Engineering Specialist (Engineering Specialist II-IV)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Perform moderately complex (journey-level) to highly complex (senior-level) on a broad range of water and sewer utility issues. Work involves identifying, analyzing, and providing recommendations regarding issues related to planning, field and system operations and maintenance in the water and sewer utility industry. Work under general to limited supervision with limited to considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Review water and sewer tariff changes, utility rate applications, depreciation schedules and studies, and rate designs; and make recommendations on utility plant in service and rate designs to ensure customers are charged just and reasonable rates.
  • Review Certificates of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) related applications and provide recommendations on the technical capability of the applicant to provide water or sewer service.
  • Participate in utility rate settlement negotiations.
  • Prepare written testimony on rate and CCN related applications for filing in contested proceedings and defend

    testimony under cross examinations during public hearings to present the agency’s position.

  • Provide technical assistance, technical data/information and rule interpretations to the public related to water

    and sewer utilities.

  • Conduct inspections of utility facilities, and audit records for utility rate setting purposes.
  • Assists in creation of staff guidance, rule creations and revisions.
  • Work with others to resolve issues and establish Commission policies.
  • Conduct investigations and prepare technical reports.

Type: Full-time Part-time Temporary
*The salary for an ERS Retiree or non-contributing member will be 9.5% less than the offered salary.

website: www.puc.texas.gov Human Resources: (512) 936-7060

  • Serve as a project leader, project member, and advisor on water and sewer utility matters.
  • Provide information regarding Commission policies and procedures to industry stakeholders, personnel of the

    legislature, other government agencies, and the public.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor or post-graduate degree in engineering or related field.
  • Engineering Specialist III: Minimum of two (2) years of full-time work experience in engineering related activities, field and/or system operations, and/or planning.
  • Engineering Specialist IV: Minimum of three (3) years of full-time work experience in engineering related activities, field and/or system operations, and/or planning.

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

    Engineer in Training (EIT) or professional engineer license from the State of Texas. Applicants licensed as a professional engineer from the State of Texas will be considered and classified within the Engineer II-IV, Class# 2152-2154, Group B22-B24, commensurate with qualifications.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

    • Knowledge of drinking water and sewer utility regulations.
    • Skill in the use of personal computers, and MS Office software.
    • Skill in technical research and writing.
    • Skill in preparing technical reports.
    • Ability to handle pressure with providing testimony under oath and defending agency positions.
    • Ability to monitor and work on multiple tasks with varying time schedules, and meet deadlines.
    • Ability to interpret the Commission’s rules and regulations and apply them equitably.
    • Ability to train less experienced staff.
    • Ability to communicate complex concepts orally and in writing.
    • Ability to work efficiently independently, as a team member or as team leader, depending on the particular

    assignment.
    • Ability to work harmoniously with Commission personnel, industry stakeholders, personnel of the legislature, other

    government agencies, and the public.
    • Ability to attend work regularly and adhere to approved work schedule.

    REMARKS

  • An internal applicant who is selected for a position in their current salary group with the same or new state classification title will not receive a salary increase.
  • Candidates invited to interview may be given a writing skills exercise.
  • If required for position, licensure as a Professional Engineer or to practice law in Texas will be verified on the

    selected candidate through either the Professional Board of Engineers or the State Bar of Texas.

  • Some positions may require additional work hours including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays to meet

    critical deadlines. Employees will earn compensatory time or overtime dependent on FLSA status.

  • More than one position may be filled under this posting. Employees are required to comply with agency

    policies and provisions outlined in the employee handbook.

  • The job posting in no way states or implies that the duties listed above are exclusive. Employees are required

    to perform other duties as may be assigned.

  • A satisfactory driving record is required for driving a state or personal vehicle to conduct agency business.

    Selected candidates will have their driving record evaluated in accordance with the Commission’s Traffic

    Safety policy.

  • For males born on or after January 1, 1960, the PUC will verify proof of Selective Service registration through

    the online Selective Service System. Any males born after January 1, 1960 who are not registered will need

    to provide proof of exemption from the Selective Service registration requirement.

  • The Public Utility Commission participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s

    Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

  • The PUC has a Post-Employment Restriction – details furnished upon request.
  • Female and minority applicants are encouraged to apply.

website: www.puc.texas.gov Human Resources: (512) 936-7060

  • The PUC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services.
  • In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the PUC will provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with a disability. An individual requiring a reasonable accommodation should contact Human Resources at (512) 936-7060 or humanresources@puc.texas.gov.

website: www.puc.texas.gov Human Resources: (512) 936-7060