Senior Energy and Climate Policy Analyst
Position Description
Title: Senior Energy and Climate Policy Analyst
Location: Warrenton PEC Office / Remote
Job Classification: Full Time - Exempt
Geographic Focus: PEC’s Region/Statewide
Supervisor: President
About PEC:
The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has proudly promoted and protected the natural resources, rural economy, history and beauty of the Virginia Piedmont region since 1972. PEC works with area residents to weigh in on important land use and policy decisions, conserve land, protect air and water quality, celebrate historic resources, build smart transportation networks, promote sustainable energy choices, restore wildlife habitat and improve people’s access to nature.
Your Role:
PEC is seeking an enthusiastic and passionate individual to join our team and advocate for sustainable energy solutions for PEC’s nine-county region and the Commonwealth. The Senior Energy Policy Analyst will work in coordination with PEC Land Use and State Policy staff to represent the organization in all energy policy matters at the local, regional and state level.
The analyst will develop positions on significant areas of energy policy that impact our region and work with PEC staff to ensure those positions are consistently and accurately represented. This includes assisting Land Use staff in evaluating energy generation and transmission related projects as well as projects that require substantial energy infrastructure (e.g. data centers) as necessary. In addition to electric generation and transmission, the analyst will assist in responding to extraction (e.g. uranium, natural gas) and transport (e.g. pipelines) projects that threaten natural resources and public health.
Other responsibilities include participation in the working groups of the Virginia Conservation Network related to energy matters and collaboration with individual partners on statewide and regional campaigns and legislative efforts that further the mission of the organization. This includes developing and advancing policy solutions on key energy/climate related issues (e.g. utility-scale solar siting, electric transmission projects, natural gas pipeline projects) for our region and assisting in the identification of legislation that may be necessary to accomplish organizational goals.
A strong applicant will communicate effectively (written and verbal) with all levels throughout the organization. They must have a technical background in energy and climate policy with a commitment to holding energy providers accountable, advancing sustainable and clean energy policy solutions and environmental justice. Familiarity with all aspects of energy production, transmission, distribution and regulation at state and federal levels is required. A working knowledge of land use planning and land conservation would be beneficial.
Examples of activities include:
- Staying apprised of and weighing in on energy plans, climate policy and related legislation.
- Monitoring energy generation, transmission, transport and extraction trends and regulatory matters at the regional and state level in anticipation of future challenges.
- Assisting the President, Director of State Policy, Director of Land Use and other relevant staff in the development of a PEC response to energy projects or issues of local, regional or statewide import.
- Regularly updating PEC Board members and staff on energy matters.
- Representing the organization on technical advisory committees and workgroups at the state level and in regional energy discussions as needed.
- Working directly with allied organizations to organize the public around campaigns, policies and outcomes supportive of the PEC mission.
- Developing summaries and reports for PEC’s website, online alerts, newsletters and fundraising materials.
- Serving as a technical resource, providing guidance and recommendations to local land use representatives and management on local energy and climate related issues.
- Analyzing and evaluate agency and utility projections for load growth particularly in relation to data center development and electrical vehicle deployment.
- Working with the President, Senior GIS Analyst, and Director of Land Use to better evaluate and demonstrate the potential for distributed energy resource investments in our region.
- Analyzing impact of energy policy on meeting climate objectives both locally and statewide.
- Collaborating with PEC Communications and Advancement staff to secure appropriate funding, highlight the benefits of PEC’s energy work in the region, and mobilize supporters and the public at large.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in energy resources, public policy, engineering, or related field and a minimum of 7 years work experience is required. Graduate degree preferred.
- In-depth knowledge of regulated natural gas and electric industry. Virginia, PJM and/or Dominion territory - specific knowledge is preferred.
- Demonstrated strong communication skills, both written and verbal, including ability to
- write, edit and proofread written materials for PEC staff, Board of Directors, supporters and the public at large.
- Ability to organize, coordinate and manage diverse activities and deadlines with minimal
- supervision.
- Effective interpersonal skills, including ability and desire to build relationships with a
- diverse constituency that includes political officials, non-profit representatives, and community members with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
- Ability to work in and create an effective and positive team environment, fostering mutual
- trust, respect and cooperation among staff and volunteers.
- Familiarity with computers and the use of online tools, such as Google Suite/Microsoft Office productivity software and GIS.
- Willingness and ability to work some weekends and evenings as events and meetings dictate.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
- Commitment to service and community and a willingness to participate in practices of
- justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI).
- Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Compensation:
Salary range is $80,000-$95,000 and negotiable within the posted range, depending on
qualifications and experience.
Benefits:
PEC offers an outstanding and robust benefits package including:
- Two health plan options (PEC pays 83% of the premium for employee only coverage and 73% of the premium for added dependents based on our HSA plan rates)
- Dental and Vision insurance plans
- Short- and Long-Term Disability, Group Term Life, Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity insurances – all premiums 100% paid by PEC
- Health Savings Account (with employer match up to $750 per year) or Flexible Spending Accounts (for health & dependent care)
- 403(b) pension plan with up to 6% employer contribution (3% automatic and 3% match) after 1 year of service with 100% vesting from day one
- 12 paid holidays
- 24 days of paid time off per year, accrued by pay period
- 1 day per year of paid leave to volunteer
- Longevity-based Salary Continuation Leave for employee or family illness - from 2 to 8 weeks every 24 months
- Paid Bereavement, Jury Duty and Military Service Training leave
- Cell Phone Reimbursement up to $75 per month
- Travel Expense Reimbursement
- Hybrid work environment and flexible work schedules
- Professional Development training and/or education support
- Payment for relevant licenses & professional membership fees.
Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resumé to apply@pecva.org. Resumé reviews begin immediately.
The Piedmont Environmental Council is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job, therefore our job descriptions and qualifications are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work helps build the competencies and knowledge of our organization. Diversity of experience and skills, combined with passion, is key to our organizational identity.
Read more about our Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) commitments