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  • Principal Electric Utility Engineer

    Santa Clara, California United States City of Santa Clara, CA Full Time $207,996.72 - $269,168.88 Annually Jan 30, 2025
    City of Santa Clara Employer:

    City of Santa Clara, CA

    Community, Authenticity and Opportunity Santa Clara is a family oriented and business friendly city, led by a city government that has developed an award-winning ethics program and a commitment to fostering the public trust.  Located in Santa Clara County at the southern tip of San Francisco Bay, about 45 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Clara is a strategic regional hub, convenient to freeways, airports, railroads, expressways, light rail and other public transportation. "The Mission City" was founded in 1852 and has grown into an internationally diverse community of about 120,000 residents with employment base of about 106,750.  With 19.3 square miles of tree-lined neighborhoods, thriving commercial and industrial centers, and 300 days of sunshine each year, it is an ideal location for individuals, families, and businesses. Santa Clara is home to an extraordinary array of high-tech companies, including Applied Materials, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Nvidia, Oracle, and Ericsson. The City of Santa Clara is also home to Santa Clara University, California’s Great America Theme Park, and Levi’s® Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers and Super Bowl 50. Not Your Typical Bay Area City Voted one of ten All-America Cities in the New Millennium by the National Civic League, Santa Clara has a "High Tech, Human Touch, H2" approach to serving the community's needs.  It offers the region's lowest combined utility costs in the nine Bay Area counties, with savings of 30 to 40% on electricity alone, and it is consistently rated one of the most affordable cities in the nation for business. At the core of the City's government is a dedication to ethics, transparency and service to the community.  Santa Clara is a Charter City with a Council / Manager form of government.  The City's financial stability ensures the highest levels of citizen and business service, low business taxes and solid real estate value, and it is also one of the safest U.S. cities with a population of 75,000+. This dedication community is most readily seen in the outstanding efforts and services provided by our world-class police and fire departments.  Our outstanding public safety record includes the highest fire rating in Santa Clara County and some of the fastest emergency response times in the state. Speed is critical in Santa Clara--from response times with emergency services to responsiveness at the speed of business.  More than 9,400 businesses, including many of the world's top technology firms, have started, taken root and thrived in the City of Santa Clara.  Our dedication to the business community reaches beyond business licenses and services, but focuses on individualized assistance and attention, especially for large or complex business applications that need the involvement of multiple City departments.  In these cases, a dedicated liaison will help guide businesses through the process and ensure clear and complete communication. Welcome to Santa Clara.  Welcome to what's possible!    

    Job Description

    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 professionals for four (4) vacant unclassified management positions of Principal Electric Utility Engineer in various divisions under our Customer Development and Project Management groups.

    System Expansion Capital Projects

    This position will have the opportunity to work on complex and exciting large capital system expansion improvement projects in a dynamic, team-oriented environment. This position will be responsible for managing four large system expansion projects moving forward to bid and construction, totaling an estimated cost of $420 million. This position will oversee engineering consultants, Program Management consultants, and construction of 3 receiving station projects and one 2.25-mile 115kV transmission line project. As such, the ideal candidate will have large substation or receiving station project experience and be able to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities. The candidate will show proven problem-solving skills and excellent communication.

    System Planning and Asset Management

    This position will lead the System Planning & Asset Management team that will include Transmission Planning, Distribution Planning, and Asset Management. This position will be responsible for load forecasting, transmission and distribution system modeling and design, operations modeling support, and asset management. System planning will include the participation in the yearly California Energy Commission (CEC) IEPR load forecasting process, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) Transmission Planning Process (TPP), and the management of Western Electric Coordination Council (WECC) Transmission Planning (TP), Distribution Planning (DP), Transmission Owner (TO), Transmission Operator (TOP), Distribution Planning (DP), and Load Serving Entity (LSE) registration responsibilities. Operations support will include assisting SVP’s control center with electric clearance switch plan studies at both distribution and transmission system. As such, the ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of how the electric system works, including transmission, distribution, and substation systems and be able to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities. The candidate must have proven problem-solving skills and excellent communication skills.

    Engineering Division and CIP projects

    The first position will lead an engineering team that will include substation engineering, Transmission system engineering and distribution system engineering. This position will be responsible for performing and managing the design of substation and transmission line projects from conception through construction and commissioning. This position will develop standards, specifications, engineering studies, calculations, evaluations, design documents associated with the planning, design, construction and maintenance of SVP substations, Transmission system, distribution system and other utility facilities. The candidates must have extensive experience in High voltage Substation and Transmission line design, plan, standard and specification preparation. The candidates must have proven problem solving skills and excellent communication skills.

    The second position will lead the Capital Improvement Project group. This position will be responsible for performing and managing the work related to implementation of a portfolio of projects that can include new substations, transmission lines, and distribution systems to ensure the projects are delivered within schedule, scope and budget. This position will manage various consultants and work with business services group for procurement and onboarding consulting firms and contractors to support CIP projects. This position will create or update existing project management processes as necessary and will engage in collaboration and change management with other internal and external teams. This position will work in a cross-functional and cross-organizational environment including various consultants, contractors and developer team. The candidates should have extensive experience in the implementation and project management of high voltage electric utility projects.

    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.

    Additional Information:

    Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write “see resume, NA, or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Resume and, 2) Certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

    Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov . Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 4:00 PM.

    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.

    The annual salary range for this position is $207,996.72 - $269,168.88. This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.

    Typical Duties

    Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

    Minimum Qualifications

    EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

    Minimum Education Requirements:

    • 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


    Minimum Experience Requirements:
    • 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


    Acceptable Substitution:

    • A Master's Degree in electrical, mechanical or civil engineering, or business or public administration from an accredited college may be substituted for one year of experience


    License/Certifications:
    • Possession of a certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California is required
    • Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required at the time of appointment and for duration of employment


    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


    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 2025. 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 $10,918.20 (Social Security) and 1.45% (Medicare) of gross pay
    Health Insurance:
    • The City contributes up to 100% of the premium of the Kaiser (Region 1) plan for Employee Only and Employee + 1 Dependent plans, and up to 90% of the premium of the Kaiser (Region 1) plan of the Employee + 2 or More Dependents plan
    • Employees electing health coverage with premiums above the City health contribution will pay additional premium costs from salary on a pre-tax basis
    • No cash difference is paid if an employee elects a plan cheaper than the max City contribution
    • To be eligible for the City’s contribution toward health, employees must be on a paid status for at least 80 hours in the month prior to the month of coverage
    • Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire
    • 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 1.2% 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
    • Additionally, the City contributes $300 a month toward employee’s 457(b) account. This dollar amount will factor into the above mentioned IRS rules and limits
    Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125 Plan):
    • Employee may contribute up to $3,300 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 $325 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 180 hours of “banked” management leave
    Holidays:
    • Seventeen paid eight-hour holidays per year (13 & 4 holidays between 12/25 to 1/1 of following year)
    Mobile Communication Device Allowance:
    • $80/month in lieu of carrying a City-issued cell phone
    Auto Allowance (an alternative to mileage reimbursement or use of a City vehicle):
    • Department Heads receive $320/month (up to $520, with City Manager approval). Assistant Department Heads and Division Managers can receive $200/month (Up to $500 with City Manager approval)

    Tuition Reimbursement Program:
    • Up to $2,000 per fiscal year for tuition reimbursement
    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$425/month in 2025 (amount adjusted annually)
    • After age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to $254/month in 2025 (amount adjusted annually)
    Alternate Work Schedule:
    • An employee shall be eligible to work a 9/80 alternate work schedule according to the conditions, criteria, and requirements set forth in City Manager's Directive 71. Requests to work a 9/80 schedule shall be made through or by the Department Head to the City Manager. The City Manager must approve the schedule and the City Manager or Department Head (for employees other than Department Heads) may terminate the schedule at any time.


    Closing Date/Time: 2/26/2025 4:00 PM Pacific

    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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Top Utilities Jobs and Career Opportunities

Top Utilities Jobs and Career Opportunities
 

Utilities Industry Overview

The utility industry is crucial in providing essential services that power modern life, such as electricity, natural gas, water, and wastewater. These services keep communities running smoothly and ensure the well-being of millions of people.

Public utilities are central to the daily lives of individuals and businesses alike, whether they power homes, ensure clean drinking water, or treat wastewater.

As a public utility, the industry’s commitment extends beyond profits to community service, offering reliability and efficiency in everything it does. This sense of purpose makes the utility industry attractive for job seekers looking for opportunities that combine stability with the opportunity to make a real impact.

From roles in natural gas to wastewater services and other areas, the industry offers various positions that span technical, managerial, and customer-focused jobs.

 

Job Opportunities in Utilities

If you’re looking for a career that offers long-term stability, the utility industry provides diverse job opportunities in various fields, such as engineering, operations, finance, human resources, and customer service.

Utilities are an essential service, so many organizations—whether public utility companies, private firms, or government agencies—are always looking for qualified individuals to fill key roles.

Here are some of the typical areas where job opportunities can be found:

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  • Engineering: Engineers in utilities design and maintain the complex systems that provide gas, electricity, and water services. These roles may include electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering positions.
  • Operations and Maintenance: Operations teams ensure systems function smoothly, dealing with issues in real-time and coordinating maintenance to prevent downtime.
  • Customer Service: Customer-facing roles include helping individuals and businesses with utility services, providing information, troubleshooting issues, and handling billing inquiries.

You can search for job opportunities by location, job title, or company, making it easier to find a role that suits your interests and expertise.

 

Career Paths and Advancement

The utility industry offers job opportunities and supports long-term career growth. Many companies in this sector invest heavily in their employees, providing training and development opportunities that allow individuals to build skills over time. Whether you’re interested in climbing the ladder to management or expanding your knowledge in a specialized area like engineering or finance, the utility industry encourages ongoing learning.

Common career paths include:

  • Engineering Careers: You can start in a junior engineering position and work your way up to a senior engineer or managerial role, where you would oversee a team of engineers.
  • Operations Management: Operations roles often lead to leadership opportunities, where employees manage teams and systems to ensure the reliability of services.
  • Human Resources and Management: For those with skills in managing people and resources, there are opportunities to move into human resources and upper management positions responsible for policy, hiring, and employee retention.
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With these opportunities, employees can expand their careers while gaining new skills, making the utility industry a dynamic and rewarding space for career advancement.

 

Human Resources and Company Culture

When evaluating a career in utilities, it’s essential to consider the company’s human resources policies and overall culture. Most utility companies strive to create a community-oriented atmosphere with a strong focus on teamwork, collaboration, and safety.

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Utility companies often provide comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement savings plans, and generous paid time-off policies. These packages make the industry competitive when compared to other sectors. Additionally, most companies offer employee training programs to ensure everyone has the skills necessary to thrive and progress within the company.

Understanding the application process can also help. When applying for utility roles, expect a structured process, including online applications, assessments, and multiple interviews. Given the importance of these companies’ services, the hiring process is often thorough, but it also ensures a good fit between the candidate and the company’s culture.

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Featured Utility Jobs

If you’re interested in taking the next step, here are a few featured job opportunities in the utilities industry:

  • Electrical Engineer: Focused on designing, developing, and maintaining electrical systems that power communities. The salary range can vary but is generally competitive, with benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
  • Operations Manager: Responsible for overseeing the daily operations of utility services like water treatment or natural gas distribution. This role typically includes a robust compensation package and leadership opportunities.
  • Customer Service Representative: Often the first point of contact for customers with utility-related queries, this role requires excellent communication skills and offers entry-level opportunities for growth within the company.

By visiting the human resources page of most utility companies or using job search platforms, you can apply for roles directly. Most companies provide a seamless online application process that allows candidates to submit resumes and track application progress.

 

Benefits and Compensation in Utilities

Utilities companies are known for offering competitive benefits and compensation packages. Here’s what you can typically expect:

  • Health Insurance: Comprehensive plans that cover medical, dental, and vision, along with preventative care services.
  • Retirement Plans: Many companies offer a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, ensuring long-term financial security.
  • Paid Time Off: Employees are often given generous vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave.

Salaries vary depending on the job role and location. Still, jobs in the utilities industry are often considered secure, with ample room for wage growth, particularly as employees advance into more senior roles. Many companies also invest in training and professional development programs, helping employees build the skills they need to move up within the organization.

 

Getting Hired in Utilities

The application process for utility jobs can be straightforward, though it varies from company to company. Many utilities employers provide clear guidelines on how to apply through their website or human resources portal. Typically, this involves filling out an online application, uploading a resume, and potentially undergoing an interview.

Depending on the position, the interview process may involve meeting with multiple team members or department heads. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their qualifications, experience, and how they can contribute to the team’s goals. Often, a skills assessment will be part of the process, ensuring that candidates possess the qualifications for their respective roles.

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Utilities Industry Outlook and Trends

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The utilities industry is evolving, particularly with the rise of renewable energy and technological advancements. This shift is opening new doors for job seekers, especially in areas like engineering and operations management, where knowledge of green energy solutions is increasingly in demand. Additionally, companies are emphasizing sustainability and digital transformation more, creating fresh opportunities for forward-thinking individuals.

These advancements also mean that the utility sector is more dynamic than ever, offering job stability and exciting growth opportunities. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to advance in your field, the utility industry provides a broad spectrum of roles catering to various interests and skills.

In summary, the utility industry offers many career opportunities in engineering, operations, customer service, and management, with competitive compensation and strong benefits packages. Whether you’re interested in training for career growth or exploring the cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of utilities, this industry provides ample opportunities for professional development and job security.

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