The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (Commission), a leading utility regulatory agency, is looking for a talented Infrastructure Project Specialist who can make a professional difference in the Nation’s Capital. As an infrastructure specialist, you will be deployed on a challenging variety of regulatory oversight projects, including ongoing monitoring efforts for multi-billion-dollar long-term electric utility infrastructure upgrade projects, electric distribution strategic initiatives, as well as distributed energy resource technologies, including energy storage and microgrids.
In this role, you will have an opportunity to interface with key stakeholders from a variety of federal and state agencies, including the DOE, and FERC, as well as DC’s DOEE and DDOT agencies. You will also interface with engineering professionals of Fortune 500 energy companies, energy developers and providers, as well as regulatory professionals from across the Nation. You will gain significant industry exposure and unmatched professional experience as a member of a leading regulatory agency with a proud 100+ year history of regulatory excellence.
The Commission is currently deploying a hybrid telework schedule, which includes three days per week of teleworking and two days each week in our 13th and G Street offices, given the present circumstances. We also offer flex time schedules. The Commission also offers a competitive salary range, a generous travel stipend for public transportation, as well as an attractive benefits package. The Commission's benefits package encompasses a flexible menu of comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance options, as well as a strong set of portable retirement benefits and savings options. The Commission also offers attractive vacation and sick leave time, as well as paid holidays, consistent with District government provisions.
As an organization dedicated to professional development and learning, the Commission encourages staff to participate in regulatory and industry association activities, as well as educational and professional training. Tuition reimbursement may also be available. The Infrastructure Project Specialist position is in the Office of Infrastructure and System Planning (OISP) of the Commission. The Commission oversees regulated utility and competitive companies that provide electricity, natural gas, and telecommunication services to District of Columbia ratepayers.
As part of the OISP team, the Infrastructure Project Specialist is responsible for providing engineering and other technical support on all matters relating to the planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance and replacement of all infrastructure and systems utilized by the electric utility providing services in the District. The incumbent may serve as subject matter expert to support the Commission’s vision and strategic direction. The ideal candidate will contribute to monitoring, analyzing, and reviewing utility and DDOT plans, proposals, designs, construction and maintenance of infrastructure and system upgrades and replacement, including selection of feeders for undergrounding, design, scheduling, and implementation of those plans , including DC Plug, Capital Grid Project, distributed energy resource programs and pilots (DER), distribution automation and Smart Grid efforts, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) maintenance, other electric reliability enhancement projects, and utility outage restoration initiatives. The ideal candidate will coordinate the evaluation of the electric utility’s manholes and infrastructure integrity, including cables, switches, transformers, conduit capacity and environmental conditions and with contribute to monitoring progress, conducting surveys of constructions sites, assisting in the coordination of utilities and providing recommendations for process improvements. The ideal candidate will also provide technical engineering assistance, as required, on the Commission’s Power Path DC (grid modernization) initiative.
Qualifications
This position requires knowledge of engineering practices and principles as evidenced by degrees, licensing and work experience. Demonstrated technical engineering knowledge related to infrastructure and systems planning, regulatory oversight efforts, and ability to evaluate power system engineering and construction issues with versatility, sound judgment, and understanding. Ability to interpret federal or state utility regulations, policies, and procedures and apply such to engineering analysis of a variety of situations. Excellent problem-solving, project management, and collaborative skills. Proficiency and experience in MS Windows-based software, power system engineering software, reviewing engineering drawings and diagrams, construction project inspection forms, construction project management software, operations and maintenance-related work management programs. Excellent oral and written communication skills to respond to complex technical and regulatory oversight matters. Ability to prepare advisory memoranda and comprehensive program and project reports covering both technical and policy issues.
Education and Other Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering is required.
Master’s degree in either engineering or business is highly desirable.
Valid Driver’s License.
Work Experience
Applicant must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (Grade 12) or its non-District equivalent. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position and has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Work Environment
The work is generally performed in an office environment, although some periodic fieldwork is required. Such fieldwork requires basic personal safety precautions and safe driving practices in an agency vehicle.
Collective Bargaining Unit
This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by AFSCME, District Council 20, and you may elect to join the union.