Positions at this level independently perform economic, financial, or policy analysis and provide technical assistance on more complex regulatory matters. The work assigned is on issues that are considered more complex a majority of the time. The incumbent is required to determine the nature and/or scope of the issues and/or problems. The incumbent is expected to develop new techniques and/or work methods to accomplish tasks. The effect of filings/issues on parties involved is considered as significant and/or having a broad potential impact. More complex regulatory matters consist of unusual, politically sensitive and/or complex issues requiring the incumbent to use creativity and/or judgment because there may be no rules, orders, materials and/or procedures which provide previous guidance. The tasks are carried out under broad policy statements, and/or other legal requirements. The supervisor provides limited guidance as the incumbent works independently a majority of the time. Incumbents may, on a project basis, lead a team or direct the work of other analysts with full project management responsibility to plan, conduct and lead the project.

Serves as the agency’s representative on the statewide E911 advisory committee; 

Represents and communicates the interests of the agency and recommends agency action on E911 issues;

Conducts analysis of the proposed capital structure of a regulated utility company that is proposing a merger, spin-off, or transfer; 

Prepares written expert testimony and defends the testimony through discovery, depositions, and cross-examination;

Reviews and analyzes draft request for proposals of an electric utility seeking new power supplies; 

Prepares clear and concise written memorandum; recommends appropriate action; prepares appropriate order and makes oral presentations to the commission at open meetings;

Participates as the agency’s representative on special committees developing recommendations for demand side management programs of natural gas utilities;

Manages a team of analysts conducting a review and analysis of telecommunications company’s proposal to modify its rate structure; 

Assigns tasks to team members; establishes deadlines; and coordinates work with attorney and section assistant director;

Serves as the agency’s designated contact person for a large local phone company; 

Assigns filings from this company to analysts; coordinates communications between staff and the company; and monitors national issues related to the company;

Determines the appropriate pro forma income tax adjustment consistent with the recommended capital structure and results of operations of an electric utility; 

Represents staff in presentation of enforcement cases before the Presiding Officer during brief adjudicative proceedings;   

Oversees all other brief adjudicative proceedings, including investigations, preparation of enforcement hearing documents, presenting the case before the Presiding Officer, preparing and sending the order, presenting any requests for review of the decision to the full Commission, and following up with the Commission’s decision;  

Supervises the processing of reporting modifications, including reviewing requests, presenting requests to Commission, and preparing and sending orders;   

Works independently on the most complex investigations of complaints alleging violations of the public disclosure law, chapter 42.17 RCW including citizen action letters (45-day);  

Analyzes complaints, plans investigations, prepares subpoenas for witnesses and documents, compiles documentary evidence, interviews witnesses under oath, interacts with opposing counsel, and prepares comprehensive written reports of investigation;  

Provides expert written and oral testimony in contested formal hearings; assists with hearings or drafts dismissal letter if required; works closely with staff legal counsel, Director of Compliance, and Assistant Director preparing for enforcement hearings;  

Independently reviews private sector Corporate Financial Reports or SEC Form 10-K reports using federal financial test or corporate guarantee as proof of financial strength in lieu of other financial instruments; 

Reviews tangible net worth calculations and Federal ratios of corporate strength and in general the ability of the company to remain solvent into the future for conducting closure, post closure and corrective actions of facilities; 

Independently reviews and investigates other financial documents including letters of credit, surety bonds, and trust funds issued by financial institutions and insurance policies.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in economics, accounting, business or public administration, finance, social sciences, engineering, law or related field and four years of professional research or analysis experience with an institution engaged primarily in regulatory matters; or three years doing regulatory analysis for Washington state government, one year of which must have been at the second level or equivalent.

An advanced degree in one of the fields listed above will substitute for one year of the desired experience.

New class. Replaces 42650 Regulatory Analyst 3, effective June 1, 2005.
Revise class. Revises definition and desirable qualifications; adopted May 10, 2007, July 1, 2007. Salary adjustment adopted 6/30/2015, effective 7/1/2015.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.