Climate Change Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Individuals interested in applying for this vacancy must have eligibility. If you are new to state service or need to gain eligibility to this classification, please Click here to open the examination bulletin and follow the instructions on "How to apply".
The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy. Please be sure to follow all instructions for each process.
Virtual interviews via web portals or phone may be offered as deemed appropriate and feasible by the hiring manager - standard in-person interviews will still be offered if conditions permit.
The Electricity Planning and Policy Branch within the Public Advocates Office is seeking a Utilities Engineer to join its Climate Change Initiative Section. Under supervision of the Program and Project Supervisor, the incumbent performs engineering analysis and develops advocacy recommendations in written and oral testimony or written comments on a broad range of energy utility related matters such as energy storage, renewable natural gas, hydrogen, and eligible renewable energy resource facilities and operations; grid interconnection; safety-related engineering issues; and cost of service evaluations. The incumbent will also present findings, conclusions and recommendations in written testimony and testify orally as an expert witness in formal proceedings. The incumbent will work on and review proposed applications, identify key issue areas, conduct field investigations, and assist in the publication and distribution of staff reports. The incumbent prepares reports and responses to sensitive and controversial inquiries related, but not limited to energy storage, renewable natural gas, hydrogen, and eligible renewable energy resource facilities and operations. The position requires an ability to work well in a team environment as well as independently under tight time schedules.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
This position require travel.
This is a hybrid position that will require the selected candidate to report to their assigned headquarter office a minimum of two (2) days a week. Hybrid positions may be eligible for telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. In accordance with CPUC Telework Policy, telework arrangements are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• UTILITIES ENGINEER

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-528291
Position #(s):
680-252-3518-XXX
Working Title:
Climate Change Advocacy Engineer
Classification:
UTILITIES ENGINEER $6,488.00 - $12,152.00
Effective July 1, 2025 , CalHR launched the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 with Pay Differential 386. PLP 2025 temporarily reduces state employee pay in exchange for leave hours to help address budget shortfalls. Salary ranges in this posting exclude the temporary reduction. For details, visit CalHR's Personnel Leave Program (PLP) page.
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
San Francisco County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information Public Advocates Office/ Electricity Planning & Policy Branch/ Climate Change Initiative :
The Public Advocate's Office is the independent consumer advocate at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The Public Advocate's Office's mandate is to obtain the lowest possible rates for utility services consistent with reliable and safe service levels and the state's environmental goals.
The Public Advocate's Office represents residential and small business ratepayer interests in Commission policy-making proceedings and processes (e.g. workshops, rulemakings, investigations, utility applications, hearings, advice letters, committee and stakeholder meetings, and other forums). These proceedings and processes set rates, rules, policies, and regulations.
Please visit www.publicadvocates.cpuc.ca.gov for more information on the Public Advocates Office.
Department Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov
Special Requirements
Prepare and submit a response for each question below. The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate how your training, experience, and education qualifies you for the position. Refer to the job description and duties, and duty statement to prepare your response. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ and writing that exceeds the page limit will not be considered or scored. All information in the SOQ is subject to verification. The SOQ must be no smaller than 11-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than two pages.
Please write your SOQ to address the following three questions:

Describe your experience conducting engineering, economic, financial and/or policy research and written reports.

Describe your experience writing clear, persuasive, and concise recommendations, including the ability to explain research findings and policy recommendations to a wide variety of audiences.

Describe your experience and abilities to exercise a high degree of initiative, independence, and resourcefulness in achieving team goals and objectives.

It is strongly encouraged to apply through your CalCareer Account at www.jobs.ca.gov
Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing.
If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma . An official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency by the application deadline.
Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at https://www.naces.org
Employment information on the STD 678 state application MUST be complete with dates, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes, or referring to resumes, will not be accepted in place of the completed STD 678. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 will not be considered.
Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.
Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.
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: 9/7/2026
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. 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:
Public Utilities Commission
N/A
Attn: Human Resources Division
505 Van Ness Ave, Room 3008
San Francisco , CA 94102
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Public Utilities Commission
N/A
Human Resources Division
505 Van Ness Ave, Room 3008
San Francisco , CA 94102
Monday to Friday Except Holidays.
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.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see "Special Requirements" for instructions.

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.
Benefits
Benefits Summary
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Department Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Talent Acquisition Unit
(916) 597-5683
cpucrecruiter@cpuc.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Christopher Myers
(415) 703-3022
christopher.myers@cpuc.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:
Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
(916) 894-5799
ReasonableAccommodation@cpuc.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.