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Job Description
Description:
This position may be filled at one of the following levels, based on the qualifications of the selected candidate:
Salary Range Job Description
Electric Distribution Project Engineer $76.76 - 94.24 Click Here
Electric Power Engineer $72.38 - 88.86 Click Here
Associate Project Engineer $68.04 - 78.67 Click Here
Assistant Project Engineer $57.86 - 71.04 Click Here
SCHEDULE : This is an in-person position
Monday through Thursday 7:30 am to 5:30 pm (Some flexibility)
Every other Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and off alternating Fridays
Purpose of Classification : Under general direction, and utilizing significant independent judgement, the Electric Distribution Project Engineer plans, organizes, directs and controls all or part of highly complex electric utility projects, from concept through design, construction and closeout of the project; develops complex electrical engineering designs, specifications, and cost estimates; prepares written reports for electric utility maintenance and construction programs associated with various projects and facilities; acts in the capacity of the immediate supervisor in his/her absence.
Distinguishing Characteristics : The Electric Distribution Project Engineer classification is found in the Utilities Electrical Engineering Division. Electric Project Engineers can be distinguished from the next lower level Electric Utility classification by their responsibility for managing complex electric utility projects including the supervision of contractors, and consultants, and distinguished from the Principal Electric Project Engineer in that the Senior level classification has overall responsibility for major and/or complex electrical design engineering projects. In addition to serving in a project manager capacity, incumbents in this classification perform advanced electrical and telecommunications design engineering assignments on a wide range of utility projects of a complex nature. Projects supervised may be long-term or may constitute a major portion of a continuous or comprehensive engineering or construction program. Preparing technical reports, giving presentations, cost analyses, and value engineering studies in conjunction with development of project or study plans, designs and specifications are integral features of this classification.
Learn more about some of the great benefits the city offers:
Commuter Benefits
Childcare Benefits
Parental Leave Benefits
Health Benefits
Retirement Benefits
Compensation (SEIU): Comprehensive compensation plan. To learn more, click HERE .
Essential Duties:
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:- Performs project management for major Capital Improvement Projects involving engineering design, bid evaluation; contract administration; project scheduling; coordination; inter-utility coordination; quality control; and field decisions and supervision to insure projects are completed within the stipulated time and allocated budget. Prepares plans, specifications, and cost estimates for assigned projects requiring engineering capability in the electric utility.
- Coordinates system improvement activities with key customers.
- Performs electrical engineering assignments for a wide range of activities.
- Supervises inspectors and technicians during project development and constructions phases.
- Develops utilities' materials standards, equipment specifications, and operating procedures.
- Performs load studies and prepares forecasts as required for utilities' system planning and budget preparation.
- Provides guidance and work supervision to technicians as required by projects, as well as outside consultants on major projects.
- Assists in the preparation of the utilities' annual budget, capital improvement programs, and quarterly financial and performance reports.
- Works with and provides guidance for the utilities' customers for the efficient use of electric energy, in establishing utilities service requirements, fault current protection, load management and demand control, power factor correction, and systems safety and protection schemes.
- Assists with preparation of annual budget and capital improvement projects.
- Performs engineering assignments as required.
- Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities, which would typically be acquired through:
- Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering (with power option or equivalent experience)
- Three years increasingly responsible electric utility engineering and project management experience.
Special Requirements:
- Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California.
SCHEDULE : This is an in-person position
Monday through Thursday 7:30 am to 5:30 pm (Some flexibility)
Every other Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and off alternating Fridays
Supplemental Information:
The Selection Process:- Applicants are encouraged to apply early as possible. Applications will be reviewed promptly upon receipt and screenings and interviews will begin as soon as posting requirements are met and a sufficient applicant pool is found. Posting may be closed before the date posted.
- Applicants will receive email recruitment status notifications. Governmentjobs.com account also has notification status updates.
- Depending on the number of qualified applications received, the examination process may consist of supplemental questions, online assessment, written examination, practical performance, oral examination, or any combination to determine which candidate will move forward in the hiring process.
- The screening process for this position typically may include a virtual recorded interview and/or panel interviews preceding final interviews with the hiring manager or their designee.
- More than one position may be filled from this posting.
This position is represented by Service Employee International Union (SEIU).
Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday.
The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both perspective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
For more details visit our Careers Page, by clicking HERE.
Learn more about our Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) between the City and its bargaining units, by clicking HERE.
Closing Date/Time: 12/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Palo Alto
Show morePalo Alto is located about 35 miles south of San Francisco; and 14 miles north of San Jose. Palo Alto, known as the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley” and global center of technology and innovation, is the corporate headquarters for many world-class companies and research facilities such as VMWare, Hewlett-Packard, IDEO, Tesla, and Skype. Home to Stanford University and a top-ranked public school system, Palo Alto also features beautiful and historic residential neighborhoods, vibrant shopping and retail districts.
Palo Alto has a highly educated and culturally sophisticated citizenry that is actively engaged in making a difference both locally and globally. Unique among city organizations, Palo Alto operates a full-array of services including its own gas, electric, water, sewer, refuse and storm drainage provided at very competitive rates for its customers.
The birthplace of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto, is a community of approximately 68,000 residents and nearly 100,000 jobs. Located on the mid-Peninsula between San Francisco and San Jose, Palo Alto is recognized worldwide as a leader in cutting-edge technology, medicine, and green innovation. Many world-class businesses maintained or started offices here, including Amazon, Tesla, Hewlett Packard, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Rivian, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, SAP Ariba, Houzz, Varian Medical Systems, and VMware. Numerous start-ups are also at home in Palo Alto, arguably making it the startup capital of the world.
Stanford University is foundational to the history and prestige of Palo Alto, reflected in the community’s dedication to life-long learning. Stanford’s cultural and educational offerings are integral to the vibrancy and charm of Palo Alto, while the City’s exceptional K-12 school district ranks among the top public school systems in the country. With more than 50% of adult residents holding a graduate degree or higher, Palo Alto is frequently listed as one of the most educated cities in the nation.
Home to picturesque tree-lined streets, bike lanes, and historic buildings that reflect its California heritage, Palo Alto boasts a genuine sense of community and an active citizenry with strong environmental values. Beautiful neighborhoods are complemented by vibrant commercial corridors and a bustling economy with premium shopping and dining options. Excellent health care facilities, performing arts, and diverse recreational opportunities are just some of this incredibly desirable community’s cherished amenities.
Join an Award Winning Team
Palo Alto is an award-winning City recognized nationwide as innovative and well-managed. Palo Alto is one of a small number of California cities with a AAA bond rating. Recently, Palo Alto became one of the most livable cities in the U.S. by Livability.com. It's the only city to receive the Platinum Beacon Award in sustainability best practices by California’s Institute for Local Government.
We offer a variety of career paths that relate to building and improving communities. The City has fourteen departments employing 1,000 full-time staff. Police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, and building inspectors keep us safe. Engineers and public works staff build and re-build the physical infrastructure. City planners help envision and shape future community growth. Recreation, arts and library professionals enhance community life. Utilities provides electric, gas, water, sewer and other services. Internal services departments help manage, staff, and protect the City.
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