Senior Energy Operations Specialist

The Senior Energy Operations Specialist at the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff supports office operations, finance, budget coordination, and project management related to energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. Responsibilities include coordinating daily functions, managing contracts and grants, and providing administrative support. A bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience are required. The position may involve travel and is based in South Carolina.
Job Responsibilities

The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) represents the public interest of South Carolina in utility regulation for the major utility industries – electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water/wastewater, and transportation – before the Public Service Commission (PSC), the court system, and state and federal regulatory bodies. Additionally, the ORS houses the state’s Energy Office, Broadband Office, Digital Opportunity Department, Equipment Distribution Program (EDP), and has responsibility for oversight of railroad safety and natural gas pipeline safety in South Carolina.

The SC Energy Office promotes energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation through a variety of initiatives and programs providing technical and financial assistance, education and outreach, and data and research. The Senior Energy Operations Specialist reports directly to the Energy Office Director and provides essential operational, administrative, and project management support to the office. Job duties include:

Office Operations:
• Coordinate day-to-day office functions to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to internal policies and procedures, including coordinating team training for new and updated systems.
• Lead the internal development and tracking of operational guidance documents, standard operating procedures, and workflows.
• Assist with maintaining compliance with required state and federal policies and regulations.

Finance and Budget Coordination:
• Coordinate with program and finance teams to review and process invoices, purchase requests, and travel reimbursements to ensure timely reimbursements.
• Support the development and administration of contracts, grants, and agreements in accordance with state and federal procurement and grant requirements.
• Assist in preparing grant and loan documents, including reviewing files, records, and assembling documents.

Project Management
• Collaborate with Energy Office program managers to support procurement, grant administration, and contract management.
• Support state and federal reporting requirements, including tracking timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Conduct research on emerging energy policy and technology to support new and existing programs.
• Provide programmatic support and oversight of Energy Office programs, as assigned.

Administrative Support:
• Provide general office support including supply inventory, equipment, and other administrative inquiries.
• Monitor Energy Office Customer Service email, website, and other external correspondence.
• Support staff training, travel, technology, and new hire onboarding.
• Assemble materials and assist staff with offsite Energy Office events.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of relevant administrative experience in an office setting.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience coordinating office and operation functions.
• Strong knowledge of procurement, grants, or budgetary processes, preferably in a public sector context.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, and other common computer programs.
• Knowledge of energy policy and energy-related programs.
• Project management experience is desirable.

Additional Comments
• Position may require travel, out-of-town lodging, and occasional weekend and after-hours work.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• All ORS employees are required to attend ethics training annually for continued employment.
• All ORS employees are prohibited from owning equity in regulated utilities.
• Work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
• Remote work is not available, and employees work in-office at 1901 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201.