Assistant Director of Electric Engineering and Operations

Shape the Future of Essential Services

Are you a visionary leader passionate about advancing utility services? The City of Palo Alto seeks an Assistant Director of Utilities to guide and elevate Electric Engineering, and Operations. Lead in one of California’s most innovative cities, driving sustainability, innovation, and exceptional service.

The City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) stands out by providing an extensive range of services to its residents and businesses, including electricity, water, wastewater, natural gas, and fiber optics. Recognized nationally for its innovation and leadership, CPAU is an award-winning utility known for its reliability, safety, environmental sustainability, workforce development, and system enhancement. With a legacy spanning over 125 years of successful public utility operations, Palo Alto continues to deliver safe and dependable utility services while maintaining local control over policies, utility rates, environmental initiatives, and tailored services. 

CPAU prioritizes customer service, infrastructure reliability, regulatory compliance, and cost management. Additionally, it aligns with the City’s sustainability objectives by developing a low-carbon energy supply through renewable energy, carbon emission offsets, and programs that help customers utilize energy and water more efficiently, minimize their carbon footprints, and adopt new technologies. 

Why Join Palo Alto? 

• Impact Critical Services: Manage 24/7 electric operations and expand our electric infrastructure, ensuring reliability for the community.
• Champion Sustainability: Spearhead clean energy initiatives, bolster resilience, and support Palo Alto’s environmental leadership in Grid Modernization and Climate Action.
• Innovate for the Future: Develop state-of-the-art engineering solutions, raise service standards, and improve customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate for Change: Partner with internal teams, stakeholders, and regional entities to deliver transformative utility projects.
• Join an award-winning team that offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Who You Are? 

We are seeking a leader who embodies: 

• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in electric systems, engineering, and electric utility distribution operations experience preferred.
• Visionary Thinking: Ability to set strategic priorities and execute innovative solutions.
• Inspirational Leadership: A talent for fostering high-performing teams and a collaborative environment.
• Customer Focus: Commitment to delivering exceptional service and solving complex challenges.
• Commitment to Sustainability: Passion for advancing clean energy and cutting-edge technology.

Your Role 

As the Assistant Director of Utilities, you will: 

• Lead & Mentor: Build a dynamic team of engineers, technical crews, planners, and managers, fostering growth and innovation.
• Oversee Critical Operations: Administer engineering, planning, and execution of electric utility projects.
• Develop Budgets & Standards: Guide the creation of capital improvement plans and technical specifications.
• Deliver Excellence: Ensure 24/7 electric service reliability and establish metrics for efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Represent the Utilities Department in engagements with city leadership, regulatory bodies, and the community.

This position will provide support in the following areas: 

Engineering – Responsible for managing all stages of CPAU's electric utility capital improvement programs, which involve offering new or upgraded services to customers, as well as City’s electric infrastructure. 

Operations – Oversees the operations, maintenance, and emergency response for the electric utility. 

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities which would typically be acquired through: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Master’s preferred).
• 8 years of experience in utilities or a related field, with at least 5 years in management.
• Expertise in electric engineering or utility operations.
• California Electrical Engineer registration (preferred).
• Experience with regulatory compliance and capital project management.

The Selection Process:

• Applicants will receive recruitment status notifications via email. Governmentjobs.com account also has notification status updates.
• Applicants will be screened throughout the posting process and highly qualified candidates may be invited to interview at any time after the posting closes.
• The screening process for this position may include a phone interview, questionnaire, panel interview and/ final interviews with the hiring manager or their designee.

Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have technical difficulties 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. For general inquiries please contact our Recruitment Team at recruit@cityofpaloalto.org or 650-329-2376. 

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Salary : $238,160 - $317,533