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The Department:
As a community owned, not for profit municipal electric utility, Silicon Valley Power (SVP) has provided dependable electric service for over 125 years. SVP is the only full service, vertically integrated publicly owned utility in Silicon Valley owning generation, transmission and distribution assets. As a Public Electric Utility, Santa Clara’s Silicon Valley Power is not driven by profits, as reflected in its significantly lower utility rates when compared to other private sector utilities. Silicon Valley Power is community and policy driven, which is reflected in the many green policies that it promotes, reduced rates and its strategic plan. Silicon Valley Power is one of few public electric utilities in California with an upward trajectory of growth.
Today, SVP owns, operates and participates in more than 1,200 MW of electric generating resources and serves a peak load of approximately 700 MW. SVP's expansion plan will double our system capacity over the next ten years. This includes over 30 strategic initiatives in four distinct areas: Utility Performance Excellence, Customer Engagement and Satisfaction, Progress and Innovation Focus, and Community and Environmental Stewardship. High-profile customers include large corporations such as Intel, Applied Materials, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and NVIDIA.
The Position:
This is a professional position in the unclassified service, responsible for managing the one or more of the Engineering Divisions of the Electric Department relating to transmission planning, distribution engineering, capital improvement project delivery (design & construction), system expansion program, and environmental compliance. The position requires a demonstrated ability to work well with management, professional and administrative support employees in the Department and with customers, professionals, managers and all City Departments.
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.
Typical Duties
Duties include but are not limited to the following:
Under general direction:
• Plan, develop, coordinate, perform, and direct the activities of the Engineering Division of the Electric Utility Department;
• Provide management and supervision for all activities of Engineering in the planning, engineering and design of individual system extensions, revisions and improvements;
• Provide recommendations on a broad spectrum of division-related issues;
• Manage assigned staff, provide technical instructions and assistance as necessary; develop, perform and manage the implementation of utility plans based upon applicable State and Federal laws;
• May be responsible for directing the activities of consultants and contractors;
• Attend meetings and work with engineers, contractors, specialists and City staff to ensure that City guidelines are met in the determination of requirements of projects;
• Represent the City at industry meetings, management groups, professional organizations, and other meetings;
• Make periodic and special reports, which describe the current Engineering Division activities and conduct special studies and prepare reports, including findings and recommendations, as required;
• Direct or conduct studies and analysis related to the reliability of the electric system to ensure compliance with appropriate Federal Energy Regulatory Commission/North American Electric Reliability Corporation (FERC/NERC) and industry reliability standards;
• Prepare or direct the preparation of purchase specifications required to implement Electric Utility Department purchases in connection with system expansion and improvements;
• Conduct review and analysis of new equipment, methods and materials pertinent to the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the electric system, and make recommendations to appropriate Managers;
• Confer with and assist the Director of Electric Utility in the development of long-range plans, goals and objectives, and budgets;
• Manage, schedule and evaluate the work of Engineering Division staff, and develop processes designed to support a continuous learning environment;
• Analyze Engineering Division operations to determine the most efficient and effective assignment of staff;
• Prepare the Engineering Division budget, recommend allocation of division funds within guidelines; monitor expenditures to ensure adherence to the approved budget, manage contractual services;
• Administer and assist in the staffing, administrative and financial matters of the Engineering Division; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Education or experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or closely related field; and
• Four (4) years experience at a responsible level in engineering in the electric utility industry or closely related field is required.
DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE
• One (1) year of experience managing staff, and with responsibility for division budget planning and administration is desirable.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
• Possession of a certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California is desirable.
POSSIBLE SUBSTITUTION
• Possession of a valid certificate of registration as an Electrical Engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers may be substituted in lieu of a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or closely related field.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
• Principles of electrical utility planning and engineering involved in the development, construction, production, operational methods in interconnected utility areas, principles of program evaluation, forecasting and planning, probability and energy analysis and formulation; customer service; telecommunications and controls; and information technology;
• Principles of engineering economics, statistical analysis and forecasting;
• Principles of management, supervision, personnel administration, training and performance evaluation;
• Principles of organization and management, effective leadership and municipal budgeting and administration;
• Regulatory laws, standards and requirements including FERC/NERC Reliability Standards;
• Research methods and statistical analysis;
• Problem solving and conflict resolution practices and techniques;
• Complex spreadsheets and database applications;
• Preparation and administration of contracts and fiscal planning;
• Project and workload planning; and
• Environmental and safety practices, procedures and standards.
Ability to:
• Analyze complex data; resolve applicable problems; evaluate alternatives and recommend an appropriate course of action;
• Effectively negotiate contracts and customer business relations;
• Manage contractor activities;
• Manage project development and operations management;
• Identify, research and gather relevant information from a variety of sources;
• Exercise sound and independent judgment, conduct independent analyses and make recommendations on difficult and sensitive issues;
• Anticipate potential problems, develop contingency plans when needed and solve concurrent problems;
• Provide the leadership and management of the division through coaching, empowering and facilitating employees working in a team environment;
• Create a culture that is conducive to change and one that is able to select, recruit, retain, develop and motivate a skilled and talented workforce where everyone knows their mission, role, and job expectations;
• Establish clear goals and objectives in order to create an organization that delivers excellent customer service through ethical leadership standards, and establishes an atmosphere of respect for employees consistent with the City’s Code of Ethics and Values;
• Build constructive relationships by promoting collaborative partnerships with department peers, bargaining units, employees, citizens, and others contacted in the course of work;
• Represent and speak for the department and its work, e.g., presenting, explaining, promoting, defining, and negotiating to those within and outside the department by making clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals and groups, by listening effectively and clarifying information and by facilitating an open exchange of ideas;
• Prepare and present highly technical and complex written and oral reports using multi-media to large groups and City staff;
• Work effectively as a member of the department’s management team to achieve common goals and be able to deliver excellent customer service to both internal and external City clients;
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate organization activities and effectively manage the work of Engineering Division staff;
• Work effectively and coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks simultaneously in time-sensitive situations and meet deadlines;
• Communicate logically and clearly, both orally and in writing; follow oral and written instructions;
• Understand and carry out highly complex technical tasks;
• Use computer applications to prepare memos and procedural documentation;
• Create, manage and maintain complex filing and record systems;
• Walk or stand for extended periods of time and bend, stoop, crawl, climb, lift or any other physical requirement as necessitated by the position to perform assigned duties.
The Department:
SVP currently provides over 600 Megawatts of power to residential and business customers within Santa Clara, of which 40 percent of comes 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 operating Thermal Generation facilities utilizing Simple Cycle, Combined Cycle, and Cogeneration technologies. It is the mission of Silicon Valley Power 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 Positions:
Silicon Valley Power is recruiting to fill various Electric Program Manager positions in the following specialties: Capital Project, Contracts, Distributed Energy Resources and Storage, Environmental, Safety, and System Operations.
Capital Project Management
The focus and priority of this position will be to perform complex professional project management work to support the successful completion of over $300 million in near-term capital improvement program projects to support electric utility load growth. The position is assigned to the customer development and project management unit which manages, plans, and oversees the development and implementation of the capital improvement program. This position will report to the Principal Electric Utility Engineer overseeing the System Expansion Program and will work collaboratively on the management of these critical projects. The individual will perform and manage the work related to planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance of utility projects, including receiving stations, substations, electric transmission and distribution facilities, and other electrical infrastructure. The incumbent is expected to manage consultants and directly administer public works contracts. Experience in electric utility engineering, utility asset management, GIS and work order management system is desirable.
Contracts Portfolio
The focus and priority of this position will be to perform complex professional work to support the development and management of SVP’s contracts portfolio. SVP’s operation requires hundreds of unique contracts including specialized services agreements, leases, agreements with customers for substation construction, funding and deposits, public works contracts, license agreements, power purchase and resource adequacy agreements, as well as other unique agreements. The position is assigned to the Business Services Division. The incumbent will both lead staff supporting contracts functions and have direct involvement in negotiating and reviewing contracts. Experience in utility contracts is desirable.
Distributed Energy Resources, Renewable Energy and Power Purchase Contracts
This position develops and implements cutting edge programs entailing distributed and renewable generation, energy storage, demand response, and microgrids. Incumbents perform professional level, individual work in project development. Duties may include supervising and participating in the conduct of studies and surveys, data interpretation, forecasting, commodity purchasing, contract negotiation, pricing/rate making, engineering studies, development of policies and procedures, evaluating regulatory and legislative initiatives, preparing, reviewing, and managing budgets and operations. Commodity purchasing and contract negotiation may include evaluation and development of strategies for electricity generation, both distributed and utility scale. Incumbents may supervise management and non-management staff and act as project team leaders and manage programs and projects. Project management responsibilities include preparing RFPs, evaluating proposals, and managing contractors and consultants.
Environmental
This position will ensure the City’s compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulatory agency requirements and guidelines pertaining to Air Quality, Water, Wastewater, Storm water, and Industrial waste. This position will work with staff across multiple Divisions to develop, implement, and perform procedures and guidelines designed to ensure compliance and develop staff. They will compose, compile, track, and analyze information related to regulatory, program, and compliance oversight. This position will act as SVP’s Subject Matter Expert and provide technical and functional advisement to Management and Staff concerning Environmental Compliance. This position requires in-depth knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws/regulations. This position also requires the ability to forecast and identify compliance issues and to develop mitigation strategies to correct issues. The position will also assist in the development of budgets, service contracts and training programs.
Safety
This position establishes, implements, and enforces an effective department wide safety and compliance program that prevents injury and illness. They will work to ensure that employees, both management and non-management, comply with the rules and regulations of Federal, State and Local Regulatory Agencies, and that company safety and compliance policies and procedures are consistently followed.
The position will also facilitate the development and completion of the department’s compliance and controls register, controls testing and auditing, standards development and review, horizon scanning for new and changing regulatory requirements, and serving as an OSHA subject matter for the department. The position will also assist in the development of budgets, service contracts and training programs.
System Operations
This position will administer programs for work management, maintenance monitoring and asset management focused in all areas of Utility Operations (Metering, Substations, Transmission and Distribution). This position will also be responsible for the performance, review, and implementation of improvements to these programs. The position will develop, maintain, and improve SVP’s Outage Management System. This position will work to ensure compliance with all applicable NERC standards and seek constant improvement in SVP Work and Safety standards affecting System Operations. The position will also assist in the development of budgets, service contracts and training programs.
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.
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.
This description may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.
Under general direction, the incumbent will:
• Plan, develop, implement, evaluate, and manage an assigned program or core department service area; Supervise subordinate supervisory, professional, technical, and/or clerical staff; participate in the selection, hiring, training, and coaching of staff; conduct performance evaluations; and implement disciplinary actions as required;
• Research and analyze program operations to ensure effective utilization of resources and increase productivity of work, provide regular reporting measures, conduct presentations, and make recommendations to management;
• Plan and implement work plans and projects for assigned area;
• Oversee daily operations of assigned program area and safety ensuring that all applicable regulatory requirements are followed;
• Develop and monitor resource models and/or programs in alignment with State, Federal and local regulations and policies;
• Deliver and manage communications to internal and external customers;
• Administer program budget, including budget preparation, forecasting, and monitoring expenses and revenue;
• Plan, implement, and monitor program or service area goals and objectives in alignment with Department goals to ensure effective programming and operations;
• Monitor and report on assigned area activities, including managing resources, tracking short and long-term work activities and provide recommendations to management staff to improve efficiency in assigned area;
• Serve as the subject matter expert in assigned specialty and provides consultation to subordinates, vendors, and management on assigned area of expertise;
• Set the standard for safety and adhere to all applicable safety and environmental standards and regulations, including City safety standards and policies;
• May act as a representative of the Department in assigned program or service area;
• Implement programs which may include such functions as scheduling, coordinating, and assigning staff to projects;
• Oversee request for proposal processes, participate in the preparation of vendor contracts, negotiate contracts, and act as lead contract administrator for planned program objectives;
• Prepare a variety of narrative and periodic reports to keep management informed of program/project status;
• Implement program audit systems to ensure appropriate use of public funds;
• Develop qualitative and quantitative measures to evaluate program/project financial status, customer satisfaction, contractor performance, and public relations;
• Maintain current knowledge of external program trends and legislation to ensure necessary compliance;
• May represent the Department and participate in regional and state efforts to meet compliance, legislative and societal goals;
• Develop, implement and evaluate marketing and educational materials to present to internal and external customers;
• Use City computer applications (including but not limited to Microsoft Suite) and databases to track program status and funds and use;
• Prepare reports, memos, and supporting documentation;
• May act as Division Manager on a temporary basis, as assigned; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Economics, Public or Business Administration, Environmental Sciences, Finance or a closely-related field; AND
• Three (3) years' experience leading, supervising, managing, and coordinating work including but not limited to, customer related programs, project management, building facilities management, or writing, developing or administering safety or environmental compliance standards; OR
• Generation/Substation/Transmission and Distribution/System Operations Specialties: Three (3) years of experience in a lead, supervisory, or senior role performing work, including but not limited to a Supervisor, Engineer, Manager, Lead Technician, or Foreperson,
ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTION
• For Generation/Substation/Transmission and Distribution/System Operations Specialties: additional years of experience in a role equivalent to, but not limited to a Control Room Operator, Electric Utility Technician, Engineer, Lineworker, or working in a lead, supervisory, or senior role performing work, including but not limited to a Supervisor, Manager, Lead Technician, or Foreperson may substitute for the degree requirement on a year for year basis up to four (4) years.
• For Generation/Substation/Transmission and Distribution/System Operations Specialties: Two (2) years of experience working in a role equivalent to, but not limited to a Control Room Operator, Electric Utility Technician, Engineer, or Lineworker may be substituted for one (1) year of experience as a lead, supervisor, or senior role up to six (6) years.
• Two (2) years of experience in customer related programs, project management, building facilities management, or writing, developing or administering safety or environmental compliance standards may be substituted one (1) year of experience as a lead, supervisor, manager, and coordinator experience up to six (6) years.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license is required at the time of appointment and for the duration of employment.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
• An advanced degree in Engineering, Public or Business Administration, Environmental Sciences or related field is desirable.
• When assigned to Systems and Project Management, a: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from Project Management Institute (PMI) or an equivalent certification from accredited program is desirable.
• When assigned to Generation/Substation/Transmission and Distribution/System Operations Specialties, experience working in a power plant, substation, transmission & distribution, or Electric System Control Center environment is desirable.
• When assigned to Safety Compliance, an in depth knowledge of OSHA and CalOSHA standards is desirable.
• When assigned to Environmental Compliance, an in-depth knowledge of Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC), Air Permits, and Water Permits is desirable.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.
• Incumbents may be subject to initial and periodic comprehensive background checks.
• May be required to work unusual hours and weekends in performance of their duties and be available on an "on call" basis.
Other Requirements:
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Incumbents in this position are required to file a Conflict of Interest statement upon assuming office, annually and upon leaving office, in accordance with City Manager Directive 100.
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 interview.
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.
Knowledge of:
• Local, State and Federal Laws related to environmental, safety, health, electrical system construction, maintenance, inspection, and NERC regulations pertaining Electric Utilities;
• Best practice utility maintenance and project planning strategies and methods;
• Cost-benefit and return on investment analysis for proposed programs
• Basic understanding of Electric Utility economics, methodologies and principles;
• Best practice utility compliance, maintenance and operations methods;
• Electric department contract methodologies;
• Project management tools and methodologies, including workload planning and budgeting;
• Project and workload planning;
• Preparation, negotiation, and administration of contracts and fiscal planning;
• Negotiation techniques and strategies;
• Principles and practices of customer service;
• Research methods and statistical analysis;
• Principles and practices of management, employee supervision, training, and performance evaluation;
• Pertinent State, Federal, and Local laws and regulations for assigned specialty area;
• Problem solving and conflict resolution practices and techniques; and
• Office safety practices, procedures and standards.
Ability to:
• Develop, implement, and monitor programs and projects;
• Effectively problem solve with various teams and management to improve and streamline processes;
• Supervise staff in compliance with applicable Memorandum of Understandings
• Analyze situations, identify problems, and exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines;
• Identify, research and gather relevant information from a variety of sources;
• Collect and analyze data and prepare a variety of statistical and narrative reports;
• Operate standard office equipment and learn City databases and software programs;
• Develop and maintain electronic databases;
• Effectively develop, negotiate, and monitor contracts;
• Interpret and apply laws and regulations, policies and procedures;
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing and carry out oral and written instructions;
• Prepare and present clear, concise and complex written and oral reports and presentations;
• Develop and conduct effective public relations programs on assigned specialty;
• Speak effectively before large groups of people;
• Establish and maintain tactful, courteous and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including the general public;
• Work independently with minimal supervision;
• Work effectively as a member of the department to achieve common goals and be able to deliver excellent customer service to both internal and external City clients;
• Work effectively in time-sensitive situations and meet deadlines;
• Coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks simultaneously;
• Develop creative and practical solutions to complex and difficult problems; and
• Bend, stoop, reach, carry, climb, and lift as necessary to perform assigned duties.
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 will be reviewed on a weekly basis for consideration to the position. If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed. A first review of applications will be on September 18, 2023.
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.
