Technical Policy Advisor
Are you ready to make a significant impact in the renewable energy sector? New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Energy Authority (RETA) is seeking a Technical Policy Advisor. Join our small, dynamic organization and be at the forefront of building New Mexico’s clean energy future.
We connect renewable energy resources to the grid, foster economic growth, and work closely with communities, government, and industry partners to make a positive impact across the state.
As Technical Policy Advisor, you'll have the opportunity to work closely with the other RETA staff members and project partners from premier renewable energy companies, and gain insider knowledge of groundbreaking projects like the Sun Zia Project - the largest renewable energy project in the Western Hemisphere.
RETA's office is conveniently located with plenty of parking. We offer a hybrid work environment, a supportive, collaborative team atmosphere, and the chance to directly influence our organization's success. You'll report directly to our approachable, open door Executive Director and bring fresh perspectives to our communications and public relations initiatives.
Keep reading, and if interested, please apply through Indeed, including a cover letter describing why you believe you’re a great fit.
Salary commensurate with experience.
Position Summary
The Technical Policy Advisor will be filled by a technically proficient and strategically minded person supporting RETA's renewable energy, storage, and grid infrastructure initiatives. This role combines technical insight with solid communication skills, contributing to transmission partner committees and navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
Key Responsibilities
- Under direction of the Executive Director, provide technical and policy advice and assist with maintaining RETA's relationships with prospective and existing development partners, utilities, regional organizations, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
- Represent RETA on development committees, and in public venues, offering technical and policy advice.
- Translate complex technical and regulatory concepts into clear communication for internal teams and external stakeholders with limited technical backgrounds.
- Monitor and interpret statutory and regulatory developments affecting transmission, energy storage, renewable energy deployment, and power markets.
- Provide technical support to RETA staff regarding regulatory bodies including NM PRC, FERC, RTOs, and other federal, state, and local regulatory bodies to support partner permitting, environmental compliance, land acquisition, and other development efforts.
- Draft and review technical reports, contribute to regulatory filings, and facilitate strategic planning discussions with respect to technical and policy matters.
- Manage the contract and work with RETA's contract Electrical Engineer to ensure that their work aligns with RETA's objectives.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred) in engineering, energy management, or a related technical field.
- Strong understanding of transmission infrastructure and grid operations, required.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute technical insights in collaborative committee and regulatory settings, required.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, particularly with respect to communicating complex technical concepts to a diverse audience, required.
- Experience with multi-stakeholder projects and navigating federal and state regulatory environments, required.
- Familiarity with utility planning processes, transmission systems, energy storage technologies, interconnection processes, and RTO planning processes, preferred.
- Familiarity with federal, state, and local processes and regulations impacting renewable energy and/or energy transmission and storage, FERC regulations, and power markets, preferred.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout NM, required.
- Must be able to travel to meetings and events across NM. Approximately 4 days/month at off-site meetings, with occasional evenings, rare weekends and overnight travel (within NM).
Benefits include:
- $16,500 to fund health insurance or other health needs, in lieu of a group health plan
- Dental and Vision Coverage – 100% paid for employee and their family
- Short- and Long-Term Disability – 100% paid for employee
- Life insurance – 100% paid for employee
- Retirement plan with up to 5% match
- 3 weeks of vacation, plus sick leave under NM Healthy Workplaces Act
- Professional development and educational assistance.
Please apply through Indeed, and include a cover letter describing why you believe you’re a great fit.
Job Type: Full-time
