Search Jobs

The City of Santa Clara is recruiting for the Electric Utility Chief Operating Officer for its Electric Utility, Silicon Valley Power (SVP).  Reporting to the Chief Electric Utility Officer (CEUO), the Electric Utility Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a senior management position in the City's unclassified service responsible for the oversight and direction for the fiscal, administrative, and managerial operations of the utility. The COO has supervisory and support responsibilities for the utility's divisions: Utility Operations, Customer Development and Project Management, Resource Planning and Customer Engagement, and Business Services. The COO will help guide SVP through the extraordinary period of growth related by doubling the existing capacity of the electrical system to meet new customer demands over the next 10 years. In addition to the expansion, the COO will work to ensure new renewable resources are added to meet the City's and State’s climate goals. The COO is responsible for forecasting service requirements and for planning, organizing and directing assigned resources of the electric utility division in order to meet those requirements. This includes developing and administering the department operations and capital improvement budgets. The COO is expected to exercise critical thinking and detail oriented oversight in ensuring that utility operations are smooth, efficient, and compliant, with responsibility for results including costs, methods, and staffing.
 
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.  An incumbent in this classification:  demonstrates strong ethical, professional, and service-oriented leadership and interpersonal skills; sets a good example; and correctly applies the tenets of the City's Code of Ethics and values.
 
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.  
 
This recruitment is being conducted by JPowers Recruiting, Inc.  In order to be considered for this position, please apply via JPowers Recruiting Inc. at Electric Utility Chief Operating Officer (COO).  Candidates are encouraged to apply to receive first consideration.  The posting may close at any time.
 
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.
 

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. 

Application Deadline extended until Monday, June 29, 2026

Please submit a cover letter, resume and a list of three professional references with your application.

THE POSITION

The successful candidate for Director of Finance & Administrative Services will bring a proven breadth and depth of financial management experience to the position. Appointed by and reporting to the City Manager or their designee, the new Director will lead a staff of 35 in the management of accounting, cash management, revenue collections, business licensing, utility billing, purchasing, payroll, budget, and information technology. Bringing supervisorial and leadership experience, the Director will have an opportunity to continue to build and enhance the department team as it faces future retirements. The Director will offer recommendations and solutions to the City Manager and will advise the City Council on long-term financial planning on policy matters. Working collaboratively with other members of the executive team and staff, the Director will take a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for new ideas, creativity, innovation, and technological advances. In addition, the Director will foster a team approach of customer service and problem solving as well as a culture that accepts and embraces change. Exceptional communication skills and a strong desire to provide superior services to both internal and external customers are critical. The Director will be comfortable in an organizational culture that welcomes input, engagement with, and participation of the community. The city utilizes a two-year, budget and currently faces budgetary challenges due to changing CalPERS retirement costs and laws, decreased tax revenues, and other structural issues. The Director will work closely with the City Manager, executive team, and staff in order to address these issues, identify necessary solutions, and facilitate highly efficient services and programs to the community.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree, and desirably a Master’s degree and CPA, in accounting, public or business administration or a related field. In addition, progressive executive level responsibility is desirable in finance administration, accounting, auditing, budget administration, purchasing and risk management, long-range financial forecasting, debt and investment strategies, and labor negotiations. Experience with information technology and computer software systems is highly desirable.

This is an excellent career opportunity for individuals who have a breadth of financial management experience in various agencies as a division head, Deputy Director, or Director. While experience in municipal finance is highly desirable, a combination of public and private sector experience is acceptable as well. 

Shape Transparent, Effective Local Government

The City of Orinda is seeking a seasoned, highly organized, and service-oriented professional to serve as its next City Clerk. This is a unique leadership opportunity to play a central role as a key member of the Executive Team, ensuring compliance with complex legal requirements, and upholding the principles of transparency and public trust.

This position is well-suited for an experienced municipal professional who values precision, discretion, and public service. The City also welcomes interest from recently retired professionals seeking a meaningful opportunity to contribute their expertise in a flexible and impactful role.

Why Join Orinda?

Nestled in the beautiful East Bay hills, Orinda is recognized for its scenic charm, engaged community, and high quality of life.  Join a small but mighty City team that values innovation, teamwork and service excellence. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as Clerk to the City Council, including attending meetings and ensuring accurate documentation of proceedings
• Oversee municipal elections and candidate filing processes
• Manage the preparation, distribution, and maintenance of agendas, minutes, and official records
• Administer the City’s records management and retention programs
• Ensure compliance with the Brown Act, Public Records Act, and other applicable regulations
• Coordinate legal notices, publications, and public communications
• Provide high-level administrative and strategic support to the City Council and City Manager
• Supervise department operations and administer the City Clerk budget
• Collaborate effectively with City departments and external agencies

For a full list of responsibilities and job related and essential qualifications, please review the job description.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, or a related field

Experience:
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in a City Clerk’s office or a comparable municipal environment

Licenses/Certifications:

• Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation is desirable (or ability to obtain)
• Notary Public certification within one year of hire
• Valid California Driver’s License

Special Requirements:

• Ability to attend evening City Council meetings
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including occasional weekends
• Ability to travel to different sites as needed

Selection Process:

Applications will be reviewed based on qualifications. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an interview process, which may include multiple rounds and a practical exercise.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Interested candidates should submit a completed application, resume, and cover letter no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 1, 2026.  For more information and to apply, please visit the CalOpps.org website.

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION VIA THIS LINK: https://wbcpinc.com/job-board/

The City of San José is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and visionary leader to serve as the next Assistant Director of the Environmental Services Department (ESD). As Chief Operating Officer of ESD, the Assistant Director will help lead one of the most dynamic environmental services departments in the nation. This executive position will oversee an approximate $550 million budget and seven direct reports, providing strategic leadership across a broad portfolio of utility operations and environmental programs serving over one million residents, including the city’s solid waste, stormwater, drinking water, and watershed protection services. The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in utility operations, regulatory compliance, and public agency administration. They will possess excellent interpersonal skills, technical aptitude, and political acumen, and thrive in a highly collaborative, solution-oriented environment. This is a unique opportunity to help shape San José’s environmental future - apply today!

View the full recruitment brochure here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/5613b8be-7239-44f5-84c0-9e3ee91fd78c

The Environmental Services Department
 

The Environmental Services Department (ESD) is a national leader in pollution prevention, watershed protection, utility services, and climate action. With nearly 582 employees, ESD serves over 1 million residents and thousands of businesses in San José. ESD’s mission is to deliver world-class utility services and programs that enhance health, the environment, and the economy. This mission is executed through the following divisions:
 

• San José–Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility (RWF):The largest advanced wastewater treatment facility in the western U.S., serving 1.7 million residents and 17,000 businesses. RWF treats 110 million gallons daily, delivers recycled water, and consistently meets permit standards while earning national recognition.
   

• Capital Improvement Program:A $1.4 billion, 10-year effort to modernize the RWF’s infrastructure, enhancing resilience, treatment capacity, and sustainability for long-term protection of the South Bay.

• Water Resources Division: Operates the San José Municipal Water System, serving over 100,000 residents, and oversees South Bay Water Recycling—the largest recycled water system in Northern California—while exploring future water supply options like potable reuse and desalination.

• Watershed Protection Division: Safeguards San José’s creeks by preventing pollution from entering 30,000 storm drains. Operates an award-winning lab that conducts over 50,000 tests annually and led regional wastewater monitoring during COVID-19.

• Integrated Waste Management Division: Manages waste services for 325,000 homes and 11,000 businesses, maximizing recycling and organics diversion through five contracted haulers to reduce landfill use and maintain city cleanliness.

• Regulatory Affairs and Purified Water Division: Leads implementation of a multi-agency potable reuse initiative and administers the wastewater and air compliance programs for the Regional Wastewater Facility. Supports an integrated regulatory and legislative strategy for wastewater, stormwater, recycled water and drinking water utilities.

• Utility Financial & Business Operations: Provides core support in budgeting, hiring, IT, payroll, billing, and procurement to ensure the efficient operation of all ESD programs and services.

• Communications Division :Leads strategic, multilingual outreach through media, digital campaigns, and public education. Promotes transparency, manages public records responses, and supports emergency communications.

To learn more about ESD, follow @sjenvironment on X, Facebook and Instagram and San Jose Environmental Services on LinkedIn.
 

Position Duties:

Salary Range

The Assistant Director salary range is currently $178, 713.34 - $288, 700.62. Placement within this range will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the individual selected. This salary includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. The salary is supplemented by an attractive benefits package. 

The Position

Reporting to the Director, the Assistant Director serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Environmental Services Department (ESD), overseeing a budget of approximately $550 million and seven direct reports. This executive leader provides strategic and operational direction across a broad and complex portfolio, including Integrated Waste Management, Watershed Protection, Water Resources, Wastewater Management,  Regulatory Affairs and Purified Water, Utility Financial and Business Operations, and Communications. In partnership with Deputy Directors, department leaders, and citywide stakeholders, the Assistant Director drives alignment with City priorities while ensuring regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and organizational effectiveness. Key responsibilities include leading utility rate setting, guiding long-range capital and infrastructure planning, and supporting major initiatives such as homelessness response and environmental restoration. The Assistant Director also plays a critical role in supporting the Director by overseeing the preparation of City Council presentations and tracking high-impact departmental initiatives. This position requires a leader with strong emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate both day-to-day operations and long-term strategic goals. They will foster a culture of ethical leadership, continuous improvement, and inclusion—strengthening collaboration, building trust, and driving accountability throughout the department. As a public-facing representative of ESD, the Assistant Director will engage in intergovernmental forums, Council sessions, and community meetings, helping to advance the department’s mission while addressing the evolving needs of San José’s residents and environment.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking and grounded leader with a strong command of utility operations, environmental services, and public sector management. They bring not only technical proficiency in areas like infrastructure planning, rate setting, and regulatory compliance, but also the ability to see the bigger picture—connecting long-term vision with practical execution. This individual excels in navigating complexity, whether managing multimillion-dollar budgets, leading large and diverse teams, or guiding cross-departmental initiatives in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment. Politically astute and operationally savvy, they understand how to build momentum around shared goals while balancing mandates, community needs, and day-to-day realities. Clear and confident communication is a hallmark of their leadership style. They are comfortable representing their department in a variety of settings—from Council presentations and regional forums to internal strategy sessions—translating complex topics into clear, actionable directions. Their presence inspires confidence, and their transparency builds trust across all levels of the organization. The ideal candidate will be a mentor and team builder who invests in people, values diversity of thought and background, and creates inclusive environments where staff feel supported and accountable. With a strong sense of purpose and humility, they bring curiosity to new challenges and a collaborative mindset to every interaction.

The ideal candidate will also have the following core competencies. You can view the full definition of all competencies here.

• Job Expertise

• Collaboration

• Fiscal Management

• Leadership

• Political Skills

• Problem Solving

• Vision/Strategic Thinking

• Communication Skills

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, public administration, engineering, environmental sciences, or related field.

• Experience: Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in business management and/or administration, operations, or maintenance is required.

• Experience managing a work unit equivalent to a major division within a public agency is preferred.

• Seven (7) years of exemplary supervisory experience is desired.

• Licenses: Possession and maintenance of a valid license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California.

• Form 700: Upon commencement of employment and subsequently each spring, the incumbent of this position must file the Family Gift Reporting Form together with the Statement of Economic Interest-Form 700. Please view the following link for details related to the State-Required reporting: Form 700 (ca.gov) and the following link for the City of San José Family Gift Reporting Form.

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San José will not sponsor, represent, or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa that requires an employee application.

Other Qualifications:

HOW TO APPLY:

For first consideration, apply by June 23 at: https://wbcpinc.com/job-board/

Round one virtual interviews will take place on July 14th. Round two in-person interviews will take place on July 22nd. Selected candidates must be available for both dates.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact your recruiter, Levi Kuhlman, with any inquiries:

• levi@wbcpinc.com
• 541-664-0376 (Direct) 
• 866-929-9227 (Toll Free)