
• At least three years of experience in public policy work, or commensurate experience

Salary and benefits: Full-time exempt position. Salary of $48,000 – $54,000 annually, depending on experience. Excellent benefits include employer-paid medical, dental and vision insurance, four weeks paid vacation, 10 paid holidays and employer-matching retirement plan. NWEC is an equal opportunity employer.

Position is open until filled. Application review will begin 10/15/18. To help us efficiently process applications and ensure your application is received, please observe the following:

1. Please email a resume, cover letter, and one short writing sample to elena@nwenergy.org.
2. Make the subject line of your e-mail: “Your Full Name, Policy”
3. In your cover letter, please indicate where you learned about the position

For more information about the NW Energy Coalition go to www.nwenergy.org.

Start date: ASAP.

NW Energy Coalition is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, gender, religion, marital status, veteran’s status, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. People of color, people with disabilities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.