FERC License Program Manager

City of Tacoma (WA)-posted about 2 months ago

$170,165 - $239,595/Yr

Full-time • Manager

Tacoma, WA

1,001-5,000 employees

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

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Tacoma Power is seeking an accomplished and strategic Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) License Program Manager to lead the next chapter of our hydropower licensing and compliance program. This is a pivotal role within Tacoma Power's long-term renewable energy strategy. The position ensures continued regulatory compliance, successful relicensing, and the responsible stewardship of projects that provide nearly half of the region's clean, affordable power. Reporting to the Assistant Section Manager for Natural Resources, this position serves as Tacoma Power's principal authority on Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) matters. The Program Manager oversees all phases of hydropower licensing-new, ongoing, and transitional-while guiding a team of subject matter experts, consultants, and cross-disciplinary partners. Through steady leadership and sound judgment, this position shapes policy, drives multi-agency collaboration, and reinforces Tacoma Power's reputation as a trusted environmental steward and regional energy leader. Your Leadership Impact: Strategic Direction: Shape the course of Tacoma Power's hydropower relicensing and compliance programs, aligning technical excellence with long-range policy, financial, and operational goals. Regulatory Stewardship: Serve as Tacoma Power's primary liaison with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Division of Licensing and Division of Hydropower Administration and Compliance (DHAC), ensuring every commitment is met with accuracy, transparency, and integrity. Collaborative Leadership: Build and sustain strong relationships with executive leadership, tribal governments, regulatory agencies, and community partners to develop balanced, sustainable solutions that advance Tacoma Power's mission and values. Legacy Building: The strategies led by this position will influence how Tacoma Power generates and manages hydropower for decades to come, shaping energy affordability, environmental outcomes, and public trust across our region.

Lead Tacoma Power's hydropower licensing and compliance program, providing strategic oversight for four active licenses and guiding upcoming relicensing, surrender, and transfer efforts.
Develop and carry out long-term strategies that align licensing and compliance activities with Tacoma Power's mission, financial priorities, and environmental commitments.
Partner with executive leadership and the Senior Management Team to shape policy direction, address complex regulatory challenges, and ensure decisions are well-informed and defensible.
Oversee program budgeting, forecasting, and staffing to ensure resources support long-term goals and regulatory obligations.
Represent Tacoma Power in high-level negotiations with federal, state, tribal, and local governments, as well as environmental and community organizations.
Build cooperative, transparent relationships with regulators and policymakers to develop and implement license terms and operational agreements that balance reliability, affordability, and environmental stewardship.
Act as Tacoma Power's primary liaison with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, including its Division of Licensing and Division of Hydropower Administration and Compliance (DHAC).
Monitor federal and regional policy developments that may affect Tacoma Power's hydropower operations and adapt strategies to stay ahead of evolving requirements.
Direct all monitoring, reporting, and implementation efforts required by hydropower license conditions to ensure full and timely compliance.
Maintain robust systems for tracking, documentation, and reporting that support transparency, audit readiness, and long-term institutional knowledge.
Collaborate closely with the Dam Safety Workgroup and internal partners to ensure consistency and alignment across compliance and operational activities.
Oversee payments to tribes and agencies, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and adherence to contractual commitments.
Provide clear direction, mentorship, and support to a skilled team of program managers, engineers, and natural-resources professionals.
Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement within the licensing team and across the broader Natural Resources section.
Support professional growth through coaching, training, and performance feedback, strengthening both individual capability and organizational expertise.
Collaborate across Tacoma Power divisions to integrate licensing objectives with operational, environmental, and policy initiatives.
Serve as a visible ambassador for Tacoma Power's hydropower licensing and environmental programs, communicating progress and outcomes to leadership, the Public Utility Board, and community stakeholders.
Prepare and present reports, briefings, and technical materials that translate complex regulatory information into clear, actionable insights for decision-makers.
Uphold Tacoma Power's reputation as a leader in sustainable hydropower generation and a responsible steward of the region's natural resources.

Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, economics, finance, accounting, engineering, project management, or a directly related field.
Six (6) years of power industry experience directly related to the area of assignment, including 1 year of experience as a supervisor, manager, or SME.
An ideal incumbent will have this experience in the practice and leadership for FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) hydropower licensing proceedings.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Expertise: Deep understanding of FERC hydropower licensing, compliance reporting, and precedent-setting cases. Skilled at interpreting and applying FERC orders, guidance documents, and Division of Hydropower Administration and Compliance (DHAC) standards.
Strategic and Systems Thinking: Ability to connect complex regulatory, technical, and policy requirements into clear strategies that sustain hydropower operations and support long-term environmental and organizational goals.
Leadership and Influence: Proven success leading cross-functional teams of engineers, scientists, consultants, and policy professionals. Recognized for building collaboration, clarity, and accountability across executive, regulatory, and stakeholder groups.
Negotiation and Consensus Building: Experienced in leading sensitive, high-stakes discussions with Tribes, agencies, and partner organizations. Skilled at finding balanced outcomes that protect both operational reliability and environmental integrity.
Governance and Accountability: Strong record of establishing clear governance systems, performance metrics, and decision frameworks that ensure transparency, defensibility, and fiscal responsibility in large-scale public programs.
Communication and Representation: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical and regulatory concepts into plain language for executive leadership, policymakers, and the public. Comfortable leading meetings, workshops, and complex consultations.
Financial and Operational Insight: Experienced in budgeting, cost forecasting, and resource allocation for multi-million-dollar programs. Adept at aligning financial planning with long-term compliance and organizational objectives.
Commitment to Stewardship and Equity: Dedication to Tacoma Power's mission of delivering clean, affordable energy while protecting regional ecosystems and fostering equitable, transparent relationships with the communities we serve.

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

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