Senior Utilities Engineer (Specialist) (JC-489463) - Public Advocates Office/ Sa

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.

The Safety Branch within the Public Advocates Office is seeking a Senior Utilities Engineer (Specialist) to join its Wildfire Safety team.

The Senior Utilities Engineer (SUE) will conduct engineering and analytical work within the Public Advocates Office. Under supervision of the Program and Project Supervisor in the Wildfire Safety Section of the Safety Branch, the SUE will analyze utility safety issues, with a principal focus on preventing wildfires caused by electric utility equipment. The SUE will advocate for efficient and effective programs to avoid harm to the public and reduce the environmental consequences of wildfires. The SUE will also participate in enforcement cases related to wildfires, where the Public Advocates Office pushes for outcomes that hold utilities accountable for negligence or mismanagement and that promote safety improvements.

In addition, the SUE may perform a wide variety of engineering and analytical assignments related to the risk mitigation and safety of utility infrastructure in the electric, gas, telecommunications, and water sectors. The SUE may work on general rate case proceedings and perform relevant economic and policy analysis.

The specific duties of this position are as follows:

• Analyze and critique electric utilities’ Wildfire Mitigation Plans.
• Serve as lead technical engineer/analyst on utility safety issues (primarily wildfire issues) and provide in-depth analyses. Perform thorough analysis and make recommendations to management for regulatory solutions.
• Advocate for strong enforcement of safety standards and investigate utility safety failures in proceedings where the Commission considers penalties.
• Plan and execute complex projects to ensure timely completion. Occasionally lead small teams of analysts and engineers, coordinating the work of several engineers, policy analysts, and attorneys.
• Collaborate with engineers, policy analysts, and attorneys to develop and write policy recommendations supported by evidence.
• Write testimony, comments, reports, and memoranda to be submitted in proceedings before the Commission and the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety.
• Examine utilities’ safety inspection records, spending records, and audit reports to ensure effective implementation of wildfire safety programs.
• Perform field inspections to assess the effectiveness of wildfire mitigation programs and compliance with safety standards. This may entail occasional overnight travel to visit utility worksites.
• Represent the Public Advocates Office in conferences, workshops, and other forums.
• Other job-related duties as required, including travel.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

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#
• Sacramento location, please apply to JC#

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

This position requires travel.

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. Please describe your experience conducting engineering analysis to identify problems and recommend effective solutions.
2. Please describe your experience in analyzing data and performing risk assessments, including using spreadsheets and other quantitative tools to analyze data and visualize results.
3. Please describe your experience writing clear, persuasive, and concise recommendations, including the ability to explain research findings and policy recommendations to lay audiences.

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.