New York Department of Public Service
The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description The Utility Engineering Specialist 1, Grade 18, will work in the Electric Safety and Reliability Section of the Office of Energy System Planning and Performance (ESPP), and perform engineering duties related to electric system networks including, but not limited to:
• Inspecting and/or auditing electric utility facilities and testing processes to determine if utilities are properly maintaining their systems and are in compliance with the Commission’s Electric Safety Standards.
• Investigating accidents and incidents on the electric system to ensure system safety and reliability, as well as follow-up on customer complaints filed with the Department or Commission.
• Reviewing specific electric capital investments to establish need, cost, and timing for each program or project for adequacy in maintaining reliability, increasing resilience, and improving automation capabilities, including the assessment of non-wires alternatives and capital investments’ impacts to disadvantaged communities, to support achievement of the State’s clean energy goals in a reliable and cost-effective manner.
• Reviewing and tracking electric utility budgets and variances.
• Developing expertise and operational knowledge of existing and planned designs and operation of the electric networks.
• Providing engineering analysis for rate proceedings and preparing expert testimony, supporting exhibits and input for legal briefs to support staff's findings and positions as part of administrative proceedings on behalf of the Department.
• Participating in staff efforts to collaborate on solutions for, or to negotiate the settlement of electric issues with utilities and other parties.
• Producing memoranda and written reports for staff regarding issues related to the electric industry.
• Developing work plans to meet assignment goals.
• Reviewing utility preparedness to reliably meet projected summer and winter peak loads.
• Assisting in the development of plans to conduct and participate in the management and operational audits of utilities.
• Additional relevant duties may be required, as directed.
The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications General Public
Non-Competitive (NY HELPS)*:
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or higher in an accredited engineering curriculum.
55-b/c:
Candidates who are currently eligible, who meet the qualifications listed in the “Non-Competitive (NY HELPS)” section above are encouraged to apply. If interested in this position and applying using your 55-b/c status, please provide a copy of your current 55-b/c eligibility letter.
Engineering Lists:
Individuals meeting the above minimum qualifications who are currently on any Engineering Examination List are encouraged to apply to this posting as the list(s) will not be canvassed at this time.
Transfer:
Current New York State employee with one year or more of permanent, competitive, or 55-b/c service as a Utility Engineering Specialist 1, Grade 18.
Additional comments regarding the vacancy. Additional Comments About the Department:
The New York State Department of Public Service (DPS or Department) works to: ensure safe, affordable, and reliable access to electric, gas, steam, water, and telecommunications services at just and reasonable rates for New York State customers, protect the natural environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions via transmission and siting of renewable energy resources, and augment the resiliency of utility infrastructure.
Additional Comments:
The above salary range reflects the Geographic Pay Differential of $10,000.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The Department of Public Service is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting the Designee for Reasonable Accommodations (DRA) and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator which can be found under the Accessibility Link on the Department’s webpage at https://dps.ny.gov.
Additional Comments:
* This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.
At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
Some positions may require travel and as such, it may require that you have a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State or otherwise demonstrate an ability to perform the required field work if public transportation is not available. You will be advised of this further at the employment interview.
Background Investigation: Due to the nature of these positions, there may be an investigative screening which could include a thorough character investigation. All convictions must be reported. Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor or any falsified or omitted information may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case is determined on its own merit, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.