Location
Santa Clara, CA | United States
Job description
Principal Electric Utility Engineer
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Principal Electric Utility Engineer
Salary
$198,092.16 - $256,351.32 Annually
Location
Santa Clara, CA
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
88-23-145
Department
Electric Utility
Opening Date
11/17/2023
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Exempt
Bargaining Unit
9
Weighting Plan
NA
Description
Benefits
Questions
Description
The Department
Silicon Valley Power (SVP) is a not-for-profit electric municipal utility of Santa Clara, CA, serving residents and businesses for over 120 years. SVP provides power to nearly 55,000 customers, at rates 25 to 48 percent below neighboring communities. SVP is the only full service, vertically integrated publicly owned utility in Silicon Valley owning generation, transmission and distribution assets. As a Public Electric Utility, Santa Clara’s Silicon Valley Power is not driven by profits, as reflected in its significant lower utility rates when compared to other private sector utilities. Silicon Valley Power is community and policy driven, which is reflected in the many green policies that it promotes, reduced rates and its strategic plan. Silicon Valley Power is one of few public electric utilities in California with an upward trajectory of growth. In 2017, Silicon Valley Power also achieved 36% renewable and 72% HGH free energy and, since January 2018, Silicon Valley Power has been delivering GHG-free energy to all residential customers. All this was accomplished while maintaining the lowest electricity rates in Santa Clara County.
The Position
Silicon Valley Power (SVP) is seeking a dynamic, engaging, and highly qualified professional for one (1) management position of Principal Electric Utility Engineer in our Utility Operations Division.
The position in Utility Operations will be responsible for managing and performing work related to Protection Engineering, Communications Engineering, and Operations Support Engineering (Fault and Outage analysis) along with supporting operations, maintenance and regulatory compliance of electric utility transmission, distribution and generation facilities. This position manages the team responsible for Communications Engineering, Protection Engineering and Operations Support Engineering.
A successful candidate will have at least five years of experience related to the electric utility engineering field and be able to demonstrate the ability to work well with management, industry professionals, administrative support, and our customers. This is an exciting opportunity to lead positive change for our residents of the City of Santa Clara
As a member of the City's unclassified service, this is an "at-will" position, and the incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager. An incumbent in this classification demonstrates strong ethical, professional, and service-oriented leadership and interpersonal skills; sets a good example; and correctly applies the tenets of the City's Code of Ethics and values.
Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee admittance into the examination process. Only the most qualified candidates who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will be invited to participate.
THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS. ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW.
Typical Duties
Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
Under general direction:
Plan, develop, coordinate, perform, and direct activities of assigned work area relating to planning, engineering, design construction, operations, maintenance and regulatory compliance of electric utility transmission, distribution and generation facilities
Provide recommendations on a broad spectrum of related issues
Manage assigned staff, provide technical instructions and assistance as necessary
Develop, perform and manage the implementation of utility plans based upon applicable State and Federal laws
May be responsible for directing the activities of consultants and contractors
Act as a mentor to staff and provide them with leadership, training, direction and support
Attend meetings and work with engineers, contractors, specialists and City staff to ensure that City guidelines are met in the determination of requirements of projects
Represent the City at industry meetings, management groups, professional organizations, and other meetings
Make periodic and special reports, which describe the current activities and prepare reports, including findings and recommendations, as required
Direct or conduct studies and analysis related to the reliability of the electric system to ensure compliance with appropriate Federal Energy Regulatory Commission/North American Electric Reliability Corporation (FERC/NERC) and industry reliability standards
Prepare or direct the preparation of purchase specifications required to implement Electric Utility Department purchases in connection with system expansion and improvements
Conduct evaluation of new equipment, methods and materials pertinent to the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the electric system, and make recommendations to appropriate Managers
Confer with and assist in the development of long-range plans, goals and objectives, and budgets
Manage, schedule and evaluate the work assigned staff, and develop processes designed to support a continuous learning environment
Analyze assigned work area to determine the most efficient and effective assignment of staff
Make specialized technical studies and/or investigations
Prepare complete and comprehensive oral and written reports and make recommendations on engineering and related issues
Prepare the budget, recommend allocation funds within guidelines; monitor expenditures to ensure adherence to the approved budget, manage contractual services
Administer and assist in the staffing, administrative and financial matters of the department
May act as the Assistant Director of Electric Utility in his/her absence
Perform other related duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in electrical, mechanical, civil or other related field of engineering
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in electric utility engineering work
Candidates from a non-accredited college or university must demonstrate educational equivalency by registration as a professional electrical, mechanical or civil engineer in the State of California
Possible Substitutions :
REGISTRATION:
LICENSE(S):
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment
May be required to work unusual hours in emergency situations
Required to pass initial and periodic comprehensive background checks, which may include fingerprinting, to meet Federal, State, and /or industry security requirements
CONFLICT OF INTEREST:
Incumbents in this position are required to file a Conflict of Interest statement upon assuming office, annually and upon leaving office, in accordance with City Manager Directive 100.
Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. The City will not sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
Principles of electrical utility planning and engineering involved in the development, construction, production, operational methods in interconnected utility areas, principles of program evaluation, forecasting and planning, probability and energy analysis and formulation; customer service; telecommunications and controls; and information technology
Principles of engineering economics, statistical analysis and forecasting
Principles of management, supervision, personnel administration, training and performance evaluation
Principles of organization and management, effective leadership and municipal budgeting and administration
Regulatory laws, standards and requirements including FERC/NERC Reliability Standards
Research methods and statistical analysis
Problem solving and conflict resolution practices and techniques
Complex spreadsheets and database applications
Preparation and administration of contracts and fiscal planning
Project and workload planning
Environmental and safety practices, procedures and standards
Ability to:
Analyze complex data; resolve applicable problems; evaluate alternatives and recommend an appropriate course of action
Effectively negotiate contracts and customer business relations
Manage contractor activities
Manage project development and operations management
Identify, research and gather relevant information from a variety of sources
Exercise sound and independent judgment, conduct independent analyses and make recommendations on difficult and sensitive issues
Anticipate potential problems, develop contingency plans when needed and solve concurrent problems
Provide leadership and management through coaching, empowering and facilitating employees working in a team environment
Create a culture that is conducive to change and one that is able to select, recruit, retain, develop and motivate a skilled and talented workforce where everyone knows their mission, role and job expectations
Create a culture that is conducive to change and one that is able to select, recruit, retain, develop and motivate a skilled and talented workforce where everyone knows their mission, role and job expectations
Establish clear goals and objectives in order to create an organization that delivers excellent customer service through ethical leadership standards, and establishes an atmosphere of respect for employees consistent with the City's Code of Ethics and Values
Build constructive relationships by promoting collaborative partnerships with department peers, bargaining units, employees, citizens, and others contacted in the course of work
Represent and speak for the department and its work, e.g., presenting, explaining, promoting, defining, and negotiating to those within and outside the department by making clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals and groups, by listening effectively and clarifying information and by facilitating an open exchange of ideas
Prepare and present highly technical and complex written and oral reports using multi-media to large groups and City staff
Work effectively as a member of the department's management team to achieve common goals and be able to deliver excellent customer service to both internal and external City clients
Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate organization activities and effectively manage the assigned work
Work effectively and coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks simultaneously in time-sensitive situations and meet deadlines
Communicate logically and clearly, both orally and in writing
Follow oral and written instructions
Understand and carry out highly complex technical tasks
Use computer applications to prepare memos and procedural documentation
Create, manage and maintain complex filing and record systems
Walk or stand for extended periods of time and bend, stoop, crawl, climb, lift or any other physical requirement as necessitated by the position to perform assigned duties
Additional Information:
You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applications must be filled out completely (i.e. do not write “see resume or personnel file.”) To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Cover Letter and, 2) Resume. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at . Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis for consideration to the position. If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed. A first review of applications will be on December 8, 2023.
The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or [email protected] .
City of Santa Clara Benefit Summary Overview for Bargaining Unit #9
Miscellaneous Unclassified Management
This summary provides a brief overview of the City of Santa Clara’s benefits available to Bargaining Unit #9 employees in 2024. In the event of any conflict between the information in this summary and the applicable official plan documents, City Manager’s Directives (CMDs), Personnel and Salary Resolution, or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the applicable official plan documents, CMDs, Personnel and Salary Resolution, or MOU will prevail over this summary. Benefits are subject to change.
Retirement:
Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)
Classic Employees: 2.7% @ age 55 formula –employee pays 8.00% of gross pay, minus $61 bi-weekly
New Employees: 2.0% @ age 62 formula – employee pays 7.00% of gross pay
Medicare and Social Security (FICA)
Employee pays 6.20% up to $10,397.40 (Social Security) and 1.45% (Medicare) of gross pay
Health Insurance:
City contribution up to $2042.82/month, based on enrollment in a CalPERS health plan
Employees electing health coverage with premiums above the City health contribution will pay additional premium costs from salary on a pre-tax basis
Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire
If an employee enrolls in a plan with a premium that is less than $946.86/month, they will be paid the difference in cash
Employees hired on or after 1/1/2023 who opt-out of City-offered health insurance and provide annual attestation and acceptable proof of alternative required coverage for themselves and their tax family, if applicable, are eligible for a cash-in-lieu amount of $250/month. Contact Human Resources for more details
Dental Insurance:
Choice of two Delta Dental plans; enrollment is mandatory
City pays lowest cost employee only plan; additional cost is paid by employee
Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire
Vision Insurance:
Choice of two VSP plans
City pays lowest cost employee only plan; additional cost is paid by employee
Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire
Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA):
City contributes $50.00 a month toward employee’s VEBA account
Account funds may be used to pay for qualified medical expenses after separation from the City and after age 50 (pre-tax)
Life Insurance:
City pays for $50,000 of Basic Life Insurance coverage
Coverage is effective the first of the month after one calendar month of employment
Additional optional insurance may be purchased by the employee for the employee, spouse, domestic partner, and/or dependent children
State Disability Insurance (SDI):
Employee pays 1.1% of gross pay (includes Paid Family Leave)
7 day waiting period. Weekly paid leave for absences due to non-work related injuries/illnesses. Benefit is based on past earnings. Refer to edd.ca.gov for more information
Paid Family Leave (PFL):
Up to 8 weeks of benefits within a 12-month period to care for a family member or to bond with a new child
No waiting period. Weekly paid leave benefit. Benefit is based on past earnings. Refer to edd.ca.gov for more information
Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance:
Benefit is 60% of basic wage up to $13,333; max $8,000/month
City paid benefit. City pays $.207/$100 of insured earnings
60 calendar day waiting period
Coverage is effective the first of the month after one calendar month of employment
Deferred Compensation:
Voluntary plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions
Employee may contribute up to the lesser of the IRS maximum or 100% of gross compensation into a pre-tax 457(b) account or a post-tax Roth 457(b) account (or a combination of the two accounts) subject to IRS rules
Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125 Plan):
Employee may contribute up to $3,200 per year in pre-tax dollars to a health care spending account
Employee may contribute up to $5,000 per year in pre-tax dollars to a dependent care spending account
Employee may contribute up to $315 per month in pre-tax dollars to a commuter benefit plan
Vacation:
Vacation is accrued bi-weekly, cannot use vacation during first 6 months of City service
For 1 - 4 years of service: 10 days (80 hours)/year
For 5 - 9 years of service: 15 days (120 hours)/year
For 10 - 15 years of service: 21 days (168 hours)/year
For 16 - 20 years of service: 22 days (176 hours)/year
For 21+ years of service: 24 days (192 hours)/year
Maximum accrual is 480 hours
Once per year, employees can elect to convert up to 80 hours of accrued vacation to cash to be paid out in up to two cash-outs the following calendar year
Sick Leave:
Sick leave is accrued bi-weekly for equivalent of 96 hours per calendar year with no maximum accrual
Up to 48 hours/year of accumulated sick leave may be used for family illness
Up to 32 hours/year of accumulated sick leave may be used for personal leave
Employee may convert sick leave to vacation once per calendar year (annual maximum conversion is 96 hours sick to 48 hours vacation)
Partial sick leave payoff provision on retirement depending on years of service
Management Leave:
120 hours of management leave credited to employees each January 1st
New employees hired between January 1st and June 30th receive 120 hours of management leave their first year
New employees hired between July 1st and December 31st receive 60 hours of management leave their first year
Unused management leave may be carried over from one calendar year to the next; however, an employee may never have more than 240 hours (calendar years 2021 through 2024) of “banked” management leave
Holidays:
Mobile Communication Device Allowance:
Auto Allowance (an alternative to mileage reimbursement or use of a City vehicle):
Tuition Reimbursement Program:
Employee Assistance Program:
Confidential counseling to employees and dependents. Up to maximum of five (5) consultations per family member per incident per year
City paid benefit
Retiree Medical Reimbursement Program:
Employees who retire from the City with at least ten (10) years of service shall receive reimbursement to help cover retiree single health insurance premiums. The reimbursement maximum includes the PEMHCA minimum.
Up to age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to$416/month in 2024 (amount adjusted annually)
After age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to $249/month in 2024 (amount adjusted annually)
Alternate Work Schedule:
01
Select the option that describes how you meet the minimum qualifications:
I possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in electrical, mechanical, civil, or other related engineering field AND five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in electric utility engineering work. • Candidates from a non-accredited college or university must demonstrate educational equivalency by registration as a professional electrical, mechanical or civil engineer in the State of California AND attach proof to your application.
I possess a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering, OR business or public administration AND possess four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in electric utility engineering work. • Candidates from a non-accredited college or university must demonstrate educational equivalency by registration as a professional electrical, mechanical or civil engineer in the State of California AND attach proof to your application.
I do not meet the minimum qualifications.
02
Possession of a certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California is required. Do you meet this requirement?
I possess a certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California.
I do not meet the minimum qualifications.
03
Do you possess a valid State of California driver's license?
I possess a valid State of California driver's license.
I do not meet the minimum qualifications.
04
Describe your experience in electric utility engineering work.
05
Briefly describe your experience managing and working on System Protection, System Communication and Control, and Electrical System Operations Engineering.
06
Please provide an example that demonstrates your ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in team.
07
The Principal Electric Utility Engineer position is a critical leadership role. What are some successful ways you have been able to motivate people working with you?
Required Question
Agency
City of Santa Clara
Address
1500 Warburton Ave.
Santa Clara, California, 95050
Phone
408-615-2080
Website
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