Utilities Regulation Engineer 3

Salary : $95,513.60 - $135,907.20 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00656
Agency: 219 Iowa Utilities Commission
Opening Date: 10/19/2026
Closing Date: 10/29/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact:

Job Description
Utilities Regulation Engineer

What You'll Do:

As a Utilities Regulation Engineer, you will:

• Participate in appraisal, evaluation, and depreciation studies of utility properties and engineering cost studies.
• Examine and evaluate information submitted with new service offerings to recommend approval, modification, or denial.
• Conduct or direct investigations of customer complaints and of operation, service, and public safety conditions of utility facilities.
• Provide information for Department presentations and formulate cross-examination questions for public utility company witnesses.
• Present and support the staff position in formal proceedings by testifying and submitting to cross-examination on technical issues.
• Inform the public of anticipated major utility facility additions by acting as the agency representative at informational meetings.
• Provide interpretations of professional engineering and regulatory codes to agency and public utility personnel.
• Utilize computer models and engineering applications to analyze information regarding various aspects of utility operations for policy making, rate cases, staff training, long-range planning, or drafting administrative rules or legislation.
• Perform as a project leader or project staff member in conducting research projects concerning public utility regulation issues.
• Identify and/or develop criteria and evaluate utility data to assure reasonable and adequate utility service to the public at the lowest possible cost.
• Review engineering data contained in franchise petitions, pipeline permits, and service modification requests to determine compliance with engineering standards and federal and state regulations.

Who We're Looking For:

Individuals who can perform operations research and evaluation or specialized engineering work for the Utilities Division of the Iowa Department of Commerce in the investigation and regulation of one or more types of utility operations, under general supervision.

Your Competencies:

• Required Knowledge:
  
  • Engineering and Technology: Practical application of engineering science and technology, including principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to design and production.
  • Utilities: Utility valuation principles, techniques, and standards in areas such as depreciation methods, cost allocation, production cost allocation, rate design, and classifying/allocating utility cost of service.
  • Design: Design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Mathematics: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Customer Service: Principles and processes for providing customer services, including needs assessment, quality standards, and satisfaction evaluation.
  • Law and Government: Laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
  • English Language: Structure and content of the English language, including meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand

We Value You:

At the State of Iowa, we are committed to your well-being. As a valued team member, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave with no limits on sick leave accrual.
• Great Benefits: Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Retirement Plan: IPERS retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
• Flexibility: Flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Life Insurance: Free life insurance.
• Support: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Discount Programs.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in civil engineering, petroleum engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, valuation engineering, engineering economics, depreciation engineering, or industrial (i.e., engineering management, operations research, or engineering operations) engineering, and experience equal to three years of full-time work in the planning, forecasting, researching, designing, managing, operating, or evaluating of electric, telecommunications, gas, or water facilities or systems.
2. Number one above, where twenty-four semester hours of postgraduate coursework in accounting, business administration, computer science, economics, finance, statistics, or any engineering discipline from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year of the required full-time work experience.
3. Licensed as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examination Board.
4. Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to twelve months of full-time work as a Utilities Regulation Engineer 2.

For additional information, please click on this
Additional Qualification Requirements

Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas. Some out-of-state travel may be required, as assigned by the employing agency. Select positions may require incumbents to provide their own means of transportation in order to conduct state business.
Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
01

Do you understand that the information provided on your application and resume must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your knowledge?

Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Do you meet A and B (A) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in civil engineering, petroleum engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, valuation engineering, engineering economics, depreciation engineering, or industrial (i.e., engineering management, operations research, or engineering operations) engineering, and (B) Experience equal to three years of full-time work in the planning, forecasting, researching, designing, managing, operating, or evaluating of electric, telecommunications, gas, or water facilities or systems.

• Yes - I meet A and B
• No - I do not meet A and B

04

Do you meet A and B:(A) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in civil engineering, petroleum engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, valuation engineering, engineering economics, depreciation engineering, or industrial (i.e., engineering management, operations research, or engineering operations) engineering, and (B) A total of three years of full-time experience in the planning, forecasting, researching, designing, managing, operating, or evaluating of electric, telecommunications, gas, or water facilities or systems AND/OR graduate education in accounting, business administration, computer science, economics, finance, statistics. 30 semester hours equals one year of full-time experience,

• Yes - I meet A and B
• No - I do not meet A and B

05

Are you licensed as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examination Board?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you a current State of Iowa employee - Executive Branch? If yes - do you have experience equal to twelve months of full-time work as a Utilities Regulation Engineer 2?

• I am a current State of Iowa employee - Executive Branch and have experience equal to twelve months of full-time work as a Utilities Regulation Engineer 2
• I am a current State of Iowa employee - Executive Branch BUT DO NOT have experience equal to twelve months of full-time work as a Utilities Regulation Engineer 2
• I am not a current State of Iowa employee

Required Question