State of Washington Classified Job Specification
ENERGY/UTILITIES ENGINEER 3
Definition
Positions at this level are typically licensed professional engineers. Positions may provide technical engineering assistance to schools, State facilities, and local government facilities. Some positions participate as agents of the Federal Office of Pipeline Safety and, as federally certified pipeline inspectors, conduct or lead inspections of intra-state and interstate pipeline accidents for the Utilities and Transportation Commission. Positions review the work of engineers who have not achieved registration as a licensed professional engineer.
Some positions plan, direct and conduct radiological safety evaluations of the design, construction, operation and decommissioning of nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities operated and licensed by the Federal government.
Positions at this level are delegated full responsibility to plan, organize and carry out the assignment without additional assistance, including larger or more difficult assignments. Positions make final engineering decisions.
Typical Work
Makes field inspections and submits oral or written reports;
Analyzes proposed construction plans for economic, service, and engineering feasibility;
Analyzes and make depreciation, valuation, and cost studies; prepare or analyze exhibits and data for formal hearings; assist at hearings or court as technical consultant or expert witness;
Investigates procedures for compliance with laws and regulations;
Conducts different kinds of inspections of the operations of intra-state or interstate pipeline operators. Determine whether operational practices comply with state and federal pipeline rules;
Leads investigation of pipeline accidents or other anomalous events to determine the cause of failure. Monitor corrective actions taken by pipeline operators to ensure compliance with relevant rules and/or corrective action order;
Provides written and oral testimony in formal hearings before the Utilities and Transportation Commission;
Analyzes and evaluates various design plans and existing infrastructure, including the resulting cost impacts of various equipment or technology for use in cost studies;
Develops, perform and prepare independent studies of building energy conservation characteristics to include walls, roofs, glazing, HVAC, lighting, controls, and other systems;
Researches technical and cost information, and collect data for preparation of studies;
Inspects buildings, during installation and after completion of retrofit measures, to ensure compliance with designs, drawings, specifications and contracts;
Advises architects, engineers and others on program technical requirements;
Provides technical assistance and/or evaluation support to local government, schools and others;
Provide technical and operating advice in both formal and informal complaints;
Administers contracts with consulting firms and others to include overseeing and reviewing the contractors' work;
Reviews applications for Federal and State permits and licenses for nuclear facilities within the state of Washington;
Performs on-site evaluations and inspections of nuclear power plants and other major nuclear facilities within the State of Washington;
Evaluates State and Federal reports pertaining to the safety and environment impacts of nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities;
Provides consultation and technical assistance for emergency response planning for nuclear power plants and other major nuclear facilities;
Provides recommendations to the Governor regarding a peacetime nuclear emergency;
Serves as a technical link between the State, nuclear facility operator and Federal government for the purpose of improving coordination of emergency planning and implementation of protective measures in the event of an emergency situation;
May supervise lower level staff.
Legal Requirement(s)
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Some positions require certification as Engineer In-Training or as a registered Professional Engineer.
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
Desirable Qualifications
Positions typically require a Bachelor’s degree with a major study in engineering and two years of professional level experience performing energy or utilities related work.
Class Specification History
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.