Policy Director

State of Vermont • Calais, VT

3d

About The Position

The Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC) is hiring a Policy Director to participate in the state’s regulatory process on utility-related economic and policy issues, including utility rates and other financial matters; renewable energy, energy efficiency, and telecommunications policies; and the siting of utility and non-utility renewable generation facilities. Commission decisions may have statewide, regional, and national significance.

The Policy Director supervises six analysts. The Director and analysts preside over contested cases as quasi-judicial hearing officers. The role identifies significant issues, conducts thorough and fair hearings, prepares comprehensive proposed decisions resolving critical issues, and assists the Commission in evaluating those decisions. Additional duties include reviewing utility ratemaking and other economic regulatory filings, assisting other hearing officers with filing reviews, drafting proposed rules, developing Commission policy recommendations, assisting with proposed legislation, and providing information and testimony to legislators. The Policy Director also trains and advises analysts and serves on the Commission’s management team.

Candidates must be located in Vermont or willing to relocate. Salary is commensurate with education and experience under the PUC pay plan. The State of Vermont offers benefits as part of total employee compensation. Applications must be submitted by email, not online, by November 20, 2026.

Requirements

• Must be located in Vermont or willing to relocate to Vermont.
• Excellent analytical, quantitative, oral communication, and written communication skills.
• Judicial temperament.
• Typically, a bachelor’s or master’s degree and at least 10 years of professional experience in accounting, public or business administration, economics, finance, environmental studies, natural resources, land use planning, geography, political science, public policy, or public administration.
• Graduate work in related fields may substitute for required experience on a semester-for-six-months basis.
• Legal training is not required and may not substitute for the required experience; candidates with law degrees may apply.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in utility ratemaking, utility regulation, or related areas, including the energy industries.
• Supervisory experience within the last five years.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a team of six analysts.
• Preside over contested cases as a quasi-judicial hearing officer.
• Identify significant issues in contested cases.
• Conduct thorough hearings in a fair, professional, and judicious manner.
• Prepare comprehensive proposed decisions that resolve critical issues.
• Assist the Commission in evaluating proposed decisions.
• Review utility ratemaking and other economic regulatory filings.
• Assist other hearing officers with reviews of regulatory filings.
• Draft proposed rules.
• Initiate recommendations and assist in developing Commission policy on utility-related matters.
• Assist in drafting proposed legislation.
• Provide information and testimony to legislators.
• Train and advise the Commission’s analysts.
• Serve on the Commission’s management team.

Benefits

• The State of Vermont offers benefits as part of total employee compensation.

What This Job Offers

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