What are the responsibilities and job description for the Electric Utility Engineer position at City of Santa Clara, CA?

Salary : $178,651.44 - $227,823.12 Annually

Location : Santa Clara, CA

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 09-25-428

Department : Electric Utility

Opening Date : 02 / 24 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 17 / 2025 4 : 00 PM Pacific

FLSA : Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit : 4

Weighting Plan : 100% Oral

Description

The Department :

Silicon Valley Power (SVP) currently provides over 40 percent of Santa Clara's electricity from carbon-free renewable resources. In addition to using green energy from large-scale wind, solar, geothermal and hydroelectric projects outside of the area, SVP employs innovative ways to locally produce electricity by capturing and burning methane gas from a closed city landfill and using power from solar generating systems on city-owned garages and vacant, unusable land. It is the mission of SVP to be a progressive, service-oriented utility, offering reliable, competitively priced services for the benefit of Santa Clara and its customers. Being competitive in the marketplace with a continuous focus on customer service, SVP can provide economic value to the City of Santa Clara and its customers while maintaining low residential rates and offering competitive rates for all customers.

The Position :

Silicon Valley Power (SVP) is seeking dynamic, engaging and qualified engineers for several vacant Electric Utility Engineer positions in various divisions.

For the SVP Fiber Division, this position will be assigned engineering work associated with SVP's fiber network. This individual will assist with engineering design, engineering pole loading analysis software, site surveys, material selection and estimates.

For SVP Operations Division, this position will be assigned engineering work associated with communication and electrical power engineering. This individual will assist with the programming of industrial multiplexer networks. The individual should have a strong interest in industrial high-speed data networking.

For SVP Engineering and CIP projects, this position will be assigned engineering work associated with electrical power engineering, substation design and Transmission and distribution systems. The individual may manage or will assist in managing Capital improvement Projects (CIP) to support growth of the electric utility. The candidates should have strong background and interest in electric systems.

For the Customer Development and Project Management Division, this position will assist in monitoring the operation of power generation equipment to ensure that it operates within the desired specifications, conducting routine inspections and maintenance of plant equipment to prevent failures and ensure maximum efficiency, Implementing upgrades and modifications to existing systems to improve performance and reduce environmental impact, coordinating with other technical staff and management to discuss and strategize plant operations, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to safety and environmental protection, preparing reports on plant operations, outage planning, and other performance metrics necessary for proper management and planning.

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) Cover Letter and 2) Resume. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application packets may be submitted online through the "Apply Now" feature on the job announcement at Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of Monday , March 17, 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 $178,651.44 - $227,823.12. This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements :

Graduation from an accredited college or university with :

a) Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering and two (2) years experience doing electric utility engineering work, or

b) Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and three (3) years experience doing electric utility engineering work and experience using AutoCAD and Microsoft office (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Mathlab).

Acceptable Substitution :

A Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of experience
An Engineer-in-Training Certification with ten (10) years of experience in electric utility engineering work can be substituted for the degree in engineering and the required experience indicated above

License / Certifications :

Possession of an appropriate, valid Class C California driver's license is required at time of appointment and for the duration of employment.

Desirable Qualifications :

Registration as an Electrical, Mechanical or Civil Engineer in the State of California

Experience using ESRI based Geographic Information System (GIS)

Experience using system modeling and load flow software; Aspen one-liner software, GE PSLF, and DEW ISM

Special Conditions :

May work unusual hours in emergency situations, or while acting as supervisor, or at other than the regular job site.

Other Requirements :

Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.

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

Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview may be required prior to appointment.

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications / transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

PERMANENT CITY EMPLOYEES PREFERENCE POINTS : Current permanent employee candidates who receive a passing score on the examination will have an additional five (5) points added to their final score.

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

City of Santa Clara Benefit Summary Overview for Bargaining Unit #4

Professional Engineers

This summary provides a brief overview of the City of Santa Clara's benefits available to Bargaining Unit #4 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 / 2024 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

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 $166.00 a month toward the 457(b) plan for employees in classifications not in SVP. The City contributes $330.00 a month toward the 457(b) plan for employees in classifications in SVP. 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 vacation accrual is 400 hours

Once per year, employees can elect to convert up to 60 hours of accrued vacation to cash to be paid out 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

Compensatory Time Off (CTO) :

Employees may accrue CTO in lieu of overtime hours up to a maximum of 240 hours

16 hours of PCTO is credited to employees each January 1st (prorated if hired after January 1st)

Holidays :

Seventeen paid eight-hour holidays per year (13 & 4 holidays between 12 / 25 to 1 / 1 of following year and an additional 32 hours of floating holiday for calendar year 2025

Personal Safety Equipment Reimbursement :

Reimbursement up to $200 / calendar year toward the purchase or repair of specified protective personal safety equipment (per MOU)

Professional Registration :

The City will pay cost of Professional Engineer registration fee. Employees eligible for $3,600 per year in premium pay for attaining and continued maintenance and possession of Professional Engineering Certification

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, subject to the conditions of the employee's job assignment, may propose an alternate work schedule as described in City Manager's Directive #71. Proposal must be made to the Department Head through the immediate supervisor

Resident Status :

Engineers will be permitted to pay the "resident" rate rather than the non-resident rate for City programs and activities so long as the employee's sign-up or participation will not interfere with a resident's access to or ability to participate in the applicable program or activity

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, omissions, stating "see resume" or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question completely, and in your own words (without the use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools, including but not limited to Chat GPT, Microsoft AI, or any other AI tool), and that your responses can be verified from information included within your application?

Please select the option below that best describes how you meet the minimum qualifications for Electric Utility Engineer.

I possess a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Electrical Engineering and two (2) years experience doing electric utility engineering work.

I possess a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering and three (3) years experience doing electric utility engineering work, with experience using AutoCAD and Microsoft office (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Math lab).

I possess a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university in Engineering and one (1) year experience doing electric utility engineering work.

I possess a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university in Engineering and two (2) years experience doing electric utility engineering work, with experience using AutoCAD and Microsoft office (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Math lab).

I possess an Engineer-in-Training Certification with ten (10) years of experience in electric utility engineering work.

I do not meet the minimum qualifications.

If you meet the minimum qualifications by possessing an Engineer-in-Training Certification with ten (10) years of experience in electric utility engineering work, please attest to the following :

I have uploaded my Engineer-in-Training Certification to my application.

I have not uploaded my Engineer-in-Training Certification and understand I will be screened out from the process, unless I meet the minimum qualifications in a different manner.

Please describe how your education and / or experience meet the minimum qualifications of this position.

Are you able to work unusual hours in emergency situations, or while acting as supervisor, or at other than the regular job site.

Please select all that apply :

I have experience using electrical engineering analysis software to complete short circuit, coordination, and arc flash studies.

I have experience using system modeling and load flow software; DEW / ISM, Aspen one-liner software, GE PSLF, and ETAP.

I have experience with power plant maintenance practices.

I have experience using AutoCAD, eBuilder, O-Calc and O-Calc Pro related to fiber construction.

I do not possess any of the above.

If you selected any of the categories from question #6, please explain in detail the experience you have from all the selections you marked including any software applications.

Please describe any other electric utility experience you have in the following areas : a) Protection Engineering, b) Transmission & Distribution Design & Construction, c) Transmission & Distribution System Operation & Maintenance, d) Substation Design &Construction, e) SCADA, Telecommunications Engineering & Operationsf) Fiber Design & Constructiong) Project Management e) Power Generation

Required Question

Salary : $178,651 - $227,823

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