This full-time position with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) involves researching, analyzing, and presenting findings on electric, natural gas, telecommunications, and siting dockets filed with the Commission. Siting dockets may include energy conversion facilities, wind and solar projects, AC/DC converter facilities, transmission lines, and certain pipelines transporting coal, gas, liquid hydrocarbon products, carbon dioxide, or hydrogen.

Utility analysts review filings and request additional information from utilities to ensure timely, accurate evaluations of services, rates, and contract agreements. The analyst develops findings and recommendations regarding the Commission’s authority over filings, while sometimes working closely with a staff attorney. These analyses are provided to Commissioners and their advisors through written memoranda, oral presentations, and answers to Commissioner questions during meetings or hearings.

The position also supports the Commission’s work on regional electric transmission planning, market operations, and reliability oversight. The analyst contributes technical and policy analysis related to regional transmission organization (RTO) activities affecting electric utilities and South Dakota consumers.

The role involves regular collaboration with other analysts, staff attorneys, administrative staff, and consumer affairs personnel.

For more information about the South Dakota PUC, visit puc.sd.gov.

Key responsibilities include:

 Analyzing regulatory filings—such as rate cases, tariff submissions, siting applications, complaints, and energy or telecommunications proposals—along with supporting reports and data.

• Conducting research, issuing discovery requests, and preparing written memoranda, briefings, and recommendations.
• Evaluating utility cost, rate, and service issues and assisting in the development of staff positions.
• Participating in dockets, Commission meetings, contested case proceedings, and stakeholder discussions.
• Communicating effectively with internal staff, industry representatives, and the public.
• Supporting special projects and regulatory reviews as assigned.
• Participating in RTO stakeholder committees, technical working groups, and public meetings as assigned.

This salaried position reports to the Public Utilities Manager and is based in the PUC’s Pierre, South Dakota, office. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional extended hours to meet deadlines or support Commission activities.

The ideal candidate will have:

A bachelor’s degree in economics, mathematics, accounting, finance, business administration, public policy, engineering, or a related field. Experience or understanding of utility regulation, energy policy, or economic analysis is preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong writing and communication abilities.
• Effective interpersonal skills for working with diverse stakeholders and handling confidential information.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret data requests, discovery materials, orders, rules, and statutes.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple dockets with overlapping deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications and willingness to learn additional tools.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds for meetings and events.
• Ability to travel in and out of state as required; valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to complete other duties as assigned.

Additional details:

• Additional details: This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act and eligible for Veterans’ Preference. The State of South Dakota offers competitive benefits including medical insurance, paid leave, and retirement through SDRS. The State of South Dakota is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply:

Submit a letter of interest, resume and three professional references to PUC@state.sd.us by June 3, 2026.

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