Public Utilities Engineer II

Public Utilities Engineer II (NS) (Job Title)

Agency: Department of Commerce

Division: Utilities-Public Staff

Position Number:

Grade: NC20

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Commerce is the state’s lead agency for economic, community and workforce development. The department works with local, regional, national and international organizations to fulfill its mission to improve the economic well‑being and quality of life for all North Carolinians.

Description of Work

We seek a Public Utilities Engineer II to work within a regulatory environment concerning the operation, acquisition, extension or curtailment of water/sewer public utility services and the implementation of policies at the Utilities Commission.

Responsibilities

• Review utility companies’ proposals for changes in operation or rates; respond to federal and state regulations.
• Review special studies.
• Prepare and deliver expert engineering testimony at hearings before the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) on major portions of utility companies’ proposals.

At the Engineer II level, the engineer performs responsibilities on utility filings of moderate to high complexity and scope, with moderate supervision from the Division Director.

Benefits

• 12 paid holidays and monthly accrual of vacation and sick leave.
• North Carolina State Health Plan administered by Aetna.
• Supplemental benefits: Flexible Spending Accounts, Accident Insurance, Cancer & Specified Disease, Critical Illness, Dental and Vision.
• NC State Retirement (TSERS), 401(k) and 457 savings plans.
• WeSave Employee Discounts.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and practices as applied to design, permitting, construction, operation, maintenance, expansion and rate structure determination of public water/sewer utilities.
• Knowledge of modern trends, techniques and practices of public water/sewer utility service and regulation.
• Ability to communicate, in written and oral testimony, detailed and technical engineering information, guidelines and standards/statutes/codes/regulations to various audiences.
• Ability to identify issues, obtain relevant information, compare data from different sources and identify alternate solutions.
• Ability to use effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions and/or reaching conclusions.

Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field of engineering from an appropriately accredited institution and three (3) years of experience in utility operational or regulatory engineering work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Applicants must meet these requirements to qualify for this position.

Special Qualification: May require registration as a professional engineer by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors.

Public Staff Overview

The Public Staff is an independent agency created in 1977 to review, investigate and make appropriate recommendations to the North Carolina Utilities Commission regarding the reasonableness of rates and adequacy of service of public utilities, and to ensure public health and safety.

Public Staff Duties

• Petition the Commission to initiate proceedings in the public interest.
• Participate in all certificate applications and assist the Commission in analysis.
• Make recommendations to the Commission regarding standards, regulations or practices.
• Investigate formal and informal complaints affecting the public.
• Participate in all proceedings for franchise transfers, mergers and consolidations of public utilities.
• Review, investigate and recommend action regarding affiliate contracts.

About the Department of Commerce

North Carolina Department of Commerce is the state’s lead agency for economic, community and workforce development. The department works with local, regional, national and international organizations to fulfill its mission to improve the economic well‑being and quality of life for all North Carolinians.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances and practices.

Recruiter: Maxine Anderson

Recruiter Email: