Job Posting: Grid Innovation Specialist

California Energy Commission

JC-476465
-
Grid Innovation Specialist
ELECTRIC GENERATION SYSTEM PROGRAM SPECIALIST I

$9,832.00 - $12,300.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 6/4/2025

Job Description and Duties

Training & Development Assignment may be considered for this position

Under the general direction of the Program and Project Supervisor of the Grid Innovation Unit in the Energy Research and Development Division (ERDD), the Electric Generation System Program Specialist I (EGSPS I) performs the most difficult assignments relating to research, planning, policies, and economic analyses of advanced transmission technologies, such as high-performance conductors, dynamic line rating innovations, and other grid enhancing technologies. The EGSPS I provides technical leadership in the planning, development, and implementation of the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) portfolio and other activities related to advanced transmission technologies; develops and analyzes alternatives to current electric generation and transmission methods; and evaluates new electric generation and transmission technologies and their relationships to present and future resource plans to transition California’s energy systems to meet the state’s clean energy goals. The EGSPS I serves as a subject matter expert with a high degree of knowledge, skill, and expertise beyond the journey level. The EGSPS I performs duties not assigned to an Electric Generation System Specialist I on a regular basis, conducting the most complex technical and techno-economic analyses of new energy technologies and systems. The EGSPS I informs decision-makers on strategies for achieving the state’s energy goals and fosters governmental and private sector collaboration.

The ERDD deploys over $300 million annually to advance technology innovation and research supporting the state’s clean energy and climate goals, including in the areas of renewable energy supply, building and industrial decarbonization, sustainable transportation, energy storage, energy distribution, resilience and reliability, and carbon management. The Energy Systems & Transportation Branch (ESTB) prioritizes research to enable a clean and reliable energy system through new and emerging technologies to integrate distributed energy resources (e.g., onsite energy storage, clean distributed generation, and electric vehicle technologies) into the grid and the advancement of methods, tools, and technologies to support electricity grid modernization.

Minimum Qualifications (MQs): The MQs for this classification can be found at Electric Generation System Program Specialist Series. The documents you submit in your application package must highlight how you meet the MQs. If the MQs are not met, you will not be considered for this position.

Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking a brief survey at CEC Recruitment Survey.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

This position provides hybrid telework opportunities. Beginning July 1, 2025, employees may be required to work in-person four days per week under the Energy Commission's telework policy currently under development as required by Executive Order N-22-25 and current CalHR guidance. CEC will review requests for exemptions on a case-by-case basis, with consideration to operational needs and the benefits of in-person interaction. Teleworking is only available for employees who reside in California. You must be located in California and provide your in-state address prior to your start date. Regular and consistent attendance is essential to successful performance. Occasional travel may be required based on the needs of the division.

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-476465
Position #(s):
535-330-4847-950
Working Title:
Grid Innovation Specialist
Classification:
ELECTRIC GENERATION SYSTEM PROGRAM SPECIALIST I
$9,832.00 - $12,300.00

Plus an additional recruitment and retention pay of $300 per month

# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The CEC was established by the Legislature in 1974 to address energy challenges facing the state. Today, the CEC is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency and is leading the state to a 100% clean energy future. Serving all Californians, the CEC embodies diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has taken an active and meaningful role in creating an environment that enables each employee to thrive. The CEC supports a hybrid workplace model with a workforce of office-based and remote-centered workers. The CEC operates under the umbrella of the California Natural Resources Agency and shares offices with the agency in a LEED Platinum Certified Building in downtown Sacramento.

The California Energy Commission seeks an Electric Generation System Program Specialist I in the Energy Research & Development Division/Energy Systems & Transportation Branch/Grid Innovation Unit. If you are interested in a challenging and exciting career in clean energy and are passionate about renewable, efficient, and reliable energy that addresses climate change, join our diverse team of global energy leaders! The California Energy Commission plays a lead role in creating the energy system of the future, not just in California, but globally.

This position is open to interested applicants who qualify. This can be a multi-step process. To be eligible to be hired:

1) Create an online CalCareers account. For a tutorial on the state application process, visit California State Hiring Process Instructional Video Series – YouTube or contact Careers@energy.ca.gov or contact Careers@energy.ca.gov.
2) Complete and pass the EGSPS I exam to be eligible to be hired for available positions. See information on Energy Commission Assessments and Exams.  
3) To apply for this position, submit an application package through your CalCareers account. An application package must include all items under the “Required Application Package Documents” section. Resumes will not be accepted in place of a State Examination and Employment Application (STD. 678). Applications must include “to” and “from” dates (month/day/year), time base (full-time/part-time/number of hours per week/month), and applicable civil service classifications.
Department Website: https://www.energy.ca.gov

Special Requirements

1) How you are eligible (list eligibility, transfer within state service, reinstatement, SROA/surplus, etc.) in the Explanations box on the first page of the STD. 678.

2) The Job Control number 476465 and the title of the position you are applying for in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) box on the first page of the STD. 678.

3) Request for Personnel Action Number 330-302 in the Explanations box of the STD. 678.

4) Your original signature at the bottom of the first page of the STD. 678.

5) Include unofficial school transcripts with your application package if the position you are applying for has an educational requirement. You may be required to provide official transcripts if hired.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 6/4/2025

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

California Energy Commission
Personnel Office - Postal
Attn: RPA 330-302 | JC-476465
715 P Street, MS-3
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

California Energy Commission
Personnel Office - Drop Off
RPA 330-302 | JC-476465
715 P Street, MS-3
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Other -

    Cover Letter – Include a cover letter of no more than two pages in length outlining your qualifications and interest in this position.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
  1. Substantial knowledge of California Public Resource Code related to energy conservation and development.
  2. Substantial knowledge of electricity system planning and operation.
  3. Ability to analyze energy and electricity data and communicate technical information both orally and in writing.
  4. Ability to manage complex energy programs.  
  5. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work within a diverse team environment.
  6. Ability to evaluate data and develop alternatives or recommendations based on findings.
  7. Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize work activities, and deliver high-quality, timely work products.
  8. Ability to communicate effectively and prepare clear, concise, complete, and technically accurate reports, presentations, and correspondence.
  9. Ability to review and communicate complicated information in a simple, consumer-friendly manner.
  10.  Ability to coordinate the work of others, and act as a team or conference leader.
  11.  Experience working with computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, and other applications.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: https://www.energy.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Personnel Office
(916) 654-4309
personnel.services@energy.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Carousel Gore
(916) 661-8122
Carousel.Gore@energy.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job