Who We Serve:

Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to combine energy and environmental agencies under one Cabinet secretary. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) serves Commonwealth residents interested in outdoor recreational activities, clean energy solutions, and those who work with animals and livestock. Equally, EOEEA works with energy consumers, power companies, clean energy providers and farmers to delicately balance the interaction with environmental protection laws and regulations while being a cornerstone for our economic prosperity.

Job Opening:

The Department of Public Utilities seeks applicants for a Public Utilities Engineer - Electric Power Division to perform the following duties:

Position Overview:

Through detailed review of technical and engineering data and documents, as well as occasional field visits, meetings, exercises/drills, audits, and observations, the Public Utilities Engineer plays a key role in assessing and determining the performance, reliability, and regulatory compliance of electric utility distribution systems. Some of the cases in which the Public Utilities Engineer plays a key role are our Electric Sector Modernization Plans, safety compliance, storm and emergency response, service quality, system performance and reliability, vegetation management, interconnection of distributed generation, grid modernization, and cost prudency and review. The Public Utilities Engineer will review investment filings proposed by the electric utility companies and the viability of alternative investments, such as Non-Wires Alternatives and Virtual Power Plants. The Public Utilities Engineer responds to inquiries from stakeholders and customers/ratepayers. The PUE needs to be available for evening and weekend on-call or standby duty in the case of an incident or significant service interruption, including storm events; this work is typically conducted from home.

The Public Utilities Engineer will work both individually and as a team member with other engineers, economists/analysts, accountants, regional planners, and attorneys on multiple issues and cases. The Public Utilities Engineer will perform most of its work in an office setting.

The Public Utilities Engineer will participate in all facets of assigned cases, which include:

• Reviewing and analyzing documentation and data filed by petitioning parties (typically the regulated utilities) and intervening parties,
• Developing questions and information requests related to petitioner filings,
• Questioning petitioner and intervenor witnesses during evidentiary hearings,
• Developing, presenting, and defending policy positions of the DPU, and
• Writing sections of DPU orders.

The position requires excellent qualitative and quantitative analytical and writing skills, as well as the ability to express thoughts clearly and methodically. Excellent oral communication and presentation skills are highly desirable. The Public Utilities Engineer must be able to exercise considerable independent judgment.

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reviews petitions filed by electric utility companies and provides technical and engineering support on matters such as construction, improvement, or expansion of utility facilities and infrastructure, zoning exemptions, use of eminent domain, electric sector modernization plans, grid modernization, interconnection of distributed generation, and electric vehicle infrastructure.
• Reviews annual emergency response, system planning and reliability, vegetation management compliance, and service quality reports and plans filed by electric utility companies.
• Reviews the prudency and appropriateness of costs incurred and projected by electric utility companies for vegetation management, emergency and storm response, and other regulated program activities as part of their filings seeking cost recovery from electric customers/ratepayers.
• Investigates consumer complaints concerning charges and application of rates of electric utilities, line extensions, and quality and availability of service to resolve complaints and recommend corrective action.
• Investigates electric system accidents, incidents, and major service interruptions to determine whether a violation or non-compliance of operating rules and safety regulations occurred, provides notification, determines whether a risk to public safety exists, determines cause and scope, reports findings, draws conclusions, and makes recommendations. Investigation activities may include on-site inspections, interviews, document and data gathering and review, and fact-finding meetings.
• Performs occasional field and site visits to observe activities including, but not limited to, vegetation management; responding as an observer to emergency events on the electric distribution system; and large electric distribution system construction/upgrade projects, as requested.
• Monitors and responds to emergency events, incidents, and major service disruptions including storm events during extended hours, nights, and weekends on on-call or standby status. This work is generally conducted from home, but may require travel to a field location or emergency operations center. Participates in reliability and emergency response preparedness meetings, exercises, and drills with electric utilities.
• Participates in meetings with state, regional, and federal agencies and authorities (e.g., MA DOER, ISO-NE, NEPOOL) regarding electric system operation, safety, and reliability.
• Collaborate with electric utility companies, state and government officials, and public safety officials to evaluate, develop, and implement plans for emergencies and storms and improve response time and system resilience to ensure public safety and system reliability.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Methodically gather, assimilate, and analyze data and information in documents to identify gaps and inconsistencies, make appropriate inquiries, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations;
• Give written and oral instructions in a precise and understandable manner;
• Work productively and effectively both in a team environment and individually with intermittent supervision;
• Write clearly and concisely, appropriately document sources, and organize work;
• Effectively work on, prioritize, and complete multiple assignments;
• Use sound judgment;
• Solve problems, devise techniques, and develop policy recommendations using existing precedents or guidelines;
• Read and interpret documents such as blueprints and technical reports; and
• Maintain a calm manner in stressful and emergency situations.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

A preferred candidate would have engineering experience in the electric energy or utility industry with knowledge or demonstrated interest in at least one of the following areas:

• electric distribution system design, construction, inspection, analysis, and regulatory and safety compliance;

• storm and emergency response planning and implementation;

• electric distribution system performance and reliability; and

• energy policy, regulations, markets, and technology, particularly in renewables, grid modernization, and distributed generation.

When determining experience for preferred qualifications and entrance requirements, candidates should consider all their experience (work experience, internships, volunteer work, etc.).

Please be aware that this is an office-based, hybrid role. This role requires analyzing and reviewing technical and engineering documents, reading, writing, and some public speaking with occasional field visits.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full- time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering work, the major duties of which included the design, construction or operation of facilities for the generation, transmission and/or distribution of light, heat and power and (B) of which at least two years must have been in a professional capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. An Associate's degree with a major in mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technology, electrical engineering or electrical engineering technology may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technology, or electrical engineering technology or electrical engineering may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree with a major in mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technology, or electrical engineering technology may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience and one year of the required (B) experience.

Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: Educational substitution will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience.

Special Requirements: Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.