Energy Analyst – Chicago, IL

Organization: Union of Concerned Scientist

Title: Energy Analyst

Location: Chicago, IL

Hours and Compensation: Full Time

Application Deadline: October 14, 2011 or until filled

Posted On: Sept. 14

Overview

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices. What began as collaboration between students and faculty members at MIT in 1969 is now an alliance of more than 300,000 citizens and scientists that includes people from all walks of life: parents and businesspeople, biologists and physicists, teachers and students.

UCS strives for a future that is free from the threats of global warming and nuclear war and a planet that supports a rich diversity of life. Our specific focus areas include global warming, renewable energy, advanced vehicle technology, nuclear power safety, nuclear weapons and related security issues, preserving the integrity of science, and sustainable agriculture.

Description

Under direction of the Assistant Director for Energy Research and Analysis, conduct research and analysis to advance understanding of renewable and conventional energy technologies, policies, and markets, and to evaluate energy resource and climate change mitigation options in the electricity sector, especially in the Midwest. This includes writing and editing technical reports, fact sheets, and other materials to document and communicate research results; preparing regulatory and legislative comments and testimony; participating in the development, outreach and advocacy of UCS clean energy and climate change policy positions; meeting with policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders; representing UCS and its philosophy and positions at various public forums.

Responsibilities

• Working with the Assistant Director for Energy Research and Analysis in coordination with the Midwest Office Director and UCS’s multi-disciplinary Climate and Energy Program team, participate in the planning, designing, and implementing of research activities and projects in support of the organization’s efforts to advance policy and market support for clean energy development in the electricity sector, especially in the Midwest region.
• Gather and analyze data using spreadsheets and models, and write reports and other materials highlighting the results of various analyses. Disseminate materials to policymakers, the media, and the public. Respond to follow-up requests for further information.
• Maintain knowledge of analytical tools and energy technologies, policies and markets, and of evolving environmental and climate change policies, and utilize expertise in implementing research and advocacy activities. Conduct literature reviews and searches to monitor and assess current and ongoing research and trends in advanced clean energy technology and market issues, greenhouse gas mitigation policies, and related fields.
• Participate in the development and evaluation of legislative and regulatory initiatives, primarily in Midwest states, but also nationally, promoting or supporting UCS clean energy policies and positions. Compile, draft, and deliver technical comments, letters, and testimony for legislative and regulatory proceedings on energy policy issues.
• Provide technical and strategic assistance to policymakers, opinion leaders and coalition partners. Respond to inquiries and comments from stakeholders, media, members, sponsors, and general public about energy related issues.
• Establish and maintain alliances with advocates, clean energy businesses, modelers, and researchers at other organizations and government agencies to exchange information, share resources, and engage in collaborative studies.
• Represent UCS, its philosophy and positions at workshops, hearings, conferences, and other various public forums; educate participants about political, environmental, social and economic dimensions of energy issues, with emphasis on the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies in mitigating global warming.
• Help develop program objectives, strategies, and work plans, and contribute to foundation proposals and reports.

Qualifications

Position requires comprehensive knowledge of energy field, with emphasis on renewable energy technologies, policies and markets, and their political, social, environmental, and economic ramifications. Also needed is a familiarity with general economic and environmental concepts and issues, and strong quantitative and analytical skills. Excellent skills in writing and oral communication, as well as proficiency in personal computer applications, including spreadsheet, word processing, specialized research software and basic programming are necessary. Detailed understanding of renewable energy technologies, electric industry operations, markets, and regulation, global warming issues and policy, energy efficiency, and electricity modeling techniques is preferred. Project management skills and experience is also preferred.

Experience

Work requires three to five years of progressively responsible related experience in energy analysis and advocacy. Master’s degree level knowledge of energy and/or environmental science field, with emphasis on a broad array of both clean and conventional energy technologies, policies and markets is preferred.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample via email to [email protected] and include “Energy Analyst” in the subject line. Please also add in your cover letter where you heard about the position and your salary requirements. Email materials by Word Documents only. No phone calls please. Deadline: October 14, 2011 or until filled.