EnergyUtilities Engineer 4

Lacey, WA - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 91464 - 120048

Posted on: 7 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description

WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

Respect. Professionalism. Integrity. Accountability.

Energy/Utilities Engineer 4

Help protect the consumers of Washington state!

Salary Consideration: Range 71 Step A ($91464) Step L ($120048) annually.

The starting employment offer will be determined based on the successful candidates qualifications. Typically Step M of the pay range is a longevity step.

This recruitment is open until December 09 2025 at 11:59pm.

UTC reserves the right to render a hiring decision and/or choose to close or extend this recruitment at any given time. Applications for this recruitment could be used to fill comparable positions that open within the next 60 days.

The Opportunity:
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is seeking to fill the role of one (1) Energy/Utilities Engineer 4positionwithin the Energy Transformation Section of the Regulatory Services Division.This advanced position manages statewide utility engineering projects and programs including electrical utility wildfire mitigation planning electrical distribution system planning and grid interconnection planning. The Energy Transformation Section within the Regulatory Services Division provides regulatory oversight of seven (7) electric and natural gas utilities serving approximately 3 million customers in Washington State with annual revenues exceeding $4.5 billion.

Hybrid:

Although this is a hybrid opportunity the successful incumbent must reside within Washington state and must be available to report to the Lacey Washington headquarters building when needed.

Travel:

Travel will be a required essential component of this position and typically occur within Washington state at a utility office or infrastructure/operational locations. Occasionally travel outside of the state may be required. Travel may occur outside of normal work hours.

Who We Are:
Our mission is to protect the people of Washington by ensuring that investor-owned utility and transportation services are safe equitable reliable and fairly priced.

We protect consumers by regulating the rates services and practices of private or investor-owned utilities and transportation companies to ensure they are safe equitable reliable and affordable.

The UTC is continually recognized for its excellence and integrity as a regulatory agency as we challenge the status quo and ourselves to ensure equitable outcomes for our customers and the people of Washington state.

We recognize that our employees are the key to the agencys success. We are committed to our work but value balance with our personal lives. We demonstrate our commitment to employees by providing an environment that stimulates professional growth and offers continuing learning opportunities meaningful work and a comprehensive benefits package. For more information about our benefits or working at UTC please visit our website.

What We Offer Our Employees:

UTC fosters an environment ofdiversity equity inclusion and belonging while striving to hire and retain a workforce from the communities we serve.
We place importance on a healthybalance between personal and professional lives; offering flexible work schedules wellness programs and mobile/telework opportunities.
Through the state our employees (and their families) are offered options for medical dental vision and basic life insurance.
We offer enrollment into the state retirement programs and a deferred compensation plan.
Throughout a calendar year employees receive a minimum of 14 days of vacation leave per year and 11 paid holidays and 1 personal holiday in addition to accruing sick leave.

Our Values:

Respect -We treat every person and interaction with consideration and goodwill.
Professionalism -We are committed to excellence in our work and conduct.
Integrity -We do the right things for the right reasons - trusting others to do the same.

How to Apply:

Interested in joining the UTC team Click the Apply button at the top to begin! We only consider candidates for further screening if the following documents are attached to your completed application packet.

Letter of Interestdescribing how you meet the position qualifications and why you believe you are the ideal candidate.
Resumedetailing your applicable experience and education.

References: At least three (3) professional references with current telephone numbers and email addresses. One (1) contact MUST be your current or most recent supervisor.

The initial screening of candidates will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the application including answers provided to the Supplemental Questionnaire along with the required attachments - letter of interest resume and references submitted as part of the application process.

Please note see resume will not substitute for completing the work experience section of the application or supplemental questionnaire.

Duties

What youll do:

Reporting to the Energy Transformation Deputy Director the Energy/Utilities Engineer 4 (E/UE 4) provides expert technical leadership regulatory guidance and strategic oversight for engineering programs that promote public safety regulatory compliance energy reliability and equitable access to utility infrastructure across the state.

This role is responsible for the program planning of statewide utility engineering projects with electrical utility wildfire mitigation planning electrical distribution system planning and grid interconnection planning. The E/UE 4 supervises and directs the work of lower-level utility and energy engineers ensuring the effective statewide implementation of technical and regulatory initiatives. The incumbent plans develops and manages complex engineering projects and programs related to interconnection distribution planning wildfire mitigation and broadband access. The position also reviews and evaluates utility filings and infrastructure plans by applying their advanced engineering judgment statistical and field analysis and regulatory knowledge.

Additional duties include but arent limited to the following:

Supervises and directs the work of utility and energy engineering projects and programs related to interconnection distribution planning wildfire mitigation and broadband access.
Guides mentors and trains junior engineers and regulatory staff fostering professional development and maintaining high standards of thorough analytical approach.
Prepares and presents reports data and technical findings to support commission decisions and integrate results into ongoing programs.
Provides written expert testimony and technical recommendations on complex politically sensitive or high-impact issues.
Applies advanced engineering judgment to assess the technical merits of filings and ensures recommendations are grounded in sound regulatory and safety principles.
Reviews validates and conducts field assessments of complex utility engineering reports and infrastructure.
Leads negotiations and discussions with utilities and stakeholders on highly technical or contested regulatory matters.
Conducts ongoing research and professional development to stay current on national and international advancements in utility regulation and technology.
Reviews expert testimony company exhibits work papers and data analyses identifying methodological gaps assumptions and implications for public safety and reliability.
Determines root causes and recommends corrective actions or regulatory responses providing comprehensive briefings and written findings to agency leadership.
Collaborates with attorneys engineers and policymakers to ensure that investigations are methodical transparent and consistent with commission standards.
Fosters a supportive and communicative team environment through proactive engagement consistent follow-up and open feedback channels.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

A bachelors degree in engineering physical science or related technical field from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the US Dept. of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent.
Four (4) years of progressively responsible engineering experience in utilities energy systems or regulatory oversight. An advanced degree in engineering or applicable physical science field may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
Supervisory project management or lead engineer role experience. This experience may run concurrently with overall experience.

Seven (7) years progressive responsible engineering experience in utilities energy systems or regulatory oversight engineering/technician field work with an emphasis in industrial and/or power systems. Experience includes being a supervisor project management lead or in a lead engineer role. This experience may run concurrently with overall experience.

Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities in:

Advanced knowledge of utility systems electrical distribution transmission interconnection and wildfire mitigation technologies.
Excellent written oral and visual communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly to varied audiences.
Knowledge of Electric and/or Gas Utility Systems -Demonstrates understanding of varied utility operations and systems construction practices and engineering specifications and compliance issues associated with operations systems and sound engineering principles.
Research Skills -Knowledge of where and how to access required data and information; anticipates additional resources. Reviews gathered materials drawing out and accurately documenting/recording relevant information. Recognizes when additional sources of information should be consulted and when information is suspect vague or needs to be supplemented or verified. Organizes documents and communicates research results and information in a way that can be understood interpreted and acted upon by end-users.
Judgement and Problem Solving Exercises insight and wisdom when using the Analytical Skills and Critical Thinking and Fundamental Regulatory Skills core competencies; Recognizes underlying or indirect issues within a recommendation field engineering operation proposal or filing and accurately describes relevant context using the Writing and Communication core competencies. Develops negotiates and advocates appropriate compromises and solutions while demonstrating interpersonal understanding and an ability to encourage coach and support individuals; enables the Energy Regulation section to seize opportunities and learn from mistakes.
Analytical Skills and Critical Thinking Independently formulates judgments on complex technical issues conclusions and assertions through the identification organization and analysis of quantitative qualitative and anecdotal data evidence and research; reaches conclusions through the holistic review of multiple forms of evidence and identifies connections gaps discrepancies and key data necessary to reach an informed decision; distinguishes information that is and is not pertinent to a decision or solution. Assesses the workload impact versus the value to the public interest of new proposals or program implementations.
Fundamental Regulatory Skills Applies sound scientific and engineering principles economic theory accounting standards and principles commission policy and interpretive statements legal precedents administrative rules and statutes in a manner consistent with the subject matter; examines issues to understand and discuss historical context; researches general fields of study to understand implication on regulatory mechanisms and practices including: engineering public safety economics accounting business administration and computer science. Effectively persuades others to voluntarily accept recommendations or advice.
Writing and Communication Writes clearly and concisely using analytical skills and critical thinking and holistically reasoned arguments; independently translates complex technical concepts into messages non-technical audiences can readily understand; listens carefully reflects upon what is being said and responds appropriately; presents information clearly accurately and in an audience-specific manner; demonstrates situational awareness by adapting communication styles and tools to ensure that information is accessible to everyone.
Inclusive and Collaborative Conduct Takes responsibility for actions and impacts; works collaboratively as a part of a team; respects the point of view of others and approaches disagreements about work matters with active listening and good will; ensures individual interactions incorporate equitable treatment of the Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Council and other marginalized communities and promptly reports incidences of inequity to a supervisor or leader; demonstrates UTCs Values at all times through the lens of antiracism equity diversity and inclusion.
Leadership Leads by example always demonstrating theInclusive Excellence and Allyship core competency exhibiting balance and fair-handedness in considering various perspectives maintaining composure and level-headedness in difficult situations; demonstrates emotional intelligence and intellectual humility; pursues compromise and collaboration.
Project Management Plans designs organizes leads and executes the work of an individual or team project ensuring a high-quality work product within specific time constraints; leads the development of project and statewide program plans which include establishing realistic timelines identification of attainable project deliverables articulating clear roles and responsibilities for team members and specifying criteria for successful project completion; regularly monitors progress and provides updates to direct supervisor and applicable leaders on the status of the project and program development/implementation including risks and issues that affect the completion of project deliverable(s) and general status updates; displays theCultivating Mutually Beneficial and Trusting Strategic Partnerships core competency and facilitates the building and managing of interpersonal relationships to ensure project program-wide success; demonstrates personal accountability and commitment to the success of the program and each project; responsible for managing and facilitating internal and external feedback processes.
Mentorship Explains and teaches a non-expert how to conduct analysis and reach a recommendation on the employees area of expertise; demonstrates the Inclusive Excellence and Allyship and Communication Skills core competencies; acknowledges that peers may have differences in how they best receive information due to personal cultural or linguistic preferences and modifies mentorship approach so that it is accessible to the recipient.
Peer Review Feedback is expected to demonstrateInclusive Excellence and Allyshipand theCommunication Skills core competencies; be completed within a reasonable timeframe with reasonable accommodations as necessary consistent with section guidelines; be mindful of the personal cultural and linguistic preferences of the recipient.
Communication Skills Demonstrates communication skills (reading comprehension writing listening speaking) appropriate to the position including the ability to communicate technical subjects to both technical and non-technical audiences. Shows respect and courtesy in interpersonal communications.
Adaptability/Flexibility Open to new ideas. Responds constructively to change and stressful consultation with supervisor adjusts plans to meet changing needs.
Self-Development Demonstrates proactive learning. Keeps knowledge and skills up to date. Solicits and accepts constructive feedback. Seeks developmental assignments to improve skills. Turns challenges into learning opportunities.
Continuous Process Improvement Uses Lean tools and principles to continuously identify improvements solve problems and improve work processes. Participates on process improvement projects/teams and thoughtfully engages in section/division meetings.

Demonstration of EDI Competencies (expected of all employees):

The ability to take action to learn and grow.
The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Demonstration of UTC Core Competencies (expected of all employees):

Accountability
DEI Knowledge Understanding & Commitment
Self-Awareness and Commitment to Growth
Cultivating Mutually Beneficial and Trusting Strategic Partnerships
Inclusive Excellence & Allyship
Measuring Success and Improvement
Customer Focus
Results Focus
Communication Skills
Adaptability/Flexibility
Self-Development
Continuous Process Improvement

DesiredExperience Knowledge Skills Abilities:

One or a combination of the following:

An advanced degree in electrical engineering civil mechanical chemical or industrial engineering.
Bachelors degree in engineering and physical sciences.
Professional work experience in large industrial and/or electric power systems adjacent fields involving large industrial networking and/or electric power systems.
Progressive experience and knowledge in an engineering or technical field involving large scale industrial and/or electric power systems.
Experience developing managing and implementing large-scale engineering or technical programs including in-office engineering analysis as well as field operations.
Experience designing and troubleshooting electrical circuits and power systems with an emphasis on work in and around renewable energy systems.
Experience analyzing engineering schematics and diagrams in areas such as protection and control power conversion motor control or sensory/feedback systems.
Experience with industrial-scale monitoring systems such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) to observe system behavior/status.

Supplemental Information

READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY:

This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
This position is exemptfrom the overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Ensure the accuracy spelling and grammar of your application and any requested attachments before submitting.

If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify consider again! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the UTC we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the candidate needed for this or other roles.

All information may be verified; additional documentation may be may be disqualified if the education and/or work experience does not include information used to meet the minimum qualifications of the job.

The UTC is an equal opportunity employer. We want to make sure you have an equal opportunity to join our team. Our commitment is making sure current and future employees are treated fairly and equally without regard to age sex (including gender identity) race ethnicity disability sexual orientation veteran status marital status or religious or political affiliation.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contactFor TTY service please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-.

For more information about the UTC please visit:

State of Washington:

DescriptionWASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONRespect. Professionalism. Integrity. Accountability.Energy/Utilities Engineer 4Help protect the consumers of Washington state!Salary Consideration: Range 71 Step A ($91464) Step L ($120048) annually.The starting employment offer will be d...