Career Path Guide
The first step in becoming an energy policy analyst, is to determine if this career is a good fit for you. Are you interested in a lucrative career that helps determine if our country is utilizing its energy responsibly? Are you interested in public service? Does the idea of working with other experts in the field of public policy appeal to you? If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to these questions, then you may be well suited for a career as an energy policy analyst.
Below we've outlined what you'll need to succeed in this line of work. We've also included helpful information, such as a general job description, job duties, salary expectations, a list of possible employers and much more!
Education Needed to Become an Energy Policy Analyst
The education you'll need can vary greatly depending on many factors, such as the analyst’s level of experience, where they work and many others.
Typically, the minimum education needed is a bachelor’s degree in a field such as chemistry, physics, environmental science or engineering. Having a degree in political science or public administration can also be of great value in this career. A bachelor’s level education is typically only acceptable if you have a significant amount of work experience in the field of energy policy at various levels.
Since this career is one that requires a great deal of expertise in the subject of energy policy, a master’s degree or doctoral degree in one of the aforementioned fields is typically what you would need to become an energy policy analyst.
General Job Description
Energy policy analysts are responsible for developing and implementing energy industry strategies for an organization or government agency. They also lead the investigation and development of new energy business.
Typical Job Duties
• Lead in the development and implementation of a sustainable energy strategy for an organization or government agency
• Ensure energy policies of the organization align with sustainable energy policies outlined by government agencies and international cooperating bodies, such as the United Nations
• Assess the impact of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) and assess the impact of their decisions on the organization
• May take a lead role in preparing the government’s position on sustainable development issues impacting the energy industry
• Analyze and distil climate-related research findings to inform legislators, regulatory agencies, or other stakeholders
• Continuously assesses the interests of the government's energy sector in global discussions in order to identify issues of strategic importance to the Ministry of Energy
• Write reports or academic papers to communicate findings of climate-related studies
Who Hires Energy Policy Analysts?
The following types of organizations typically employ energy policy analysts:
• Federal, provincial/state and municipal governments
• Universities and colleges
• Environmental and conservation organizations
• Non-profit organizations
• Private energy producing organizations
• Self employed (consultant)
Experience Needed
Some energy policy analysts begin working in this profession immediately after graduate school. However this is not the case for many, as this is typically considered a mid-level career in which employers require candidates to have years of experience and expertise.
Other energy policy analysts gain expertise by starting in entry-level jobs related to energy policy. In entry-level positions, prospective analysts typically perform duties related to assisting in policy work, such as those of an administrative assistant.
Salary Level Typical to This Profession
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers who analyze policy for the federal government typically earn an annual salary of between $93,000 and $145,000, depending on their level of experience and education.
Work Environment
Energy policy analysts typically work in an office setting during regular working hours. They may occasionally work overtime, as their employers’ budget allows, in order to complete assignments and projects prior to a deadline. In this profession, deadlines may frequently be imposed on policy analysts, and will increase the stress-level of their jobs significantly.
An energy policy analyst must travel from time to time in order to attend meetings and workshops, and to gather information. They may work independently at times, and as part of a team at other times, which involves liaising with other energy policy professionals.
Current Job Postings
Our job board below has 'energy policy analyst' postings in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.
Similar Careers in Our Database
Listed below are jobs that are similar in nature to that of an energy policy analyst, as they involve many of the same skills, competencies and responsibilities.
• How to Become a Natural Resource Policy Analyst
References for This Guide
Please use the references below to find more information on the various aspects of a career as an energy policy analyst.
Occupations in Alberta: “Policy Analyst.” (March 26, 2016). ALIS website - Alberta Learning Information Service. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
Career Outlook: “Policy analysts.” Sadie Blanchard (Spring, 2007). Occupational Outlook Handbook - United States Bureau of Labor Statistics website. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
Wind: “Career Map: Analyst/Researcher.” (n.d.). United States Government - Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
Scholarships for Becoming an Energy Policy Analyst
Scholarships listed for majors that are relevant to this profession can be found on our All Scholarships by Major page, by finding the pages that correspond to the majors listed on our "Relevant Fields of Study" section below. Any scholarships found within those pages will be suitable.
Relevant Fields of Study
Studying one of the university majors listed below is an excellent starting point to becoming an energy policy analyst. Click on the links to find out what else you can do with these majors!
