This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
- Utility Engineering Specialist II
- What will I be doing?
- Do I qualify?
- Can I be successful?
- Benefits
- How do I apply?
This is journey-level engineering work performing design evaluations and engineering analysis of utilities regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC).
An employee in this class performs moderately complex engineering analysis of utility operations, and prepares material which may be used as testimony in PSC hearings on utility rates, services, construction or production. Work involves serving as an engineering technical resource in the evaluation of specific types of designs, or in engineering areas such as electrical, telecommunications, steam, water, gas or nuclear systems, or in specific aspects of statistics or industrial activity reporting. Work may also involve serving as lead worker over lower-level Utility Engineering Specialists on routine projects in small utilities. General supervision is received from a higher-level Utility Engineering Specialist, Utility Regulatory Engineer or an administrative superior; however, the employee exercises independent judgment in determining methods for completion of work, and work is reviewed for conformance to established policies.
Serves as a lead worker over lower-level Utility Engineering Specialists on routine projects in small utilities; assigns specific duties to subordinates conducting investigations or preparing technical, informative or operational reports; reviews reports and other documents prepared by subordinates for technical accuracy and conformance with agency policies.
Devises methods and establishes criteria for conducting studies; prepares engineering models relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives and numerical parameters.
Devises sampling procedures and designs; develops forms and instructions for recording, evaluating and reporting quality and reliability of data; estimates, tracks and reports production costs such as labor, material, construction and equipment.
Confers with consumers, utilities, intervenors, staff or others concerning proposed changes in utility organizational policy, regulation of rates, or system design; conceptualizes and defines problems in engineering terms, and consults with internal management to determine type, scope and purpose of studies.
Develops and implements methods for monitoring utility project expenditures relating to prudence of business activity and engineering options such as capital equipment acquisition, distribution alternatives and cyclical production activity.
Works with economists, auditors and management personnel in other PSC units to facilitate an understanding of utility technologies; assists non-engineering staff in solving rate problems associated with design issues.
Compiles facts and recommends staff positions on issues such as equipment capacities, interconnecting system traffic, system loads, acquisition and installation costs, flow rates or fuel cycles; presents computerized information in the form of graphs, charts, tables or reports.
Develops and provides testimony at regulatory hearings.
Provides technical assistance to utilities to enhance production methods, improve technology and reduce costs; formulates corrective action plans and tracks implementation.
Investigates consumer reports of poor service or defective, damaged or malfunctioning parts, assemblies, equipment or systems to determine nature and scope of problem.
Observes tests under operational conditions to investigate design proposals for improving equipment performance or other factors.
Confers with vendors to determine specifications and evaluates according to quality standards in order to aid smaller utilities in the identification of potential suppliers.
Participates in meetings, seminars and training sessions; evaluates data in scientific journals, supply catalogs, government documents, and other sources on standards of design and production, materials, processes and parts in order to update knowledge of available resources.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
(The following entrance requirements are used to admit or reject applicants for merit system examinations, or may be used to evaluate applicants for employment in positions not requiring selection from merit system registers. When applicable, equivalent substitution will be allowed for deficiencies in experience or education.)
One year of experience as a Utility Engineering Specialist I with the Missouri Public Service Commission.
OR
Two years of engineering experience; and graduation from a college or university with a Bachelor's degree in civil, electrical, mechanical, structural, nuclear, industrial or engineering management with the curriculum approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. (Graduate work in the specified educational areas may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.)
Please note that documentation that supports your eligibility (i.e. transcripts, employment records, etc.) may be required at any time during the application and hiring process. If you do not possess the minimum qualifications, please consider one of many other employment opportunities with the State of Missouri.
Do you possess the key skills which are considered essential for successful employment in this classification?
Working knowledge of engineering methods and procedures.
Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets and database software packages associated with statistical evaluation and engineering.
Working knowledge of available sources and types of information and methods of analysis used in regulated utility industries.
Some knowledge of the principles and techniques of effective supervision and training.
Ability to consult with and advise others on design and operational features of utility facilities.
Ability to analyze and interpret statistical data such as meaningful associations, estimates or projections, and to present results with clarity and precision to technical and non-technical audiences.
Ability to testify as an expert witness under cross-examination.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and utility representatives.
Ability to travel as necessary to conduct business.
The following link will provide you with general information about State of Missouri employee benefits.
View benefits