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Chief Economist RESEARCH SPECIALIST IV (VARIOUS STUDIES)

$10,933.00 - $16,648.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 5/30/2025

Job Description and Duties

Pending DOF Approval Under the administrative direction of the Deputy Director of the Energy Assessments Division (EAD), the Research Specialist IV serves as EAD’s Chief Economist. The Chief Economist leads EAD’s efforts in determining why California’s transportation fuel costs exceed national prices after controlling for taxes, fees, and other California-specific costs; improving modeling and analytical capabilities for helping the state transition towards decarbonization; and contributing to the design and implementation of policy tools to mitigate the risk of transportation fuel price spikes. The Chief Economist is responsible for analytical studies on potential cost impacts of implementing legislative mandates and state policies, including Senate Bill X1-2 and Assembly Bill X2-1. The incumbent directs the development and implementation of new, advanced modeling methodologies needed to bring these capability improvements to fruition. In this capacity, the incumbent oversees the work of EAD economists and analysts, consulting with other divisions and organizations on multidisciplinary approaches to transportation fuel modeling, as well as data analysis and research methodologies to be used in all major staff efforts. This position leads EAD in continuous improvement of its analytical tools and capabilities to best address multiple legislative mandates and state policy priorities, including energy demand forecasting and demand scenarios across all major energy types and sectors, such as electricity and fossil or other gas.

EAD is responsible for a diverse set of data-analysis-related work products such as demand forecasts of electricity and natural gas, transportation, and policy analysis for data intensive legislative mandates. EAD relies on a broad variety of methodologies (econometric, engineering, statistical, computer modeling, etc.) and data sets (economic, demographic, GIS, etc.) in preparing these products. EAD collects and analyzes transportation fuels data relating to production, supply, market prices, etc., and uses the data to prepare reports and analyses for the CEC, and state energy policy makers. EAD’s reports also contribute to the CEC’s Integrated Energy Policy Report, the state’s primary energy policy report. The EAD also provides emergency response for the CEC and the state when incidents occur that may impact or are impacting the supply of transportation fuels and/or fuel prices.

Minimum Qualifications (MQs): The MQs for this classification can be found at Research Specialist (Various Studies) Series - CalHR (https://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/pages/7861.aspx) . 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 (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CECRecruitmentSurvey) .

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement (https://www.CalCareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=27649795&name=RSIV(VariousStudies)DutyStatement.pdf) .

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. Work hours beyond the eight-hour workday or forty-hour workweek may at times be required. 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.

+ RESEARCH SPECIALIST IV (VARIOUS STUDIES) (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=7859)

Additional Documents

+ Job Application Package Checklist (http://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=478368)

+ Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-478368

Position #(s):

535-800-7859-002

Working Title:

Chief Economist

Classification:

RESEARCH SPECIALIST IV (VARIOUS STUDIES)

$10,933.00 - $14,019.00 A

$12,619.00 - $16,184.00 B

$13,222.00 - $16,648.00 C

# 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 operates under the umbrella of the California Natural Resources Agency and shares offices with the agency in a LEED Platinum Certified Building (https://resources.ca.gov/About-Us/our-new-headquarters) in downtown Sacramento. The California Energy Commission seeks a Research Specialist IV in the Energy Assessments Division’s Administration. 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 (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/CreateNewAccount.aspx) account. For a tutorial on the state application process, visit California State Hiring Process Instructional Video Series – YouTube or contact [email protected] . 2) Complete and pass the RS IV (https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=2209) exam to be eligible to be hired for available positions. See information on Energy Commission Assessments and Exams (https://www.energy.ca.gov/careers/examsassessments) . 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.

Special Requirements

You must include the following if you are applying by mail or in person:

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 478368 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 800-358 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: 5/30/2025

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.

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 800-358 | JC-478368

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 800-358 | JC-478368

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 one page in length describing why you are the best candidate for 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) A background in economics, especially econometric methods, demonstrated either in advanced coursework or work experience. 2) Experience with programing/coding in Python, R, SAS, or similar programs, and experience with spreadsheet and/or database software, such as Microsoft Excel. 3) Experience with building, maintaining, and/or using computational models in analysis. 4) Familiarity with econometric analysis, econometric modeling, and forecasting methods. 5) Ability to work independently on projects with varying priorities toward the production of timely, quality work products. 6) A demonstrated ability to productively collaborate and exchange ideas with individuals whose analysis may represent difficult conclusions or contrary opinion. 7) Ability to professionally represent the Division in meetings and/or workshops with other state agencies, utilities, and other stakeholders. 8) Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, and at times dealing with competing work priorities and deadlines. 9) Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to effectively communicate with others. Ability to effectively write, review, and edit technical program information. Ability to gather, compile, analyze, interpret and communicate written and numerical research data.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR (https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx) website and the CalPERS (https://www.calpers.ca.gov/) website.

Contact Information

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

Human Resources Contact: Personnel Office (916) 654-4309 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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.