Energy Resources Specialist Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established July 23, 1975

Scope

The classes in this series are used to perform a wide variety of consultative, analytical and research oriented assignments in energy resources conservation and development activities. The range of assignments to be performed by this series includes a broad variety of analytical tasks, such as program evaluation and planning; policy analysis and formulation; environmental impact assessment; emergency energy planning, energy supply and demand forecasting, energy site and facility planning; generic and applied energy research in the areas of renewable energy sources such as solar, geothermal, organic and wind; environmental effects of the use of different types of energy resources and conversion techniques; socioeconomic identification and use of methodologies to determine net energy and cost-benefit ratios; resource recovery and alternate fuel sources for nonrenewable energy sources; and, energy conversion and transmission technologies. Incumbents in this series are typically subject-matter specialists who have demonstrated possession of intellectual abilities. They are assigned to work on a broad range of energy and policy problems that may be interdisciplinary in nature. They may be assigned to work as representatives in complex and controversial intergovernmental negotiations. They conduct and/or review analytical studies and surveys; make recommendations on a broad spectrum of energy-related problems; review and analyze proposed legislation and advise on the impact or potential impact of legislation; participate on or act as team, conference, or task force leader on larger studies; coordinate the efforts of representatives of various governmental agencies; work as coordinators and/or contract monitors.

Entry into this series typically comes through related State classification of a lower level or from comparable professional levels outside State service.

Factors Affecting Position Allocations

The scope of responsibility assigned, the complexity of work, the independence of action, program responsibilities, impact of decisions on departmental programs, degree to which consultation by the specialist is sought after and accepted; decision-making responsibilities and the demonstrable effect of same on major programs, and the degree of supervision exercised.

Definition of Levels

Energy Resources Specialist I

This is the full journeyperson level. Incumbents perform responsible, varied and complex technical, analytical or research energy conservation and development work and continually provide consultative services to the department or others. Incumbents may act as team leaders or coordinate the efforts of representatives of various governmental agencies on large projects.

Energy Resources Specialist II

Incumbents either act as working team leader or as lead person over a group of specialists or on the most complex projects, work independently as a subject-matter expert to formulate and develop solutions to extremely difficult problems. Generally, incumbents in this latter capacity have strong "leadership" roles and are called upon to coordinate the efforts of other analysts or researchers to accomplish departmental objectives.

Energy Resources Specialist III (Supervisory)

This is the first full supervisory level. Incumbents typically supervise a group of specialists and have major program responsibilities. Typically, as a full supervisor, incumbents report to a branch chief responsible for several energy-related programs and spend the majority of their time in supervisory activities as distinct from work level assignments.

Energy Resources Specialist III (Managerial)

This is the full management level. Incumbents have full management responsibility for the most complex and sensitive program issues having statewide impact; act as the State's expert on energy conservation practices, power production, energy management, or financing and contracting of energy projects including alternative energy resources; establish policy and priorities; and provide strong leadership and direction toward the accomplishment of major program issues. This level reports directly to the Division Chief level.

Minimum Qualifications

All Levels:

The following education is required when non-California state service experience is used to qualify at any level:

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Energy Resources Specialist I

Either I

One year of experience performing the duties of an Energy Analyst, Range C. (Applicants who have completed six months of service performing the duties specified above will be admitted to the examination but must satisfactorily complete one year of this experience before they can be eligible for appointment.)

Or II

Two years of experience above the trainee level in an energy resources man- agement or research program, environmental protection or research program, applied research in the physical or biological sciences, or energy or environmental engineering. (A graduate degree in one of the physical or biological sciences, engineering, economics, operations research, or other related fields may be substituted for not more than one year of the required experience.)

Energy Resources Specialist II

Either I

One year of experience performing the duties of an Energy Resources Specialist�I.

Or II

Three years of experience above the trainee level in an energy resources management or research program, environmental protection or research program, applied research in the physical or biological sciences, or energy or environmental engineering. (A graduate degree in one of the physical or biological sciences, engineering, economics, operations research, or other related fields may be substituted for not more that one year of the required experience.)

Energy Resources Specialist III (Supervisory)

Energy Resources Specialist III (Managerial)

Either I

One year of experience performing the duties of an Energy Resources Specialist�II.

Or II

Two years of experience performing the duties of an Energy Resources Specialist

I.

Or III

Four years of experience above the trainee level in an energy resources management or research program, environmental protection or research program, applied research in the physical or biological sciences, or energy or environmental engineering. (A graduate degree in one of the physical or biological sciences, engineering, economics, operations research, or other related fields may be substituted for not more that one year of the required experience.)

Knowledge and Abilities

All Levels:

Knowledge of: Energy conservation and development; principles of physical sciences and engineering involved in energy production, transmission, uti- lization and conservation; principles of program evaluation and planning, and energy policy analysis and formulation; Federal, State, local government and private agencies involved in energy research and regulation; general provisions of Federal and State laws and regulations applicable to the construction and operation of utilities; general social and economic implications of energy demand forecasting and facility construction; recent research and development projects in the fields of electrical, nuclear, geothermal, solar and other energy sources; principles and procedures of environmental impact assesment, and energy supply and demand forecasting.

Ability to: Reason logically and creatively and utilize a variety of analytical and research techniques to resolve complex energy conservation and development problems; develop and evaluate alternatives; analyze energy data and present ideas and information effectively both orally and in writing; consult with and advise on a wide variety of energy-related subject-matter areas; gain and maintain the confidence and cooperation of those contacted during the course of work; coordinate the work of others, act as a team or conference leader; analyze situations accurately and take effective action.

Energy Resources Specialist III (Supervisory)

Energy Resources Specialist III (Managerial)

Knowledge of: Principles and methods of personnel management and training; knowledge of the department's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.

Ability to: Plan, direct and coordinate the work of a multidisciplinary staff of engineers, scientist, economists, energy specialists, and other assistants; and appear at public hearings; ability to effectively contribute to the department's affirmative action objectives.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

All Levels:

Possession of a doctorate degree in one of the physical sciences, engineering, economics, or other field closely related to energy resources conservation and development.

Experience in managing an energy program or project dealing specifically with energy supply and demand analysis, energy policy analysis, economic forecasting, energy conservation, environmental protection, facility planning, facility construction, electric power systems regulation, energy resource systems or power plant systems research and development and energy program budget analysis.

Class History