Geothermal Policy Development Lead

State of Utah Office of the Governor • Salt Lake City, UT

1d • $24 - $40 • Onsite

About The Position

The Utah Office of Energy Development is seeking a Geothermal Policy Development Lead to advance Utah as a national leader in geothermal energy. This position will conduct in-depth research on geothermal energy, developing the policy, strategies, and technical analysis necessary to accelerate geothermal electricity and direct-use throughout the state. Through research, stakeholder engagement, and policy development, the position will identify and remove barriers to widespread geothermal deployment. At a time where demand for reliable, dispatchable electricity continues to grow, geothermal energy is one of Utahs greatest opportunities to provide clean, firm generation while supporting industrial heat, district energy, and economic development. Utah possesses significant geothermal resources, this position will help translate that advantage into widespread commercial adoption by developing policies and programs that improve project economics, reduce risk, and integrate geothermal resources into Utah’s long-term energy strategy. The role will collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders - developers, universities, investors, regional groups - to identify barriers to geothermal deployment and inform the Office’s policies, initiatives, and energy development plans.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of experience in geothermal development, power generation, policy analysis, or a related field
• Ideally a bachelor’s degree in related fields such as geophysics, energy economics, or public policy.
• Experience with the geothermal industry or research.
• Familiarity with electricity generation planning and operations.
• Experience with direct-use thermal systems and applications.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess and predict long-term industry and deployment barriers.
• Expertise in regulatory tracking, including federal, state, and regional energy regulations.
• Experience in developing policy recommendations and initiatives.
• Experience in working with state and federal entities and stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to evaluate technical, economic, and policy tradeoffs
• Self-motivation for independent research into new topics.
• Excellent communication skills for stakeholder engagement and presenting research findings.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with both internal teams and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Conduct proactive research on geothermal technologies, industry trends, deployment risk and barriers, financing mechanisms, and the regulatory landscape impacting geothermal development within Utah.
• Monitor and track federal and regional regulations, rulings, and legislative changes that will affect geothermal development.
• Leverage research findings to develop innovative mechanisms that reduce deployment barriers and enable widespread geothermal deployments.
• Serve as the Office's technical lead on geothermal energy, supporting leadership, legislative initiatives, strategic planning, and interagency coordination.
• Engage with external experts, thinktanks, academic institutions, utilities, industry partners, and other stakeholders to share knowledge and gather insights into geothermal development.
• Collaborate with internal staff to develop long-term strategies for geothermal electricity production, direct-use systems, district energy, thermal storage, co-production opportunities, and other emerging applications.
• Perform additional duties as required by the Office.

Benefits

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal