Electric Generation System Program Specialist Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established March 16, 1977

Scope

This series specification describes three classes in which employees under general direction independently plan, organize, and conduct complicated studies requiring knowledge and abilities beyond the journeyperson level which affect programs within the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission. Incumbents in the series are subject-matter experts who have demonstrated expertise in electric generation system planning program areas. Incumbents in these classes provide expert consultative services on the feasibility, impact, or potential of a variety of operations, projects or proposals. They advise Commissioners, management, staff legislative bodies, governmental entities, Commissions, and agencies on findings related to the electric generation system planning area. Positions in this class perform the most difficult assignments relating to engineering and economic studies of alternative electric generation methods and fuels; evaluate the need for new generation facilities; develop and analyze alternatives to current electric generation methods; evaluate new electric generation technologies and their relationships to present and future resource plans; evaluate the design and approve implementation of generation system models; evaluate the economic consequences of generation costs to the electric utilities and members of the public.

Positions in this series are not designated as management.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

Degree to which consultation by the Specialist is sought after and accepted by the Commission, decision-making responsibilities, demonstrable effect of same on major Commission programs, impact of results on field.

No more than one position is to be allocated to each level.

Definition of Levels

Electric Generation System Program Specialist I

The positions are characterized by assignments which require a high degree of skill and are of a type not assigned to the Electric Generation System Specialist I level on a regular basis. Positions in this class are not supervisory.

Electric Generation System Program Specialist II

The positions are identified by top Commission management as requiring the service of the most highly skilled practitioners who serve as prime resource persons and innovators in the subject matter. Positions in this class are not supervisory.

Electric Generation System Program Specialist III

A position is identified by top Commission management to be occupied by an individual who is widely recognized as having distinguished herself/himself in electric generation systems and who will serve as the Commission's top advisor in that field. Positions in this class are not supervisory.

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 experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Electric Generation System Program Specialist I

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing electric generation duties in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to that of Electric Generation System Specialist I.

Or II

Experience: Four years of progressively responsible technical energy experience in electric generation system planning design, evaluation, or operation field, including three years of experience above the trainee level. A Master's Degree in Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Economics, Computer Sciences or other closely related field, may be substituted for one year of the required experience. Individuals with two different recognized graduate degrees (each of which constitutes a full degree program in one of the areas shown above) may substitute this achievement for two years of experience.

(Experience in the California state service applied toward this requirement must include one year of energy experience in a class at a level of responsibility at least equivalent to Electric Generation System Specialist I.)

Electric Generation System Program Specialist II

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing electric generation system planning duties in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to that of Electric Generation System Program Specialist I; or

Two years of experience in the California state service performing pertinent energy related duties of a class at a level of responsibility equivalent to Electric Generation System Specialist I.

Or II

Experience: Five years of progressively responsible technical energy experience in electric generation system planning, design, evaluation, or operation including four years of experience above the trainee level. A Master's Degree in Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Economics, Computer Sciences or other closely related field, may be substituted for one year of the required experience. Individuals with two different recognized graduate degrees (each of which constitutes a full degree program in one of the areas shown above) may substitute this achievement for two years of experience.

(Experience in the California state service applied toward this pattern must include one year of experience in a class at a level of responsibility at least equivalent to Electric Generation System Program Specialist I.)

Electric Generation System Program Specialist III

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing electric generation system planning duties in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to that of Electric Generation System Program Specialist II; or

Two years of experience in the California state service performing pertinent energy related duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to Electric Generation System Program Specialist I.

Or II

Experience: Six years of progressively responsible technical energy experience in electric generation system planning, design, evaluation, or operation, including five years of experience above the trainee level. A Master's Degree in Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Economics, Computer Sciences or other closely related field, may be substituted for one year of the required experience. Individuals with two different recognized graduate degrees (each of which constitutes a full degree program in one of the areas shown above) may substitute this achievement for two years of experience.

(Experience in the California state service applied toward this pattern must include one year of experience in a class at a level of responsibility equivalent to Electric Generation System Program Specialist II.)

Knowledge and Abilities

All Levels:

Knowledge of: California Public Resources Code pertaining to energy conservation and development; design and operation of existing electrical generating facilities (nuclear, coal, oil, combustion, and hydro), advanced electrical generating technologies; environmental and economic aspects of various fuel types; generation expansion modeling techniques and approaches; electricity system planning and operation; power system economics alternative generation technologies and environmental consequences of generation facility construction and operation.

Ability to: Evaluate alternative generation methods; develop viable resource plans and supply mix strategies; analyze environmental and economic impacts; evaluate utility proposed resource plans for compatibility with electrical demand forecast; design and use mathematical modeling techniques for use in generation system planning; develop and present oral and written testimony in resource planning and environmental impacts; analyze energy and electricity data and develop technical information both orally and in writing; consult with and advise Office Managers, Division Administrators and Commissioners on a wide variety of electric generation system planning subject-matter areas; coordinate the work of others, act as a team or conference leader.

Electric Generation System Program Specialist II and III

Knowledge of: All of the above, and principles, practices and trends of management and supportive services such as budget, personnel, planning, program evaluation or related areas; principles and practices of employee supervision, development and training; program management, formal and informal aspects of the legislative process; the administration and environmental goals and policies; and governmental functions and organization at the State and local level; Commission'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: All of the above, and reason logically and creatively and utilize a variety of analytical techniques to resolve complex managerial problems; review and edit written reports; utilize interdisciplinary teams effectively in the conduct of studies; manage a complex energy program; establish and maintain project priorities; and develop and effectively utilize all available resources; effectively contribute to the Commission's affirmative action objectives.

Class History