Senior Utility Engineer, Distribution Planning and Energy Storage (Senior Utilities Engineer (Specialist))

Job Description and Duties Individuals interested in applying for this vacancy must have eligibility. If you are new to state service or need to gain eligibility to this classification, please Click here to open the examination bulletin and follow the instructions on “How to apply”. The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy. Please be sure to follow all instructions for each process. Virtual interviews via web portals or phone may be offered as deemed appropriate and feasible by the hiring manager – standard in-person interviews will still be offered if conditions permit. Join the Public Advocates Office, a leading voice for utility consumers. We are looking for candidates with the initiative and desire to make a difference in protecting Californians from the health, safety, and economic consequences of catastrophic events initiated by failures from aging utility infrastructure. Under general direction of the Project and Program Supervisor, the Senior Utilities Engineer (SUE) will support the Grid Planning, Energy Storage, and Non-Wires Alternatives (GPSNWA) section in the development of work products that are used to advise and assist high-level decision-makers such as Commissioners, Judges, and Energy Division management. The incumbent will have lead and team level responsibility for oversight of utility distribution planning, distributed energy resource (DER) integration, electrification grid impact analysis, grid modernization, smart inverter operationalization, managing support contractors, and leading policy development for these areas. The incumbent may also be responsible for representing the Division in California Independent System Operator (CAISO) or California Energy Commission (CEC) stakeholder processes where distribution planning issues are relevant. The incumbent may also be responsible for leading and/or supporting investigation and research of alternative models of distribution system operator roles, responsibilities and functions that best enables swift evolution of grid capabilities and operations to integrate higher levels of DER to meet the State’s 100 percent clean energy goals. The SUE will analyze data to determine if policy objectives have been met. The SUE will make recommendations based on independent analysis of regulatory, policy, and technical issues. The SUE will develop tools and solutions for the CPUC’s policy-setting rulemakings via a wide range of work products, review and provide feedback on proposed legislative bills, and/or work with a team that oversees implementation of programs that result from these CPUC and legislative processes. The SUE will perform other work as necessary, such as writing and presenting reports, coordinating with other California organizations and agencies (e.g., the California Energy Commission, the California Air Resources Board, California Independent System Operator), and responding to outside inquiries. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Special Requirements • The position(s) require(s) a(n) Professional Engineer License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired. Prepare and submit a response for each question below. The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate how your training, experience, and education qualifies you for the position. Refer to the job description and duties, and duty statement to prepare your response. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ and writing that exceeds the page limit will not be considered or scored. All information in the SOQ is subject to verification. The SOQ must be no smaller than 11-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than two pages. Please write your SOQ to address the following three questions: • Describe your ability and experience to conduct technical engineering research and analyses of complex issues involving electric generation, distribution, and transmission facilities. • Describe your experience and ability in preparing clear, comprehensive, and persuasive reports on complex and/or technical issues and making presentations, explaining issues in a clear and concise manner. Please provide an example. • Describe your experience and ability gathering data, conducting analysis, using software to analyze data, and presenting the data to inform decision making. For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see the Work4CA guide. It is strongly encouraged to apply through your CalCareer Account at www.jobs.ca.gov Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing. If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma. An official transcript will be required prior to appointment. Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency by the application deadline. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at https://www.naces.org Employment information on the STD 678 state application MUST be complete with dates, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes, or referring to resumes, will not be accepted in place of the completed STD 678. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 will not be considered. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview. Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies. Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate: • Knowledge or experience in electric generation, distribution, transmission, and communication systems and their maintenance, operations, and related safety and reliability issues. • Knowledge of emerging technologies related to electric generation, transmission, and distribution systems, such as renewable energy, distributed energy resources, advanced metering infrastructure, energy storage, electric vehicles, flexible load management, grid modernization, and microgrids. • Understanding of the California electric grid, electric market design, and utility rates, tariffs, and rate making regulations.