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Energy Commission Specialist/Supervisor (Efficiency) Series

​Energy Commission Specialist/Supervisor (Efficiency) Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established December 16, 1976

Scope

This series describes six specialty classes used in the Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to perform or supervise technical, professional work in energy efficiency.

 

Energy Commission Specialist/Supervisor (Efficiency) Series Specification - Class Titles and Codes
Schem CodeClass CodeClass
BJ804938Associate Energy Specialist (Efficiency)
BJ504935Energy Commission Specialist I (Efficiency)
BJ204927Energy Commission Supervisor I (Efficiency) (Abolished 02/02/2017 per Pay Letter 17-11)
BJ404936Energy Commission Specialist II (Efficiency)
BJ034940Energy Commission Supervisor II (Efficiency)
BJ304937Energy Commission Specialist III (Efficiency)

Definition of Series

The work performed by nonsupervisory classes ranges from the full journey level to the highest level of technical advisor to the Commission on program and policy issues. Supervisory classes consists of two levels which provide first and second levels of staff supervision. Incumbents conduct, monitor or supervise various technical, regulatory and/or scientific projects, studies and programs undertaken by the Commission. Work is technical in nature and involves analytical, consultative and advisory services to evaluate and regulate the various programs and policies that are developed and administered by the Commission.

 

Incumbents in this specialty either perform or supervise the work to identify, analyze and develop energy conservation, load management and efficiency measures, activities, regulations and programs; provide technical quality control as part of contract management; and independently plan, organize and conduct complex studies of energy use, efficiency and conservation.

 

Incumbents identify and implement cost-effective energy options for specific end users by providing technical assistance, grants and loans to fund technical analysis and energy saving projects (including energy resources, conversion and transmission) for local governments, schools, hospitals and the agricultural sector, as well as encourage technology transfer by providing training and information to energy users through publications, workshops, seminars and direct on-site assistance.

 

Incumbents either perform or supervise the analysis, design, implementation and enforcement of State energy efficiency standards; collect and analyze energy and economic data on new residential and commercial buildings and appliances; work with advisory groups, developing materials and providing training to assist in implementation of the standards; use technical research and computer models to determine the effects of potential conservation measures for incorporation into the standards; provide estimates of the economic and energy savings impacts of all conservation, load management and efficiency programs in the State (including State, utility and third-party programs); create new methods/models where necessary to address new analytical issues; provide original market and customer behavior research; evaluate the costs and benefits of conservation, load management and efficiency measures and programs for utilities and consumers; measure the energy savings that have accrued due to building standards, appliance standards and other conservation programs; determine the proper amount of conservation that is cost effective for new and continuing energy efficiency programs; provide recommendations to utilities and the California Public Utilities Commission through expert witness testimony in general rate cases and other proceedings concerning appropriate utility conservation expenditures and energy savings targets; develop conservation measures to be implemented at the user level; provide impact analyses of various conservation measures; analyze institutional restraints; and develop recommendations for institutional modification to support energy conservation.

 

Incumbents review, analyze, and assess the efficiency of buildings and appliances; design, develop and recommend construction, maintenance, and operational features in buildings and appliances to maximize energy efficiency; coordinate and communicate with local, State, and Federal agencies and building and appliance industry regarding energy efficiency.

Entry Level

Entry into this series is typically from the Energy Analyst classification.

Definition of Levels*

Associate Energy Specialist (Efficiency)

This is the full journeyperson level in the class series. Incumbents independently perform responsible, varied and complex technical and analytical work.

 

* Additional information regarding functions performed, complexity factors, and scope of responsibility, is contained in a separate document titled "Allocation Guidelines for the Energy Commission Specialist Series".

 

Positions at this level are nonsupervisory but may serve as lead over lower-level technical and analytical staff.

Energy Commission Specialist I (Efficiency)

Specialist I positions are characterized by incumbents independently performing more complex, sensitive and responsible energy-related work which requires, on a regular basis, a high level of knowledge, skill and ability which is demonstrably above the journey level.

 

Incumbents in this class will usually possess technical expertise in one or more energy-related fields. Incumbents perform a broad range of duties within the program specialty. Incumbents may exercise some lead responsibility as Project Managers. Incumbents may be responsible for minor Commission reports and may lead other Energy Commission Specialists ​I in carrying out project responsibility.

Energy Commission Supervisor I (Efficiency)

This is the first supervisory level of the series. Incumbents are working supervisors responsible for planning, supervising and directing a small staff of scientific/technical positions. Incumbents typically exercise the full range of supervisory responsibility over 3-5 technical/professional staff at the Energy Analyst and Associate Energy Specialist level.

Energy Commission Specialist II (Efficiency)

Specialist II positions are identified by top Commission management as requiring the service of the most highly skilled practitioners who serve as prime resources and innovators in energy-related subjects which are the most sensitive and complex due to the rapid development in the subject area, extremely high legislative and media attention and multi-state impact.

 

Incumbents provide expert guidance on highly complex and technical problems; and provide expert consultation services within the area of expertise.

 

Incumbents may also serve as project leaders to address broad national issues such as global warming. Such major projects are characterized by their multidisciplinary scope and/or interstate impact.

Energy Commission Supervisor II (Efficiency)

This is the second supervisory level of the series, typically responsible for two or more small units, with a total minimum of professional six staff. Typically, the staff will be at the Energy Analyst through Energy Commission Specialist I level and include direct supervision of Energy Commission Supervisor I positions. In the more complex and technical functional areas, staff at the Associate Energy Specialist level and above may report directly to the Energy Commission Supervisor II, provided that the minimum staff size requirement is met.

 

Incumbents supervise and direct technical employees and have major program responsibilities in the more complex and technical functional areas of an office either directly or through Energy Commission Supervisors I.

Energy Commission Specialist III (Efficiency)

This is the highest level of specialist assignment in the series intended to accommodate the broadest and most advanced levels of expertise required and to act as a technical advisor to the Commission on program and policy issues.

 

Incumbents provide expert consultation in a broad range of technical and functional areas of policy development to top administration; make policy recommendations affecting program direction; and provide testimony to legislative bodies, outside agencies and Commission committees.

Minimum Qualifications

All Levels:

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

 

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

Associate Energy Specialist (Efficiency)

Either I

 

One year of experience in the California State service performing efficiency duties in areas related to energy conservation, load management and efficiency measures, building and appliance standards and regulations; energy cost effectiveness and savings measures; including duties such as energy cost effectiveness, end use modeling, and estimates of energy and savings impacts at a level of responsibility equivalent to Energy Analyst, Range C. (Applicants who have completed six months of service performing the duties as specified above will be admitted to the examination but they must satisfactorily complete one year of this experience before they can be eligible for appointment.)

Or II

 

Three years of responsible technical experience in one or more of the areas described in Pattern I above, including two years of experience above the trainee level. A master's degree in a field related to one of the specialties may be substituted for one year of the required experience; while a doctoral degree may be substituted for two years of the required experience. Only one postgraduate degree may be counted towards experience. (Completion of dissertation research for a doctoral degree in a field appropriate to one of the Energy Commission specialties may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience.)

Energy Commission Specialist I (Efficiency)

Either I

 

One year of experience in the California State service performing efficiency duties in areas related to energy conservation, load management and efficiency measures, building and appliance standards and regulations; energy cost effectiveness and savings measures; including duties such as energy cost effectiveness, end use modeling, and estimates of energy and savings impacts at a level of responsibility equivalent to Associate Energy Specialist.

Or II

 

Four years of responsible technical experience in one or more of the areas described in Pattern I above, including three years of experience above the trainee level. A master's degree in a field related to one of the specialties may be substituted for one year of the required experience; while a doctoral degree may be substituted for two years of the required experience. Only one postgraduate degree may be counted towards experience. (Completion of dissertation research for a doctoral degree in a field appropriate to one of the Energy Commission specialties may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience.)

 

(Experience in the California State service applied toward this pattern must include at least one year performing the duties in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to Associate Energy Specialist.)

Energy Commission Supervisor I (Efficiency)

Either I

 

One year of experience in the California State service performing efficiency duties in areas related to energy conservation, load management and efficiency measures, building and appliance standards and regulations; energy cost effectiveness and savings measures; including duties such as energy cost effectiveness, end use modeling, and estimates of energy and savings impacts at a level of responsibility equivalent to Associate Energy Specialist.

Or II

 

Four years of responsible technical experience in one or more of the areas described in Pattern I above, including three years of experience above the trainee level. A master's degree in a field related to one of the specialties may be substituted for one year of the required experience; while a doctoral degree may be substituted for two years of the required experience. Only one postgraduate degree may be counted towards experience. (Completion of dissertation research for a doctoral degree in a field appropriate to one of the Energy Commission specialties may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience.)

 

(Experience in the California State service applied toward this pattern must include at least one year performing the duties in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to Associate Energy Specialist.)

Energy Commission Specialist II (Efficiency)

Either I

 

One year of experience in the California State service performing efficiency duties in areas related to energy conservation, load management and efficiency measures, building and appliance standards and regulations; energy cost effectiveness and savings measures; including duties such as energy cost effectiveness, end use modeling, and estimates of energy and savings impacts at a level of responsibility equivalent to Energy Commission Specialist I.

Or II

 

Two years of experience in the California State service performing efficiency duties in areas related to energy conservation, load management and efficiency measures, building and appliance standards and regulations; energy cost effectiveness and savings measures; including duties such as energy cost effectiveness, end use modeling, and estimates of energy and savings impacts at a level of responsibility equivalent to Associate Energy Specialist.

Or III

 

Five years of responsible technical experience in one or more of the areas described in Pattern I above, including four years of experience above the trainee level. A master's degree in a field related to one of the specialties may be substituted for one year of the required experience; while a doctoral degree may be substituted for two years of the required experience. Only one postgraduate degree may be counted towards experience. (Completion of dissertation research for a doctoral degree in a field appropriate to one of the Energy Commission specialties may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience.)

 

(Experience in the California State service applied toward this pattern must include at least one year performing the duties in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to Energy Commission Specialist I.)

Energy Commission Supervisor II (Efficiency)

Either I

 

One year of experience in the California State service performing efficiency duties in areas related to energy conservation, load management and efficiency measures, building and appliance standards and regulations; energy cost effectiveness and savings measures; including duties such as energy cost effectiveness, end use modeling, and estimates of energy and savings impacts at a level of responsibility equivalent to Energy Commission Specialist I.

Or II

 

Two years of experience in the California State service performing efficiency duties in areas related to energy conservation, load management and efficiency measures, building and appliance standards and regulations; energy cost effectiveness and savings measures; including duties such as energy cost effectiveness, end use modeling, and estimates of energy and savings impacts at a level of responsibility equivalent to Associate Energy Specialist.

Or III

 

Five years of responsible technical experience in one or more of the areas described in Pattern I above, including four years of experience above the trainee level. A master's degree in a field related to one of the specialties may be substituted for one year of the required experience; while a doctoral degree may be substituted for two years of the required experience. Only one postgraduate degree may be counted towards experience. (Completion of dissertation research for a doctoral degree in a field appropriate to one of the Energy Commission specialties may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience.)

 

(Experience in the California State service applied toward this pattern must include at least one year performing the duties in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to Energy Commission Specialist I.)

Energy Commission Specialist III (Efficiency)

Either I

 

One year of experience in the California State service performing efficiency duties in areas related to energy conservation, load management and efficiency measures, building and appliance standards and regulations; energy cost effectiveness and savings measures; including duties such as energy cost effectiveness, end use modeling, and estimates of energy and savings impacts at a level of responsibility equivalent to Energy Commission Specialist II.

Or II

 

Two years of experience in the California State service performing efficiency duties in areas related to energy conservation, load management and efficiency measures, building and appliance standards and regulations; energy cost effectiveness and savings measures; including duties such as energy cost effectiveness, end use modeling, and estimates of energy and savings impacts at a level of responsibility equivalent to Energy Commission Specialist I.

Or III

 

Six years of responsible technical experience in one or more of the areas described in Pattern I above, including five years of experience above the trainee level. A master's degree in a field related to one of the specialties may be substituted for one year of the required experience; while a doctoral degree may be substituted for two years of the required experience. Only one postgraduate degree may be counted towards experience. (Completion of dissertation research for a doctoral degree in a field appropriate to one of the Energy Commission specialties may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience.)

 

(Experience in the California State service applied toward this pattern must include at least one year performing the duties in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to Energy Commission Specialist II.)

Knowledge and Abilities

All Levels:

Knowledge of: A wide range of energy technologies and associated conservation programs, efficiency standards, end-use forecasting methodologies and related conservation issues; assessment of energy efficiency of buildings and appliances; energy demand forecasts and supply analyses, energy policy issues affecting or resulting from end-use energy technology development, and end-use energy project management techniques; California Public Resource Code pertaining to energy resources conservation and development; principles of physical sciences and engineering involved in fuels and energy production, transmission, utilization, and conservation; principles of econometric, engineering and end-use energy demand forecasting, conservation impacts forecasting, new demand-reducing technologies growth forecasting, computer modeling, data base development and monitoring, utility and other end-use forecasting methods; commercially available energy conservation and alternative energy generation technologies; principles of engineering economics, financial analysis, and economic theory as it pertains to energy supply and demand; energy technology costs and cost-accounting methods; industrial energy conversion technologies, thermodynamic analysis of heat loads in buildings, and direct energy use surveys; general provisions of social and economic implications of fuels and energy demand forecasting, resources planning and conservation program implementation; recent research and development projects in the fields of electrical and other energy sources, and end-use systems and technologies; principles and procedures of environmental impact assessment, energy supply and demand forecasting, safety standards review and assessment, and energy utilization and conservation program standards design and monitoring; principles of program evaluation and planning, and energy policy analysis and formulation; decision theory, probabilistic risk assessment, and techniques of comparative evaluation; Federal, State and local governments and building and appliance industry involved in energy efficiency, conservation, end-use forecasting, research and regulation.

 

Ability to: Reason logically and creatively and use a variety of analytical and research techniques to resolve complex fuels development, energy conservation and development problems, develop and use complex computer programs and end-use forecasting models; develop and evaluate alternatives; perform policy analysis and formulate policy recommendations; act as team or project leader; manage contracts; analyze energy data and present ideas and information effectively both orally and in writing; ability to design, develop, and recommend construction, maintenance, and operational features in buildings and appliances to maximize energy efficiency; acquire and prepare energy use and other data relevant to energy demand forecasting and end-use issues; evaluate and quantify the effect of conservation programs on energy demand; present ideas and analysis cogently and effectively, consult with and advise Office Managers, Division Administrators, Commissioners and other interested members of the State energy community on a wide variety of energy efficiency and conservation subject-matter areas; gain and maintain the confidence and cooperation of those contacted during course of work; analyze situations accurately, take effective actions, and act independently within the guidelines set forth by the Commission.

Energy Commission Specialist II and III (Efficiency)

Knowledge of: A variety of analytical and research techniques to resolve complex and policy sensitive issues and technical problems; significant trends and issues reported in the energy literature; theory and practice of utility planning and regulation, in general, and as implemented in California; energy efficiency, conservation, planning, forecasting and research methods including problem definition, data acquisition, and analytical techniques; and other Federal, State and local energy-related environmental goals, policies and organizations.

 

Ability to: Coordinate the complex technical work of others, act as a team or conference leader to analyze the more technical and complex situations accurately and take effective action; establish and maintain project priorities; effectively employ computer techniques for problem solving; testify as subject-matter expert (energy efficiency, conservation, appliance standards, building standards, energy policies, major Commission policy reports) before the Commission and other groups; and serve as the Commission's top adviser in such areas.

Energy Commission Supervisor I and II (Efficiency)

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of employee supervision, development and training; program management, formal and informal aspects of legislative process; the Commission's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a supervisor's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives; principle practices and trends of management and administration such as budget, personnel, planning, program evaluation and related areas; and Federal, State and local environmental goals, policies and organizations.

 

Ability to: Review and constructively critique the work of others; coordinate the work of others; supervise a team of interdisciplinary specialists; review and edit complex technical and other written reports; effectively utilize interdisciplinary teams in the conduct of studies; prepare and direct the preparation of complex reports; manage a complex energy project; establish and maintain project priorities; develop and effectively use all available resources; and effectively contribute to the Commission's affirmative action objectives.

Class History

Energy Commission Specialist/Supervisor (Efficiency) Series History - Dates Established, Revised, and Title Changed
ClassDate EstablishedDate RevisedTitle Changed
Associate Energy Specialist (Efficiency)12/16/197609/12/199009/12/1990
Energy Commission Specialist I (Efficiency)12/16/197609/12/199009/12/1990
Energy Commission Supervisor I (Efficiency) (Abolished 02/02/2017 per Pay Letter 17-11)09/12/1990----
Energy Commission Specialist II (Efficiency)12/16/197609/12/199009/12/1990
Energy Commission Supervisor II (Efficiency)12/16/197609/12/199009/12/1990
Energy Commission Specialist III (Efficiency)12/16/197609/12/199009/12/1990
  Updated: 4/24/2017
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