Utility Specialist 3

State of Ohio; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 87,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) in Columbus, OH is seeking a Utility Specialist 3 to join the Rates & Analysis Department. This full-time role focuses on accounting, finance, and regulatory analysis for electric, natural gas, water, and other base distribution rate cases.

Responsibilities include serving as a subject-matter expert in utility rates, guiding staff, assisting in investigations, drafting staff reports, and presenting testimony as needed.

Qualifications

• Completion of graduate core program or 3 years exp in related fields such as accounting, finance, public administration, or engineering.
• 5 years utility or transportation regulatory experience involving PUCO operations, regulations, rate structures, or investigations.
• 36 months exp as Utility Specialist 2, 66952, or equivalent minimum class qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject-matter expert in public utility rates, accounting theory, policies, practices, and procedures.
• Function as a regulatory accounting analyst across electric, natural gas, water, and other base distribution rate cases.
• Provide training, technical guidance, and directions to lower-level staff members.
• Support rate case investigations.
• Draft assigned sections of staff reports and letters.
• Prepare testimony as needed, assist in settlement negotiations, and present testimony under cross examination during hearings.
• Conduct audits of natural gas, water, and electric riders, as well as audits associated with Commission rulemaking, and formal or informal Commission proceedings.

Skills

Accounting & Finance

Auditing

Investigation

Training

Leading Others

Negotiation

Written Communication

Job description

Job Description - Utility Specialist 3 (260005ZN)

Utility Specialist 3 (260005ZN)

Organization

Public Utilities Commission

Agency Contact Name and Information : HUMAN RESOURCES - [e-mail].

Unposting Date

Aug 29, 2026, 3:59:00 AM

Primary Location

United States of America - OHIO - Franklin County - Columbus

Compensation : 41.81

Schedule

Full-time

Work Hours : 8:00-5:00 Flex Available

Union : OCSEA

Primary Job Skill

Utilities

Technical Skills : Accounting and Finance, Auditing, Investigation, Training

Professional Skills : Leading Others, Negotiation, Written Communication

Public Utilities Commission of Ohio 1.06K subscribers

The Public Utilities Commissions of Ohio (PUCO) affects nearly every household in Ohio. The PUCO regulates providers of all types of utility services which includes electric and natural gas companies, local and long-distance telephone, water and wastewater, and rail and trucking companies. More recently, the PUCO gained responsibility for facilitating competitive utility choices for Ohio consumers.

To carry out our responsibilities, the PUCO employs a professional staff that includes engineers, economists, attorneys, and safety inspectors. Continually monitoring the activities of utility and transportation companies, the PUCO works to ensure safe and reliable services for all Ohioans.

Our mission is to assure all residential and business consumers access to adequate, safe and reliable utility services at fair prices, while facilitating an environment that provides competitive choices.

Job Description

Utility Specialist 3

Rates & Analysis Department

Accounting & Finance Division

Hourly Rate: $41.81

About The Rates & Analysis Department:

The Rates and Analysis Department participates in federal and state programs and investigations regarding energy policy, delivery and reliability; monitors and advises on utility conformance with prudent corporate oversight practices and procedures; monitors energy efficiency and portfolio compliance requirements; processes utility rate change requests and performs technical investigations. The department is comprised of accounting and finance, grid modernization and retail markets, and regulatory utility services divisions.

What You Will Do:

In this position as a Utility Specialist 3, your responsibilities include:

• Serve as a subject-matter expert in public utility rates, accounting theory, policies, practices, and procedures
• Function as a regulatory accounting analyst across electric, natural gas, water, and other base distribution rate cases
• Provide training, technical guidance, and directions to lower-level staff members
• Support rate case investigations
• Draft assigned sections of staff reports and letters
• Prepare testimony as needed, assist in settlement negotiations, and present testimony under cross examination during hearings
• Conduct audits of natural gas, water, and electric riders, as well as audits associated with Commission rulemaking, and formal or informal Commission proceedings

Report in location: 180 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43215, Franklin County.

PUCO core hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, however, daily start/end times may vary based on operational need across PUCO departments. Most positions perform work on-site at the PUCO Central Office. Flex-time schedules are based on operational need and require supervisor approval.

Salary Information: Unless required by legislation or union contract, starting salary is set at the lowest rate of the salary range. In most cases, successful employees will increase a step in the salary range within six months, with subsequent step increases occurring every year. In addition, the State of Ohio offers cost of living adjustments, longevity supplements after five years of public service, and wellness.

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications

Completion of graduate core program or 3 years exp. in one or more of following fields; accounting, code enforcement, finance, business administration, public administration, utility & or transportation code of enforcement, geology, management, law, economics, mathematics or engineering; 5 years utility or transportation regulatory experience involving combination of following: PUCO operations, programs & policies affecting regulation of utility or transportation companies, state & federal laws, regulations & procedures governing utility or transportation company operations, competitive programs & alternative regulations, rate & or tariff structure, financing & securities or economics applied to utility or transportation companies, utility or transportation regulatory processing & case hearing proceedings, cost recovery & cost adjustment methods & procedures, enforcement of customer service standards, statistical, mathematical or analytical methods used in formulating & solving problems or in decision making, developing & conducting research studies & or investigations of scientific, technical or legal nature involving issues of utility or transportation or alternative regulation.

–Or 36 months exp. as Utility Specialist 2, 66952.

–Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

Job Skills: Utilities

Completion of graduate core program or 3 years exp. in one or more of following fields; accounting, code enforcement, finance, business administration, public administration, utility & or transportation code of enforcement, geology, management, law, economics, mathematics or engineering; 5 years utility or transportation regulatory experience involving combination of following: PUCO operations, programs & policies affecting regulation of utility or transportation companies, state & federal laws, regulations & procedures governing utility or transportation company operations, competitive programs & alternative regulations, rate & or tariff structure, financing & securities or economics applied to utility or transportation companies, utility or transportation regulatory processing & case hearing proceedings, cost recovery & cost adjustment methods & procedures, enforcement of customer service standards, statistical, mathematical or analytical methods used in formulating & solving problems or in decision making, developing & conducting research studies & or investigations of scientific, technical or legal nature involving issues of utility or transportation or alternative regulation.

–Or 36 months exp. as Utility Specialist 2, 66952.

–Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

Job Skills: Utilities

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug‑free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non‑medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug‑Free Workplace Policy (HR‑39), and as outlined in the posting.