This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
This is supervisory and advanced technical work coordinating the review of utility operations for the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC).
An employee in this class plans, organizes and coordinates the activities of a specialized technical unit responsible for inspecting and monitoring utility operations in an assigned area. Work involves supervising and participating in troubleshooting and resolving customer complaints, 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 also involves serving as an operations technical resource specializing in the evaluation of specific types of equipment usage problems, safety issues and technical data analysis. Supervision is exercised over a small technical staff. General supervision is received from an administrative superior; however, the employee exercises considerable independent judgment in establishing technical standards and procedures, and work is reviewed for conformance to established policies.
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 II with the Missouri Public Service Commission.
OR
Seven 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 up to five years of the required experience.)
OR
Two years of engineering experience; and 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.
This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.
Plans, organizes and coordinates the activities of a specialized technical unit responsible for inspecting and monitoring utility operations in an assigned area.
Supervises and trains a staff of Utility Operations Technical Specialists; assigns specific duties; reviews reports and other documents prepared by subordinate personnel; assists staff in solving work problems.
Assists in the development of PSC policies associated with the technical review of utility operations; develops, revises and implements technical standards and procedures.
Confers with consumers, utilities, intervenors, staff or others concerning changes in utility organizational policy, regulation of rates, design or system changes, and other proposals to determine type, scope and the purpose of studies.
Supervises and/or 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.
Coordinates and participates in the evaluation of records, maps and new construction of facilities for compliance with required rules.
Oversees and participates in the analysis and evaluation of distribution or usage activities in a group of utilities.
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.
Develops and implements methods for monitoring utility project expenditures relating to prudence of business activity.
Coordinates and participates in the establishment of 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.
Coordinates and provides training and technical assistance to enhance utility operations, safety and equipment.
Supervises and participates in the investigation, documentation and resolution of customer service or safety-related complaints, incidents or service outages.
Performs other related work as assigned.
Thorough knowledge of operations, equipment and troubleshooting methods and procedures in the assigned utility area.
Thorough knowledge of available sources and types of information and methods of analysis used in regulated utility industries.
Thorough knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets and database software packages associated with personal computers.
Working knowledge of the principles and techniques of effective supervision and training.
Skill in using test equipment.
Ability to consult with and advise others on design 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 organize, plan and supervise the work of a specialized technical staff.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, consumers and utility personnel.
Ability to travel as necessary to conduct business.