1

Graduate Policy Analyst Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... graduate programs, consulting firms, think tanks, policy research organizations, or technology companies. Most importantly, they should possess strong analytical instincts, sound judgment, and a ...

Dean of Graduate Studies

Fresno, CA · On-site

$155 - $175/hr

Ability to develop policies to enhance graduate student success and promote academic excellence. * Ability to analyze complex problems, devise innovative solutions, and perceive the implications and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Graduate Policy Analyst information

See California salary details

$52.8K

$99.6K

$115.5K

How much do graduate policy analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate policy analyst in California is $99,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by graduate policy analysts in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Graduate Policy Analysts often encounter challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced nature of policy development, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and synthesizing complex information into clear recommendations. Building strong relationships with colleagues and mentors can help ease the transition, as can proactively seeking feedback and clarification on tasks. Staying organized and developing effective research and communication skills are key to overcoming these initial hurdles and thriving in the role.

What is the difference between Graduate Policy Analyst vs Policy Analyst?

AspectGraduate Policy AnalystPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, often pursuing or recent graduateBachelor's or master's degree, with more experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, research-focused, often in government or think tanksMid-level, policy development, analysis, and advising roles
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, NGOs, research institutionsGovernment, consulting firms, advocacy groups

The main difference is experience level and responsibility. Graduate Policy Analysts are typically entry-level, focusing on research and data collection, while Policy Analysts have more experience and handle complex policy development and analysis tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate policy analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Policy Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, research abilities, and a relevant degree in public policy, political science, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS or Stata), policy databases, and report writing tools is typically required. Effective communication, critical thinking, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for presenting findings and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills enable analysts to produce insightful, evidence-based policy recommendations that inform decision-making.

What does a graduate policy analyst do?

A Graduate Policy Analyst is an entry-level professional who assists in researching, developing, and evaluating public policies for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations. They analyze data, prepare reports, and help formulate recommendations to address specific policy issues. The role often involves reviewing legislation, conducting stakeholder interviews, and supporting senior analysts in their work. This position is ideal for recent graduates with a background in public policy, political science, economics, or related fields.
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Policy Analyst jobs in California? For Graduate Policy Analyst jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Policy Analyst jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Policy Analyst jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Graduate Policy Analyst job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,627 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Energy Policy Analyst

The Utility Reform Network

Oakland, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:

TURN seeks a policy analyst to join TURN’s Energy Team of high-impact regulatory policy

advocates. A strong applicant communicates effectively (written and oral) with all levels

throughout the organization and the public, is committed to economic and racial justice, is a

proactive and creative problem solver, has a technical background in energy and economics/

finance/ engineering, including strong quantitative skills, and is committed to holding energy

providers accountable, advancing clean energy, and promoting safe utility service at affordable

rates.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Duties/Responsibilities:

The Energy and Climate Policy Analyst will be required to:

Review utility testimony and workpapers in California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)

cases and draft information requests to utilities.

Prepare written testimony on behalf of TURN in CPUC cases and defend the testimony in

response to cross-examination at CPUC evidentiary hearings.

Represent TURN at CPUC workshops.

Help develop other TURN filings at the CPUC, such as comments and briefs, in

conjunction with TURN’s attorneys.

Analyze and recommend TURN’s position on relevant legislative proposals.

Work with other TURN staff members to develop positions on emerging issues in energy

policy and ratemaking, and the advocacy of those positions before the CPUC, the state

legislature, media outlets, and in other forums.

In conducting this work, the Energy and Climate Policy analyst may:

Analyze utility cost forecasts for utility operations and capital investments.

Evaluate utility marginal cost analyses for purposes of allocating costs between

customer classes.

Perform bill impact analyses of alternative rate designs.

 

Develop policies and methods for evaluating the costs and benefits of distributed energy

resource investments.

Perform avoided cost analyses and cost-effectiveness analyses of alternative utility

programs.

Analyze utility risk assessment and risk mitigation models for purposes of

recommending cost-effective programs to promote safe utility operation.

Analyze the reasonableness of past utility spending related to wildfire mitigation, gas

safety, energization, and other projects for cost recovery from ratepayers.

Evaluate the role of the regulated utility in competitive markets such as solar energy and

electric vehicles.

Evaluate consumer impacts of wholesale energy market designs.

Required Skills/Abilities:

Excellent Communicator: Communicates effectively (written and oral) with all levels

throughout the organization and the public.

Socially Aware: Commitment to economic and racial justice.

Technical Familiarity with one or more of the following: (1) cost-benefit and present

value financial analysis, (2) regression analysis and predictive modeling, (3) econometric,

production cost or other types of simulation modeling, (4) economic analysis of utility

investments, (5) regulatory accounting practices, (6) Tax law, (7) marginal cost

methodologies, (8) risk assessment methodologies and statistical modeling. Candidate

must have strong command of using Excel-based models.

Active Teamwork: Demonstrates problem solving, conflict resolution, and positive

communication through teamwork and through working independently.

Preferred Skills/Abilities:

Advanced Excel/VBA Analysis: Proficiency in complex Excel modeling with VBA

automation capabilities.

Programming Languages: Familiarity with Python, R, or similar language(s) for data

analysis and modeling.

Experience with any of the following: utility financial models, demand forecasting,

energy utility operations/engineering, equity/affordability metrics.

Reporting and Supervision:

Reports to the Managing Attorney and Assistant Managing Attorney

Education and Experience:

Education: Graduate degree in economics, energy resources, public policy, engineering,

or related field.
 

Experience: Demonstrated understanding of the regulated natural gas and electric

industry.

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

This is a full-time exempt position that may require occasional after-business hours

work to meet legislative or regulatory deadlines.

Occasional requirements to travel to appear at the CPUC for evidentiary hearings,

technical workshops, or other meetings, or to attend TURN staff in-person events.

Salary Range for Position:

$80,000 - $130,000 depending on experience

Why Join TURN

Influence fast-moving energy and climate change issues in a cutting-edge state

Work with a mission-driven, high-impact advocacy team

Competitive pay and excellent benefits

Hybrid/California remote flexibility

How to Apply: Send your resume, cover letter, and writing sample to hr@turn.org or

chouston@turn.org

Subject line: Energy and Climate Policy Analyst – [Your Name]

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Powered by JazzHR

SIENRgPTQ2