This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
This is advanced technical work in the review of utility operations for the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC).
An employee in this class performs specialized technical work in the inspection and monitoring of utility operations in an assigned area, such as water and sewer, gas safety or telecommunications. Work involves testing utility distribution systems or equipment and recommending corrective actions, providing reviews of general operations and complex safety issues, and assessing quality of service and prudence of management rate issues. Work may involve serving as a lead worker over lower-level Utility Operations Technical Specialists on complex issues, and serving as an operations technical resource specializing in the evaluation of specific types of equipment usage problems, safety issues or technical data analysis. General supervision is received from an administrative superior; however, the employee exercises independent judgment in applying established rules and policies associated with safety and distribution services.
Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
(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 Operations Technical Specialist I with the Missouri Public Service Commission.
OR
Five years of technical experience in one or more of the following utility areas: telecommunications, electric, gas, steam, water and/or sewer. (College coursework in civil, electrical, mechanical, structural, nuclear, industrial or engineering management may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.)
OR
Graduation from a college or university with a Bachelor's degree in civil, electrical, mechanical, structural, nuclear, industrial or engineering management from a school with the curriculum approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Some assignments require the ability to obtain certification as a gas safety inspector from the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) within a timeframe established by the Public Service Commission.
This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.
Serves as lead worker over lower-level Utility Operations Technical Specialists during special studies or complex field investigations; reviews reports and other documents prepared by subordinate personnel for technical accuracy and conformance with agency policies.
Provides training to lower-level Utility Operations Technical Specialists in the use of test equipment and in regulatory methods and procedures applicable to a specialized utility area.
Conducts tests of equipment to evaluate existing physical plant and facilities; observes tests under operational conditions to investigate design proposals for improving equipment performance or other factors.
Evaluates records, maps and new construction of facilities for compliance with required rules.
Installs, mounts and connects specified computer hardware and wiring to interface with equipment control circuits.
Models or tests systems and circuits to verify proper system operation; diagnoses malfunctions using voltmeter, logic analyzer and/or oscilloscope; isolates electrical faults based on test results, specification data and symptoms; maintains records of test results.
Analyzes and evaluates distribution or usage activities in a group of utilities.
Compiles facts and establishes staff positions on issues such as equipment capacities, interconnecting system traffic, system loads, acquisition and installation costs, flow rates or fuel cycles.
Develops and presents testimony at PSC regulatory hearings.
Provides training and technical assistance to enhance utility operations, safety and equipment.
Investigates, documents and resolves customer service or safety-related complaints, incidents or service outages.
Conducts gas safety field investigations within a response time of two hours to determine causes of incidents such as fires and gas explosions; interviews witnesses, takes notes and photographs of the incident site, and shares information with utility representatives, insurance companies, police and fire investigators.
Reviews repairs made by gas utilities; inspects sites to assure utility adherence to gas pipeline safety regulations.
Maintains databases and produces reports using a personal computer.
Performs other related work as assigned.
Considerable knowledge of operations, equipment and troubleshooting methods and procedures in the assigned utility area.
Considerable knowledge of available sources and types of information and methods of analysis used in regulated utility industries.
Considerable knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets and database software packages associated with personal computers.
Some knowledge of the principles and techniques of effective supervision and training.
Skill in using test equipment.
Ability to consult with and advise others on designs and operational features of utility facilities in the assigned specialty area.
Ability to analyze and interpret statistical data, and to present results with clarity and precision.
Ability to testify as an expert witness under cross-examination.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, consumers and utility personnel.
Ability to travel as necessary to conduct business.