RRC - Oversight & Safety - Gas Services Director III(For current RRC employees only)

The Railroad Commission of Texas is the state agency with primary regulatory jurisdiction over the oil and natural gas industry, pipeline transport and pipeline safety, natural gas utilities, the LP-gas industry, and surface mining operations. You can find more details about us on the Railroad Commission of Texas' website here https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/ .

Benefits

To support our mission to serve Texas, we need great people to join our team. We provide a great working environment along with outstanding benefits, including:

- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, and holidays

- Telework options for eligible positions

- Flexible work schedules

- Retirement pension with a match

- 401(k), 457(b) and Roth

- Health premiums are 100% paid for full-time employees

- Tuition Reimbursement

- Wellness and Exercise Leave

- Career development programs/opportunities for advancement

For a complete list of our total compensation package, please visit our website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/jobs/ . To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees, visit the Employee Retirement Systems website at https://ers.texas.gov/benefits-at-a-glance

Job Description

The Railroad Commission of Texas, recognized as a worldwide leader in oil and gas regulation, seeks a Director III to lead the Gas Services Department within the Oversight and Safety Division (OSD). This senior leadership role is responsible for executive-level leadership in planning, policy development, and operational execution. The Director supervises managers and professional staff and exercises broad latitude for independent judgment and decision-making.

Responsibilities include project oversight; establishing section goals and objectives; developing procedures, guidelines, and performance metrics; setting priorities and standards; coordinating and evaluating program activities; collaborating with section managers to create and manage section goals, performance, and budgets.

The Director will oversee advanced financial and regulatory analysis, including review of rate change and other applications, tariff filings, and other regulatory submissions filed with the Commission. Work includes analyzing utility reports, expert testimony, accounting records, contracts, and related documentation for compliance with accounting standards, state laws, and Commission regulations, as well as evaluating the reasonableness of costs. The Director will oversee Audit Section activities, providing guidance and recommendations as needed for policy and procedures, regulatory compliance, Gas Utility inquiries, and other Audit Section functions.

The Director represents the Commission in complex regulatory proceedings, collaborates closely with legal counsel and internal stakeholders, and engages with regulated entities and external partners. Work is performed under limited supervision, with accountability to Division and Department Directors. Travel may be required.

Essential Job Functions

- Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Market Oversight Section and Audit Section, including setting goals and objectives aligned with agency and division strategic plans.

- Direct, organize, and evaluate program activities and business functions; develop and evaluate policies, procedures, and performance standards. Lead and participate in information technology and system-related projects affecting the Market Oversight and Audit Sections, coordinating with managers to identify staffing needs and resource requirements.

- Attend and participate in meetings related to Statements of Intent, rate cases, and other regulatory proceedings with Market Oversight staff.

- Represent the section in Oversight and Safety Division forums, including Business Relationship Management meetings, User Groups, and cross-division working groups.

- Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with Market Oversight and Audit Section Managers to provide guidance, performance feedback, and strategic direction.

- Prepare written and oral expert testimony (as needed) for contested utility rate proceedings and collaborate closely with attorneys and professional staff throughout all phases of contested cases.

- Testify on behalf of Commission Staff in contested rate cases, as required.

- Participate in rulemaking and policy development efforts in coordination with other divisions.

- Analyze natural gas utility filings to determine compliance with the Texas Utilities Code, Commission rules, and Commission policy. Conduct and oversee investigations into compliance by natural gas utilities, common carriers, and propane distribution companies.

- Engage with Gas Utilities to address audit findings, regulatory issues, and special circumstances as needed, including informally to mediate disputes.

- Manage and oversee the development and execution of the annual budget for the Market Oversight and Audit Sections. Coordinate training and professional development activities for Market Oversight and Audit Sections in partnership with the Training Department and section managers.

- Provide leadership coverage and decision-making authority during manager absences due to vacation or training.

- Lead planning and process improvement efforts related to the tariff system by facilitating collaboration between the Tariff team and the Audit Section.

- Prepare and/or assist in preparing reports as required by the Legislature, Commission action, or executive management.

- Respond to inquiries from utilities, Commission staff, other government agencies, and the public regarding utility rate issues and competitive matters.

- Continue professional development to increase knowledge of utility ratemaking, gas utility audits, including maintaining current knowledge of Texas statutes and rules, and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) accounting rules.

- Identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.

- Communicate and effectively supervise the work of others.

For Military Crosswalk Information, Please Visit

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, business administration, finance, economics, or a closely related field.

- Experience managing and directing programs relevant to the assignment.

- At least ten years of progressively responsible management or team lead experience.

- Some knowledge of or experience in gas utility regulation, including cost-of-service rate determination and review of interim rate adjustment filings.

- Certified Public Accountant credential.

- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams through strong interpersonal and communication skills.

- Valid Texas Driver's License and acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

- Graduate degree in a relevant discipline.

- Certified Fraud Examiner credential.

- Participation in the Railroad Commission GROW program.

- Some understanding or experience dealing with utility ratemaking principles, including evaluation of cost of service, revenue, expenses, rate base, cost of capital, cost allocation, and rate design.

- Ability to learn how to analyze transactions between regulated utilities and affiliated entities.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

- Knowledge of the Texas Utilities Code, applicable Texas Administrative Code provisions, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Uniform System of Accounts.

- Skill in strategic planning, goal setting, and aligning operational activities with organizational priorities.

- Ability to lead complex programs, manage managers, and drive organizational performance.

- Strong financial and analytical skills, including advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other analytical tools.

- Ability to exercise sound judgment and work independently on complex, high-visibility, and sensitive regulatory matters.

- Ability to manage multiple priorities, respond effectively to high-pressure situations, and adapt to changing timelines.

- Strong communication, writing, and organizational skills.

- Ability to coordinate projects within and across divisions and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

- Openness to peer review, feedback, and continuous improvement.

- Ability to learn and apply new regulations and standards to ensure ongoing compliance and operational effectiveness.

- Note: This position may require additional work hours, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays, to meet critical deadlines.

Work Hours:

Standard office hours for Commission employees are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our agency offers alternative schedules for employees, provided they do not adversely affect operations or service levels and standard hours of operation are maintained. The Commission may also offer telework in accordance with the agency's approved Telework Plan. Alternate work schedules may be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview process.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS:

Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the CAPPS Recruit Prescreening Questionnaire to be considered for the posting. To complete the Prescreening Questionnaire, go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login:  https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

Remarks

- There is one available position.

- Official transcripts, DD214 or DD1300, copies of license/certifications, or other minimum requirement validations will be requested at the time of the job offer.

- Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

- Criminal background checks will be conducted on all final candidates. An applicant who has been convicted of a criminal offense relevant to the position may be disqualified from employment.

THE RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS ONLY ACCEPTS ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSTING.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Notifications to applicants are sent electronically to the email address you provide.

The Railroad Commission of Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not

discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age

or disability in employment or in the provision of services.

The Railroad Commission of Texas is a tobacco-free workplace.