​Energy Commission Specialist/Supervisor (Technology Evaluation & Development) Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established December 20, 1988

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 technology evaluation and development.

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 either perform of supervise the work to plan, organize, and conduct complex studies and programs of various energy technologies and their potential impacts on California's existing energy systems; provide expert consultative services on the scope and direction of analyses and evaluations necessary to address issues regarding energy technologies and their deployment in California; and advise Commissioners, management, staff legislative bodies both State and Federal, governmental entities including other Commissions and regulatory bodies, on the findings and implications of comparative analysis done under their direction; develop information and analysis necessary for making informed choices between the balance of competing energy supply and efficiency improving technologies.

Incumbents either perform or supervise work to analyze issues associated with energy technology development and use and to manage a variety of energy research development and demonstration projects. Incumbents develop the information necessary to perform comparative evaluation of energy supply and efficiency improving technologies and alternative fuels; analyze issues associated with energy technology development and use; and manage a variety of energy research development and demonstration projects.

Positions in these classes determine the characteristics of both existing and developing energy supply, conservation, resources, technologies, and systems as they might be deployed in California or elsewhere; evaluate, compare, and contrast the roles that various technologies might play in meeting California's future energy needs; manage various technology development projects, and prepare recommendations for Commission considerations.

Incumbents are involved with issues dealing with a wide range of energy technologies and associated issues; technology issues, energy supply and demand, energy policy questions, and project management. Energy technologies and alternative fuels addressed include solar, thermal, electric and photovoltaics, geothermal energy resources and technology applications, wind energy technologies, advanced energy efficiency technologies, advanced combustion technologies, waste-to-energy and advances biomass conversion technologies, and advanced transportation energy technologies and related alternative fuels technologies (including methanol, ethanol, compressed natural gas, liquified petroleum gas, electric vehicles, and hydrogen).

Incumbents evaluate promising energy technologies and their potential economic (including export potential), environmental, and public health impact on California's economy and environment; prepare written evaluations and recommendations; manage alternative fuel and energy-related technology development projects; and disseminate findings as testimony before public agencies and as presentations before other interested public and private groups.

Entry Level

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

Definition of Levels*

Associate Energy Specialist (Technology Evaluation and Development)

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

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

Energy Commission Specialist I (Technology Evaluation and Development)

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.

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* 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"

Energy Commission Supervisor I (Technology Evaluation and Development)

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 (Technology Evaluation and Development)

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 their 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 interstate impact.

Energy Commission Supervisor II (Technology Evaluation and Development)

This is the second supervisory level of the series, typically responsible for two or more small units, with a total minimum of six professional 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 (Technology Evaluation and Development)

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 (Technology Evaluation and Development)

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing technology evaluation and development duties in areas related to energy technologies, energy research, development and demonstration projects; advanced combustion technologies; transportation energy technologies and alternative fuels; efficiency improving energy technology and fuels; including duties such as analysis of economic, environmental and public health impacts in California 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 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 (Technology Evaluation and Development)

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing technology evaluation and development duties in areas related to energy technologies, energy research, development and demonstration projects; advanced combustion technologies; transportation energy technologies and alternative fuels; efficiency improving energy technology and fuels; including duties such as analysis of economic, environmental and public health impacts in California 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 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 (Technology Evaluation and Development)

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing technology evaluation and development duties in areas related to energy technologies, energy research, development and demonstration projects; advanced combustion technologies; transportation energy technologies and alternative fuels; efficiency improving energy technology and fuels; including duties such as analysis of economic, environmental and public health impacts in California 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 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 (Technology Evaluation and Development)

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing technology evaluation and development duties in areas related to energy technologies, energy research, development and demonstration projects; advanced combustion technologies; transportation energy technologies and alternative fuels; efficiency improving energy technology and fuels; including duties such as analysis of economic, environmental and public health impacts in California at a level of responsibility equivalent to Energy Commission Specialist I.

Or II

Two years of experience in the California state service performing technology evaluation and development duties in areas related to energy technologies, energy research, development and demonstration projects; advanced combustion technologies; transportation energy technologies and alternative fuels; efficiency improving energy technology and fuels; including duties such as analysis of economic, environmental and public health impacts in California 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 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 (Technology Evaluation and Development)

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing technology evaluation and development duties in areas related to energy technologies, energy research, development and demonstration projects; advanced combustion technologies; transportation energy technologies and alternative fuels; efficiency improving energy technology and fuels; including duties such as analysis of economic, environmental and public health impacts in California at a level of responsibility equivalent to Energy Commission Specialist I.

Or II

Two years of experience in the California state service performing technology evaluation and development duties in areas related to energy technologies, energy research, development and demonstration projects; advanced combustion technologies; transportation energy technologies and alternative fuels; efficiency improving energy technology and fuels; including duties such as analysis of economic, environmental and public health impacts in California 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 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 (Technology Evaluation and Development)

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing technology evaluation and development duties in areas related to energy technologies, energy research, development and demonstration projects; advanced combustion technologies; transportation energy technologies and alternative fuels; efficiency improving energy technology and fuels; including duties such as analysis of economic, environmental and public health impacts in California at a level of responsibility equivalent to Energy Commission Specialist II.

Or II

Two years of experience in the California state service performing technology evaluation and development duties in areas related to energy technologies, energy research, development and demonstration projects; advanced combustion technologies; transportation energy technologies and alternative fuels; efficiency improving energy technology and fuels; including duties such as analysis of economic, environmental and public health impacts in California 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 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 deployment and use issues; energy supply and demand forecasts and analytic methodologies, energy policy issues affecting or resulting from energy technology development, and energy project management techniques; California Public Resource Code pertaining to energy resources conservation and development; principles of physical sciences and engineering involved in energy resource development, conversion, distribution, and conservation; principles of econometric and end-use energy demand forecasting; energy sources and use within the California economy; principles of engineering economics, financial analysis, and economic theory as it pertains to energy supply and demand; energy technology costs and cost-accounting methods; recent research and development projects related to the use of petroleum, natural gas, biomass and other synthetic fuels; energy technology environmental impacts, including emissions, waste streams, volumes and characteristics; energy technology public health impacts, air quality impacts and risk analysis; general provisions of social and economic implications of geothermal, solar, wind and other renewable energy development, technology and fuel demonstrations, resource planning and facility construction; recent research and development projects in electrical, nuclear, geothermal, and other energy sources and their related fuels and technologies; Federal and State energy policy; and decision theory, probabilistic risk assessment, and techniques of comparative evaluation, and Federal, State and local government, utilities and private agencies in energy research and regulation.

Ability to: Reason logically and creatively, evaluate and apply a variety of analytical and research methods for the purpose of systematic, critical, and thorough analysis of energy problems or prospective issues leading to formulation, testing, or revision of State and/or Federal energy policies; utilize available computer systems for data base and/or computational applications; manage contracts; analyze energy data and present ideas and information effectively both orally and in writing; communicate in both written and oral formats; prepare and give testimony in planning and regulatory proceedings; develop and use complex computer programs and analytic models; develop and evaluate fuel alternatives; gain and maintain the confidence and cooperation of those contacted during the course of work; evaluate and quantify the effect of research, development and demonstration programs on energy systems; analyze situations accurately and take effective actions, and act independently within the guidelines set forth by the Commission; present ideas and analysis cogently and effectively; and consult with and advise other staff management, Commissioners, or others on the relative merits of specific energy technologies and the impact of various energy policies.

Energy Commission Specialist II and III (Technology Evaluation and Development)

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; testify as subject matter expert (geothermal solar, wind and other renewable energy development, technology and fuel demonstrations, recent research and development projects in electrical, nuclear, geothermal, and other energy sources and their related fuels and technologies) before the Commission and other groups; and serve as the Commission's top adviser in such areas; effectively employ computer techniques for problems solving; and consult with and advise Office Managers, Division Administrators, Commissioners and other interested members of State energy community on a wide variety of energy forecasting, modeling and fuel-related issues and topics.

Energy Commission Supervisor I and II (Technology Evaluation and Development)

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of employee supervision, development and training, program management, formal and informal aspects of Legislative process; 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; 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.

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

Class History