**This recruitment is re-opening. If you recently applied, you don't need to re-apply.**
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:
SVP is seeking a dynamic and innovative Electric Utility Engineer to fill vacancies in the Customer Development and Project Management Division to support in engineering and planning of their electric system.
For the Customer Development and Project Management Division, the first position will assist in maintaining the electric system model, participate in SVP distribution system planning, identify and implement projects to support load growth and improve reliability of the electric system, perform distribution system protection, control and automation, perform generator interconnection studies and implement in the field. This position will also perform plan reviews and other assignments as assigned per need of the department. This position will contribute to developing engineering standards and processes, and manage projects as assigned. Experience using electrical engineering analysis software to complete load flows, short circuit, coordination, and arc flash studies is desirable.
For the Customer Development and Project Management Division, the second position will assist with the implementation of a portfolio of projects than can include new substations, new 60kV, 115kV, and 230kV transmission lines, reconstruction and/or expansion of existing substations and transmission lines. The ideal candidate should be a self-starter who can thrive in both an autonomous and team environment. This position requires project management skills, including but not limited to initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and closeout of projects. A working knowledge of how electric utility systems work, and the work resources required to design, bid, construct, and commission these systems is desirable. This individual will assist with scheduling, budgeting, preparing bid packages, working with teams of subject matter experts, tracking all financial aspects of projects through ongoing job forecasting, oversee preconstruction meetings, coordinate factory acceptance testing of equipment, manage RFIs, change orders, and invoicing.
An incumbent in this position may be assigned to work in the generation, substations, Capital improvement Project, transmission, distribution, planning, protection, or operations groups of the Electric Utility Department, as the need is determined.
Typical Duties:
Duties may include but are not limited to the following.
Under general direction:
• Designs, assists in coordinating the design of, and manages electric utility system projects, including: generation facilities, electric substations, protection systems, overhead and underground transmission and distribution lines, supervisory control facilities, street lighting, and other electric system facilities
• Prepares and/or assists in the preparation of design and construction standards, equipment procurement specifications, construction specifications and drawings, design procedures, test procedures, and safety procedures for electric facilities
• Performs and/or assists in power system studies such as protective coordination, fault studies, power flows, service reliability, and power quality
• Uses AutoCAD in the preparation of drawings, plans and other related matters
• Prepares, supervises, or assists in the preparation and maintenance of circuit maps, diagrams, construction drawings, charts, and plans
• Compiles engineering data and makes complex engineering calculations and analysis
• Monitors utility compliance with State and Federal regulations, makes recommendations and may develop and implement procedures for compliance
• Investigate field problems and troubleshoot problems with utility equipment and facilities
• May provide assistance to all classes of customers, developers, the utility business office, and to other City Departments on technical matters relevant to electric utility services
• May provide assistance to technical and financial inputs for projects in electric utility budget
• Prepares contracts, agreements, technical specifications, reports, minutes and other related documents
• May assist with the preparation of department's annual and five-year capital improvement budgets and the operating budget
• Coordinates engineering activities with other City departments and other public agencies
• May supervise, train and develop staff and act as supervisor during periods outside of regular working hours during emergency situations or while on local or remote job construction sites; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
• 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 Substitutions:
• 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
Other Requirements:
Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.
Special Conditions:
May work unusual hours in emergency situations, or while acting as supervisor, or at other than the regular job site.
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. Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview will 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.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
• Engineering principles, practices, procedures, materials, and equipment used in the design, cost estimation, analysis, construction, operation, repair and maintenance of electric utility generation, substations, transmission, distribution, protection, street lighting, metering, and other electric utility facilities
• Principles and theory of electric utility design, construction, operation and maintenance (i.e., power generation, transmission, and distribution systems)
• Federal, State and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations and policies pertaining to power infrastructure operation
• Utility system modeling techniques and technology
• Principles of supervision and training
• Computer applications (e.g. Microsoft office, project management software, scheduling tools, computer-aided drafting and design CAD and Mathlab
• Environmental and safety practices, procedures and standards, including the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) and other standards
Ability to:
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Analyze engineering problems of moderate complexity
• Analyze data, prepare reports and make recommendations
• Perform electric utility power engineering work related to planning, design, and operation of distribution, transmission, or substation systems
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Write clear, concise reports, using correct composition, English grammar and spelling
• Deal tactfully and courteously with others
• Work in a team based environment to resolve problems, achieve common goals and successfully deliver projects
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public
• Handle multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet strict deadlines
• Walk or stand for extended periods of time
• Bend, stoop, reach, carry, crawl, climb, and lift as necessary to perform assigned duties
Supervision Received
Works under the general direction of a Senior Electric Engineer, Division Manager, Assistant Director or other supervisor as assigned.
Supervision Exercised
May supervise engineering administrative, technical, or other staff as assigned.
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 www.santaclaraca.gov. Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of August 27, 2023, at 4:00 PM.
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 HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov.
$79.42 - $101.28 Hourly
$13,765.71 - $17,554.56 Monthly
$165,188.52 - $210,654.72 Annually
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 2023. 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 $9,114.00 (Social Security) and 1.45% (Medicare) of gross pay
Health Insurance:
- City contribution up to $1113.74/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 the first 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
- An employee is eligible for $795.86/month of the City’s health contribution, even if they opt-out of City-offered health insurance. An employee can receive an additional $151.00/month if they sign an annual attestation and provide proof of other group coverage for themselves and their tax family, if applicable. Contact Human Resources for more details
Dental Insurance:
- Choice of two Delta Dental plans; enrollment is mandatory
- City pays lowest cost of employee only plan ($22.22 for 2023); additional cost is paid by employee
- Coverage is effective on the first day of the month following three full calendar months of employment
Vision Insurance:
- Choice of two VSP plans
- City pays the lowest cost employee only plan ($9.00 for 2023); additional cost is paid by employee
- Coverage is effective the first 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)
- If account balance is less than $2,000 upon separation, then account funds can be used immediately
Life Insurance:
- City pays for $50,000 of Basic Life Insurance coverage. Employer premium is $9.55/month
- 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 0.9% of gross pay; max deduction of $1,378.48 (includes Paid Family Leave)
- 7 day waiting period. Maximum benefit is $1,620/week for absences due to non-work related injuries/illnesses. Benefit is based on earned wages in a specific 12-month period
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. Minimum benefit is $50/week. Maximum benefit is $1,620/week. Benefit is based on past quarterly wages
Deferred Compensation:
- Voluntary plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions
- Employee may contribute up to the lesser of $22,500/year 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. Employee over 50 years of age may contribute up to $30,000/year
Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125 Plan):
- Employee may contribute up to $3050 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 $300 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 and sick leave cap (balance as of 01/01/2004 plus 1,500 hours)
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:
- Thirteen (13) paid eight-hour holidays per year
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. See CMD 26 for details
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 premium is $4.03/month
- Appointments can be face-to-face appointments with an MHN network provider, phone appointments, or web- video appointments
- Employees may call Managed Health Network (MHN) confidentially at 1-800-227-1060
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$406/month in 2023 (amount adjusted annually)
- After age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to $243/month in 2023 (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
