Job Details

Senior Utilities Engineer (Specialist)

  2025-08-24     State of California     San Francisco,CA  
Description:

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.

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# 489497
  • Sacramento location, please apply to JC# 489493
Apply to only those location(s) in which you are willing to work.

This position requires travel.

This is a hybrid position that will require the selected candidate to report to their assigned headquarter office a minimum of two (2) days a week. Hybrid positions may be eligible for telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. In accordance with CPUC Telework Policy, telework arrangements are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time.

Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • SENIOR UTILITIES ENGINEER (SPECIALIST)
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-489463

Position #(s):
680-###-####-401

Working Title:
Senior Utilities Engineer (Specialist)

Classification:
SENIOR UTILITIES ENGINEER (SPECIALIST) $11,437.00 - $14,315.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:
1

Work Location:
San Francisco County

Telework:
Hybrid

Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information Public Advocates Office/ Safety/ Wildfire Safety:

Public Advocates Office ("the organization") represents residential and small business ratepayer interests in Commission proceedings and processes (e.g., workshops, rulemakings, investigations, utility applications, hearings, advice letters, committee and stakeholder meetings, and other forums). These proceedings and processes set rates, rules, policies, and regulations.

This position is with the Wildfire Safety Section of the Safety Branch, which represents the Public Advocates Office in safety-related investigations before the Commission, and undertakes deep dive analysis into the practices and procedures of the utilities as they relate to wildfire risk, risk mitigation, and safety.

Please visit www.publicadvocates.cpuc.ca.gov for more information on the Public Advocates Office.

Department Website:

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

  • 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

    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.

    Application Instructions
    Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
    Final Filing Date: 8/31/2025
    Who May Apply
    Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

    Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

    How To Apply
    Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

    Address for Mailing Application Packages

    You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

    Public Utilities Commission
    N/A
    Attn: Human Resources Division
    505 Van Ness Ave, Room 3008

    San Francisco , CA 94102

    Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

    You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

    Public Utilities Commission
    N/A
    Human Resources Division
    505 Van Ness Ave, Room 3008

    San Francisco , CA 94102
    Monday to Friday Except Holidays.
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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.
    Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

    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 risk assessment, electric utility infrastructure safety practices.

    Benefits
    Benefits Summary

    Contact Information
    The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
    Department Website:
    Hiring Unit Contact:
    Holly Wehrman
    (415) ###-####
    ...@cpuc.ca.gov

    Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
    EEO Contact:
    Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
    (916) ###-####
    ...@cpuc.ca.gov
    California Relay Service: 1-800-###-#### (TTY), 1-800-###-#### (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

    Equal Opportunity Employer
    The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

    It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.


    Apply for this Job

    Please use the APPLY HERE link below to view additional details and application instructions.

    Apply Here

    Back to Search