Utility Engineering Specialist at State Department of Public Service

Title and Grade

Utility Engineering Specialist 1, Grade 18 (NY HELPS, two positions)

$76,951 - $95,138 (see additional comments)

Office of Energy System Planning and Performance;
Albany, NY

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. Learn more about DPS and how you can make a difference by checking out our video and more at: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or higher in an accredited engineering curriculum.

A bachelor’s degree or higher in electrical engineering and/or engineering experience in electrical systems.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.
• Assist 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 above salary range reflects the Geographic Pay Differential of $10,000.

* 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…