Energy Utilities Engineer - Integrated Resource Planning

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.

Under supervision of the Project and Program Supervisor, the Energy Utilities Engineer (UE) will support the IRP Transmission & Interconnection 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 UE will lead projects related to integrated resource planning, resource procurement, transmission planning, and transmission and interconnection development issues.

Specifically, the UE’s duties and responsibilities may include:

• Lead and/or support investigation and research of technologies that best enable swift evolution of the electric grid to meet California’s energy goals
• Analyze data to determine if policy objectives have been met
• Make recommendations based on independent analysis of regulatory, policy, and technical issues
• Work to develop and refine parts of a complex regulatory proceeding in a team environment
• Develop creative solutions to electric sector planning and procurement problems, while taking into consideration the market and policy implications
• Contribute to the inputs, methodology, and analysis of results of energy modeling
• Develop tools and solutions for the CPUC’s policy-setting rulemakings via a wide range of work products
• Coordinate with analysts in other Energy Division sections and branches on policy, generation, and transmission-related issues
• Collaborate with other state organizations and agencies e.g., California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and California Energy Commission (CEC) to help achieve statewide clean energy goals
• Organize and facilitate workshops and/or stakeholder meetings
• Review and provide feedback on proposed legislative bills and respond to inquiries from the public and legislative staff

Some of the projects the IRP group is working on include:

• Exploring the feasibility and cost of pathways to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the near to long term (e.g., through 2050) for the electric sector
• Evaluating the level of renewable procurement needed to achieve the state’s GHG-reduction goals and ensure it is being procured by electric utilities and other load serving entities
• Developing the business and regulatory case for new energy projects and infrastructure (transmission lines, storage, generation)
• Assessing the role of the current fossil-fueled generation fleet in achieving the state’s GHG reduction goals
• Refining planning and procurement processes and tools to adapt to the ever-growing need to procure new clean electricity resource infrastructure
  

Your STD 678 (application form) will be used to determine your qualifications in order to meet the minimum qualification requirements for the advertised classification(s). Please clearly describe all of your experience related to public utilities and/or transportation in the areas of economics, finance, or policy in the job description field(s) of your STD 678 form, along with the years and months of service. Failure to do so may result in not qualifying for the minimum qualifications for the advertised classification(s)

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This advertisement is listed specifically for San Francisco (LA, SF, SAC) location. All identified locations will be considered as one candidate pool to fill one position.

• Los Angeles location, please apply to JC# 504877
• Sacramento location, please apply to JC# 504872

Apply to only those location(s) in which you are willing to work.

This position requires travel.

Special Requirements

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:

1. Describe your experience and ability in conducting technical engineering research and analyses of complex issues involving electric generation and/or transmission facilities.
2. Describe your experience and ability to understand the electric grid and resource planning issues, particularly issues related to regulation and transmission planning.
3. Describe your understanding of California's climate change and energy resource planning goals.

For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see the Work4CA guide.

It is strongly encouraged to apply through your CalCareer Account at

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

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:

• Understanding of energy resource planning, energy resource modeling (capacity expansion, production cost modeling, or power flow modeling), electricity regulation, utility rates, tariffs, rate-making regulations, electric market design, and the California electric grid.
• Experience working in fast-paced, demanding or deadline-driven environments and their ability to multi-task.

Benefits

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see “Special Requirements” for instructions.