Utilities Engineer (JC-522542) - Public Advocates Office/ Electricity Planning & Policy/ Procurement Cost Recovery

Position Details

Job Code #:JC-522542
Position #(s):680-252-3518-XXX
Working Title: Utilities Engineer
Classification:UTILITIES ENGINEER
$6,488.00 - $12,152.00 Effective July 1, 2025, CalHR launched the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 with Pay Differential 386. PLP 2025 temporarily reduces state employee pay in exchange for leave hours to help address budget shortfalls. Salary ranges in this posting exclude the temporary reduction. For details, visit CalHR’s Personnel Leave Program (PLP) page.
Number of Positions: 1
Work Location:Sacramento County
Telework:Hybrid
Job Type:Permanent, Full Time
Final Filing Date: 7/14/2026

Department Information

The Public Advocate's Office is the independent consumer advocate at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The Public Advocate's Office's mandate is to obtain the lowest possible rates for utility services consistent with reliable and safe service levels and the state’s environmental goals. The Public Advocate's Office represents residential and small business ratepayer interests in Commission policy-making 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.
Please visit www.publicadvocates.cpuc.ca.gov for more information on the Public Advocates Office.

Job Description and Duties

The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy. Please be sure to follow all instructions for each process. The Electricity Planning and Policy Branch within the Public Advocates Office is seeking a Utilities Engineer to join its Procurement Cost Recovery Section. Under supervision of the Program and Project Supervisor, the incumbent performs engineering analysis and develops advocacy recommendations in written and oral testimony or written comments on a broad range of energy utility related matters such as natural gas, hydro, and renewable resource operations; grid interconnection; safety-related engineering issues; and cost of service evaluations. The incumbent will also present findings, conclusions and recommendations in written testimony and testify orally as an expert witness in formal proceedings. The incumbent will also review, develop studies and make appropriate recommendations relating to capital costs, and operations and maintenance of electric generation activities. The incumbent will work on Energy Resource Recovery Account (ERRA) proceeding on operational and compliance issues and will review the proposed application for deficiencies, drafting deficiency letters, identifying key issue areas, field investigations, publication and distribution of staff reports. The incumbent prepares reports and responses to sensitive and controversial inquiries related to electricity procurement. The position requires an ability to work well in a team environment as well as independently under tight time schedules. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

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:
Describe your experience conducting engineering, economic, financial and/or policy research and written reports.
Describe your experience writing clear, persuasive, and concise recommendations, including the ability to explain research findings and policy recommendations to lay audiences.
Describe your experience conveying complex information orally and with visual presentations to a wide variety of audiences. 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.
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 experience conducting engineering, economic, financial and/or policy research and written reports.
Describe your experience writing clear, persuasive, and concise recommendations, including the ability to explain research findings and policy recommendations to lay audiences.
Describe your experience conveying complex information orally and with visual presentations to a wide variety of audiences. It is strongly encouraged to apply through your CalCareer Account at www.jobs.ca.gov.

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: 7/14/2026