Commerce Specialist 2

The salary listed above includes the 3% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2024.

Commerce Specialist 2

At the Department of Commerce we strive to be creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities and aim to promote equity in all aspects of our work. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our success, and we work to foster an environment where all individuals are valued and respected. We cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work.

We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the richness of the communities we serve. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future.

The Energy Division (Energy) catalyzes the transition to a clean and just energy future.

This position works within the State Efficiency and Environmental Performance Office (SEEP) in the Energy Division. This position is responsible for providing professional level program coordination and contract administration in implementing the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) program and other SEEP Office programs. This position works closely with internal and external stakeholders including state agencies, the Governor's Office, the SEEP Governing Council, and state program and policy partners.

ZEV Program coordination and support

Tasks include:

• Plans and coordinates progress towards program goals and objectives in accordance with EO 21-04 in coordination with program managers, seeking input from internal and external subject matter experts and stakeholders as needed.

• Supports the development of implementation plan guidance and templates in accordance with the requirements of EO 21-04

• Reviews agency implementation plans for EO 21-04 to help ensure plans are aligned with key requirements in the EO and support achieving fleet electrification targets

• Conducts workshops and meetings related to state agency fleet electrification

• Collaborates with fleet electrification leads and agency transportation officers (ATOs) to support fleet electrification activities and promote progress towards the targets in EO 21-04

• Develops and administers request for proposals and procurement processes.

• Convenes and facilitates application review and makes funding recommendations to

management.

• Conducts program coordination and alignment of processes and policies, ensuring compliance with relevant state and federal regulations.

• Utilizes spreadsheets, databases, and information systems to conduct program reporting and ensures program data is current and accessible to facilitate inquiries and reporting of key metrics.

• Coordinates and solicits input from program advisory groups, technical experts, and external stakeholders to advance program goals.

• Supports the ZEV program in the competitive and non-competitive grant and funding application process, which includes solicitation of applications, convening subject matter experts and key stakeholders to assist with application review, reading, evaluating and scoring applications, organizing and conducting review meetings, and making recommendations to management for application awards.

• Provide technical assistance to contractors as fiscal discrepancies and/or issues arise or as

requested by contractors.

• Handles service problems professionally and efficiently and follows established procedures to solve customer problems.

• Monitors ZEV program expenditures, compliance with deliverables, and reporting to ensure projects are implemented on time and within budget.

• Conducts outreach and prepares communications to generate interest in grant programs.

• Represents agency at professional meetings and conferences.

Contract, interagency agreement and grant administration

Tasks include:

• Identifies available funding opportunities activities that help state agencies lead by example and support state agency alignment with the state's climate and clean energy goals and mandates.

• Coordinates and supports project/proposal team. Aligns approach and brings together key

partners and funding match requirements.

• Supports negotiation, drafting, and executing grants and contracts and subsequent amendments to scopes of work and special terms and conditions.

• Supports proposal development including staffing plans, budgets, key deliverables and

milestones.

• Ensures application of executive orders, federal/state laws and regulations.

• Utilizes spreadsheets, databases, and information systems to aggregate data for reporting and evaluation to federal and state funders.

• Tracks budgets and expenditures to ensure timely invoicing to funders.

• Engages with supervisor to assist with resolving and negotiating complex issues.

• Provides technical assistance to public policy makers, staff and service providers as requested.

• Prepares written reports, testimony and policy recommendations as required.

Support SEEP working group leads and collaboration with partners

Tasks include:

• Provide technical assistance and support to SEEP working group leads

• Conduct SEEP working group meetings

• For SEEP working group and Governing Council meetings, promote state agency

participation and prepare and conduct presentations.

• Work with SEEP team and working group leads to support communication and reporting

efforts in collaboration with state agency partners.

• Collect and manage data from agency partners to support SEEP performance measures,

dashboards, and reporting efforts

• Works to build strong collaborative relationships that will support the work of SEEP and the

State Energy Office, both internally to Commerce and externally with stakeholders.

• Participate in division and agency-wide project workgroup opportunities such as outcome

measures, contracting risk workgroup, strategic breakthrough initiatives and other opportunities that align with the duties of this position.Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, or related field (Additional professional level work experience in community, trade, or economic development may be substituted year-or-year for Bachelor's degree).

AND

• Two years of professional level experience in community, trade or economic development with one or more of the following:

o Program management experience

o Procurement

o Grant making processes

Competencies:

• Strong communication skills, demonstrating an ability to clearly convey information and ideas to individuals and groups through a variety of communications modes, including formal presentations and informal discussions.  Practices attentive and active listening.

• Develops challenging but achievable goals, has excellent follow-through, approaches challenging tasks and obstacles with a "can-do" attitude. Works with honesty and integrity, keeps commitments, takes ownership of work and one's own actions, and seeks opportunities for improvement

• Stays focused under pressure, performs duties with minimal supervision, uses time efficiently and effectively to accomplish priorities. Motivates and encourages project team members to persevere through change and adversity, skillfully negotiates competing needs and priorities, and facilitates consensus-based decision-making when appropriate.

• Operates within the organization's formal and informal structures, builds allies and relationships across the division and agency, seeks to understand others' roles and perspectives, and navigates organizational structure with diplomacy and goodwill.

• Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Collaborates with and involves others with divergent viewpoints, as well as diverse people and groups, contributing to developing an environment that is equitable, inclusive, respectful and cooperative.

• Effectively adjusts to changes in work processes and environment and alters behavior to align with evolving situations. Openly receives new ideas and accepts other perspectives.

• Skilled in the use of computers and database applications. Learns new technology quickly, keeps abreast of changes, use computers to improve productivity.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Three years' experience managing energy projects or working in the energy sector. Solid knowledge of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

• Two years' experience navigating and complying with federal and state procurement, contracting, and budgeting policies and practices.

• Experience collaborating with marginalized communities, Tribal communities and vulnerable populations and/or experience centering equity in program design and implementation.

• Advanced level proficiency in project management software, MS Office Suite, contract management databases, cloud-based productivity tools

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

• A complete and detailed online application.

• A cover letter (enter online).

• At least three (3) professional references (enter online)

For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: comrecruitment@commerce.wa.gov  - please reference the job number in your message

Work from Anywhere in Washington State

This position may be located anywhere within Washington State though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. Many Commerce employees work remote or have a hybrid schedule.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at careershelp@des.wa.gov.

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity

The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may email Human Resources at Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov.  Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.