Job Description

Geothermal Policy Development Lead

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $24.43 - $40.00 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site

Recruiter – Tim Conyers | tconyers@utah.gov | 0
Application Deadline – 7/22/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Key Responsibilities

Title: Geothermal Policy Development Lead

Location: Cannon Building

288 N 1460 W,

Salt Lake City, UT 84116

The Utah Office of Energy Development is seeking a Geothermal Policy Development
Lead to advance Utah as a national leader in geothermal energy. This position will
conduct in-depth research on geothermal energy, developing the policy, strategies, and
technical analysis necessary to accelerate geothermal electricity and direct-use
throughout the state. Through research, stakeholder engagement, and policy
development, the position will identify and remove barriers to widespread geothermal
deployment.

At a time where demand for reliable, dispatchable electricity continues to grow,
geothermal energy is one of Utahs greatest opportunities to provide clean, firm
generation while supporting industrial heat, district energy, and economic development.
Utah possesses significant geothermal resources, this position will help translate that
advantage into widespread commercial adoption by developing policies and programs
that improve project economics, reduce risk, and integrate geothermal resources into
Utah’s long-term energy strategy. The role will collaborate closely with internal and
external stakeholders - developers, universities, investors, regional groups - to identify
barriers to geothermal deployment and inform the Office’s policies, initiatives, and
energy development plans.

Why work for the Utah Office of Energy Development?

Joining the Utah Office of Energy Development offers a unique opportunity to shape the
state’s energy future in one of the most promising growing energy industries. You'll
contribute to impactful initiatives like Operation Gigawatt, influencing key decisions on
energy policy and development. With Utah home to world-class geothermal resources,
internationally recognized research centers like FORGE, and one of the world’s largest
advanced geothermal deployments with Fervo, this role offers hands-on experience in
an evolving ecosystem that will influence the future of energy across the west.
Collaborating with experts across disciplines provides opportunities for personal and
professional growth, while the flexible work environment ensures a healthy work-life
balance. This is a chance to establish Utah as the national leader in advanced
geothermal energy deployment.

Qualifications

Principal Duties:

• Conduct proactive research on geothermal technologies, industry trends, deployment
  risk and barriers, financing mechanisms, and the regulatory landscape impacting
  geothermal development within Utah.
• Monitor and track federal and regional regulations, rulings, and legislative changes that
  will affect geothermal development.
• Leverage research findings to develop innovative mechanisms that reduce deployment
  barriers and enable widespread geothermal deployments.
• Serve as the Office's technical lead on geothermal energy, supporting leadership,
  legislative initiatives, strategic planning, and interagency coordination.
• Engage with external experts, thinktanks, academic institutions, utilities, industry
  partners, and other stakeholders to share knowledge and gather insights into
  geothermal development.
• Collaborate with internal staff to develop long-term strategies for geothermal electricity
  production, direct-use systems, district energy, thermal storage, co-production
  opportunities, and other emerging applications.
• Perform additional duties as required by the Office.

At least 2 years of experience in geothermal development, power generation, policy
analysis, or a related field, and ideally a bachelor’s degree in related fields such as
geophysics, energy economics, or public policy. The ideal candidate possesses some
or all of the following:

• Experience with the geothermal industry or research.
• Familiarity with electricity generation planning and operations.
• Experience with direct-use thermal systems and applications.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess and predict long-term industry
  and deployment barriers.
• Expertise in regulatory tracking, including federal, state, and regional energy
  regulations.
• Experience in developing policy recommendations and initiatives.
• Experience in working with state and federal entities and stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to evaluate technical, economic, and policy tradeoffs
• Self-motivation for independent research into new topics.
• Excellent communication skills for stakeholder engagement and presenting
  research findings.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with both internal teams and external partners.

About the Role

Location –
288 N 1460 W,
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116
United States
Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Drug Test Required –
Schedule Code – AX - Employees in supervisory positions

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency
For more information: https://energy.utah.gov/

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.