Job Description

Who represents the interests of consumers in proceedings before Hawaii's Public Utilities Commission?

The Consumer Advocate does!

If you are or will become a resident of Oahu within 30 days after the beginning of employment, and your skills, abilities, and interest match the position of Research Analyst V, please consider applying.

The position is located in the Research Branch of the Division of Consumer Advocacy. The Consumer Advocate participates in proceedings before the Public Utilities Commission as an advocate for consumers of utility services, with the objective of representing, protecting, and advancing the interests of Hawaii's consumers of regulated utility services (including, for example: electricity, utility gas, regulated water utilities, and regulated sewer utilities).

Duties Summary

The duties of the position include (1) extensive technical reading and analysis to understand, compare, and evaluate the effects of a wide variety of regulatory investigations, applications for approval, and potential policies, decisions, and costs on the customers of, and providers of, regulated utility services; and (2) an ability to write clearly, accurately, and concisely to (a) obtain information from the regulated entities and to (b) convincingly present credible, well-organized information, results of analyses, and projected impacts regarding utility costs, reliability, service quality, and other issues of interest to the affected consumers, regulators, public, and other decision-makers.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, economics, business administration, engineering, public administration, social sciences, or other relevant field.

Specialized Experience: Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in research and/or analytical work that examines and reports on topics such as utility company operations, capital expenditures, services, and activities.

Substitutions Allowed

Possession of a Master’s degree in one of the aforementioned fields of study may be substituted for two (2) years of Specialized Experience.

Knowledge: Knowledge commensurate with the education, skills/abilities, and experience requirements listed below.

Skills/Abilities: Knowledge and skills to plan, develop and conduct research and analysis of issues. Familiarity with the relevant federal, state, and/or county statutes, ordinances, and/or rules governing the objectives and programs is desirable. This position also requires knowledge of communications and public information principles. As this position will be required to prepare reports, the incumbent will need to be skilled in conducting research, interpreting statistical data and conducting analysis, and evaluating the business and service operations of utility and transportation companies. In addition, the incumbent should possess or least have the aptitude for clear and accurate writing; organizing information; managing multiple reports and deadlines; and skill in oral communication and presentations.

Legal Authorization to Work Requirement: The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State to be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States, and to be or soon become residents of the state of Hawaii.

Other Information

The position is exempt from the civil service and considered temporary in nature. Therefore, if you are appointed to the position, your employment will be considered to be "at will," which means that you may be discharged from your employment at the prerogative of the department head or designee at any time.

Please note: The Fringe Benefit Rate (composite value, for State budgeting purposes), is 64% (source: This is an important consideration when comparing a State salary to other compensation packages. For example, a position with a stated annual salary of $70,000 is actually budgeted by the State at $114,800 per year.

Please also see the "benefits" tab at the State website for more information on benefits.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please complete and submit an Application for Non-Civil Service Appointment (Form 278). Applications can be found at 

Position number: 102758

Please email resume and application to [email protected] 

Thank you!

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