RESIDENTIAL UTILITY CONSUMER OFFICE

The Residential Utility Consumer Office (RUCO) was established by the Arizona Legislature in 1983 to represent the interests of residential utility ratepayers in rate-related proceedings involving public service corporations before the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). RUCO accomplishes this charge primarily through its staff of financial analysts and attorneys. In addition, RUCO participates in a number of policy matters that also affect the rates paid by and services received by residential ratepayers.

Utilities Engineer Senior

Job Location:

1110 West Washington Street Suite 202

Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Posting Details:

Annual Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 

Grade: 25

This position will remain open until filled

Job Summary:

The Utilities Engineer will perform a variety of tasks for RUCO, The duties will include inspecting facilities, reviewing applications (rate increases and/or financing approval, and tariffs), interpreting and analyzing technical data and engineering plans, evaluating, completing technical analysis and preparing recommendations in testimony.

Major Responsibilities / Essential Functions:

• Writing detailed technical reports, agreements, research, investigation or inquiry in prescribed format regarding electric, gas, water and wastewater utilities

• Confer with operation managers and other operation related personnel and designers regarding plant specifications, plans and standards and confer with representatives of other agencies, communities, consultants, contractors and the public as a representative of RUCO

• Review, analyze and evaluate results of technically difficult tests relating to design, construction and operation of infrastructure systems -electrical, gas and water/wastewater

• Search plans, map records and technical journals for information regarding current professional practices and procedures; Read and interpret state and local codes and regulations in order to prepare or utilize reports in testimony and/or reports

• Review work product from consultants, examine and verify complex numeric, construction plans and specifications• Provide written and verbal testimony in utility rate proceedings at the ACC

• Review, analyze, evaluate, and develop cost of service studies

• Other duties as assigned as related to the position

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge:

 •Accounting and engineering economics principles as related to utilities rate-making, including cost of service analysis research techniques related to highly complex assignments

• Principles and practices of engineering as applied to the design, development, construction and maintenance of utility systems, electrical, gas and water/wastewater

• Safety practices and public relations practices methods, procedures and techniques utilized in management of assigned resources

• State statutes, agency standards, regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to area of assignment

• Computer applications that pertain to areas of assignments

• Techniques and procedure for construction cost estimating

• Techniques of hearing and testifying

Skills:

• Problem solving skills and attention to detail Interpreting and analyzing a wide range of highly technical engineering data

• Excellent interpersonal skills as applied to relationships with agency personnel, contractors, consultants, and utility staff

• Proficiency with computers and appropriate software applications

• Testifying as an expert witness in Commission proceedings

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Inspecting utility facilities

• Writing technical reports

Ability:

• Ability to summarize and explain difficult technical subjects In non-technical terms in testimony, to Commissioners, staff, parties and the general public

• Ability to understand and interpret rules and statutes to determine whether applications or plans and reports meet the requir