Regional Technical Forum Assistant

~ The 1980 Northwest Power Act authorized Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington to develop a regional power plan and fish and wildlife program to balance the Northwest's environment and energy needs. The heart of the Northwest Power & Conservation Council's mission is to preserve the benefits of the Columbia River for future generations. ~

Position Overview

The Council has an opening in its Power Planning Division for a Regional Technical Forum Assistant to support the Regional Technical Forum (RTF). The RTF was formed in 1999 to provide independent, scientific analysis to support utilities in reliably evaluating energy efficiency opportunities. To this day, the RTF continues to play an integral role in the Northwest’s acquisition of energy efficiency as a resource.

The position reports to the Manager of the Regional Technical Forum and also receives guidance from the Director, Power Planning. This position provides support for the RTF Manager by providing scheduling, logistical support, document and communications preparation, note taking, contracting support, and assists in the day-to-day operations of the RTF.

Note: Candidates must apply by September 28!

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Serve as assistant to the RTF Manager

• Function as the point of contact for RTF communications, routing to RTF contractors and staff for responses when appropriate
• Be aware of the RTF work flow and be proactive in ensuring deadlines are met, meeting materials are prepared prior to each meeting, and webpages are updated
• Manage the RTF Manager’s calendar, coordinating meetings and identifying potential scheduling conflicts

RTF Monthly Meeting and Subcommittee Support

• Facilitate scheduling for all RTF subcommittee and policy advisory meetings (typically two to six meetings per month)
• Prepare and send meeting notifications, materials, and technical logistics to RTF members and interested parties
• Monitor all meetings to ensure smooth operation, taking notes as required
• Post monthly meeting minutes after RTF approval
• Administer and maintain the many RTF mailing lists
• Facilitate lunch orders (monthly RTF meeting)
• Update Policy Advisory Committee dashboard on a monthly basis (Excel based spreadsheet)

Website and Communications

• Manage website, ensuring website and materials remain fresh and up to date
• Develop news items and other RTF communications for connecting with regional stakeholders
• Support Quarterly and Annual Report development, including drafting materials and working with RTF Manager to complete

Measure Management

• Maintain measure database, including updating measure background information, measure related materials, decision database, and small/rural checklists
• Manage Quality Assurance/Quality Control process, working with contractor and the RTF contract analyst team to ensure timely QC of all measure related materials
• Update RTF tools, such as the Standard Information Workbook, as needed
• Manage the New Measure Proposal review process

RTF Operations Support

• Support coordination on annual funding agreements, including billing, invoicing, receivable reporting, and filing maintenance
• Maintain conflict of interest records, following up with each member as needed
• Maintain existing pool of Qualified Contractors listing, updating as necessary and support RTF Manager with identifying qualified contractors for projects as they arise
• Annual review of RTF Operations Manual, identify items needing updates

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency in all MS Office applications, with strong Outlook, Excel, Access and PowerPoint skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize and help manage the workload of the RTF Manager
• Independent work style with ability to self-manage duties as well as delegate tasks as needed

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to email a letter of interest, resume, and references to Sharon Ossmann by September 28, 2018.

Sharon Ossmann
Director of Administration
Northwest Power and Conservation Council
851 SW Sixth Avenue, Suite 1100
Portland, OR 97204

Note:  Emailed applications must have all documents submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format.