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The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Electrician in the Public Works Department! In this role, you will have the opportunity to perform installation, maintenance, and repair on a wide variety of electrical equipment used in street lighting, traffic signal control, sewage lift stations, HVAC and automation, building power distribution, fire alarm, and related systems and equipment; operate a variety of hand and power tools; and perform related work as assigned. The Electrician has responsibility for working in all facets of the electrical trade, ensuring safe practices and operation of equipment. Electricians must demonstrate an acceptable level of competency in each of the job knowledges for electrical mathematics, basic AC and DC theory, industrial electronics, motor controls and electrical codes.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is equivalent to graduation from high school and four (4) years of progressively responsible and difficult electrical experience.

Other requirements include obtaining a valid Class "B" California driver's license prior to the completion of the one-year probationary period.  Candidates must be able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet the program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities.  When driving on City business, the incumbent is required to maintain a valid California driver's license as well as a satisfactory driving record.  Candidates must possess sufficient strength and stamina to lift and carry objects weighing up to 80 pounds; must be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions; must be willing to work from aerial buckets and underground in confined places and with possible exposure to potentially hazardous substances, with proper protection; must be willing to work overtime and off-hours shifts in emergency situations; must be willing to be on stand-by on a rotating basis; must possess good color vision.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications must be received by the closing date and must include a completed application and responses to supplemental questions. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.

Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to ada@berkeleyca.gov. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format.

 

EXAM PROCESS

The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:

• Application review for minimum qualifications and required documents (qualifying experience will be calculated based on the administrative review date) - First Administrative Review will occur on Monday, January 5, 2026

• Multiple-Choice Written Exam - Tentatively scheduled for Friday, January 16, 2026

• Performance Exam - Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment component as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment eligible list that hiring departments will use to conduct final selection interviews.

Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to hr@berkeleyca.gov at the time of application.

San Juan Water District Seeks an Electrical Instrumentation Technician

The Electrical Instrumentation Technician is part of the Operations team, performing specialized and technical duties associated with the troubleshooting, maintenance, installation and repair of electrical gear, breakers, electronic equipment, and instrumentation controls associated with surface water treatment plant, pump stations, distributions system facilities, wholesale meters, and medium voltage solar site component. 

Duties Include: 

• Performing corrective and preventative maintenance on electrical switchgear, breakers, transformers, process control systems, flowmeters, transmitters, gauges and other instrumentation and control equipment.
• Performing skilled duties related to the troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, installation, and testing of instrumentation, Programmable Logic Controller’s (PLC’s), telemetry, electrical and electronic components and instruments used in treatment plants, distribution systems and solar fields. 
• Recognizing, identifying and correcting problems with control and instrumentation equipment.
• Planning, installing and maintaining sophisticated electrical, instrumentation, and control systems; developing and using diagnostic problem solving techniques.
• Inspecting, adjusting, installing, calibrating, and repairing electrical and electronic equipment such as Variable Frequency Drives (VFD’s), breakers, transformers, motors, transducers, motor control centers, switches, wiring, electronic circuits, meter transmitters, (Cl2) sensors, and related devices.
• Installing, maintaining, calibrating, and troubleshooting control systems and water quality instruments, analyzers and electrical systems as they relate to water treatment, distribution, and solar systems.
• Working collaboratively with engineering to maintain and modify drawings of District’s Electrical Systems, PLC’s and SCADA systems.
• Assisting in new project design, inspection, installation, and troubleshooting of electrical 
• Systems, including but not limited to, submittals, RFIs, change orders, site layout and planning of specific drawings.

To be considered, candidates should be knowledgeable of principles and practices of electrical theory and electrical circuits, practices and techniques used in the design, installation, testing, calibration, maintenance and repair of radio telemetry, cellular communication, 4160V solar field, electrical and electronic equipment, instrumentation and controls as they relate to water treatment and distribution systems. 

The qualifications include:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent with additional supplementary course work in electrical, electronics, instrumentation, control systems, or equivalent material pertaining to the field of electronics AND
• Three years of journey level experience in the design, construction, installation, modification, maintenance, and repair of electrical/electronic equipment, instrument systems, and control devices common to an industrial facility, water treatment plant, and distribution systems. 
• Possession of a valid California motor vehicle operator's class C license.

The salary range is $55.81 - $66.97, depending on qualifications. In addition, the District offers competitive benefits which include District contribution to CalPERS retirement, medical (100% of premium for most offered plans), dental and vision for employee and dependents; District paid life insurance; 12 paid days of sick leave; 12 paid holidays; and paid vacation depending on length of service. In addition, the District provides retiree health benefits with 50% of the premium paid with 10 years of service and an additional 5% with each year of service up to 100% with 20 years of service in CalPERS participating agencies. 

For more information, visit: https://www.sjwd.org/employment
 

The Department: 
Silicon Valley Power (SVP) is the City of Santa Clara’s municipal public power utility. Located in Northern California’s Santa Clara County, SVP is primarily a distribution utility contained within a roughly twenty square mile footprint and embedded within the much larger PG&E utility system. SVP operates under the jurisdiction of the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC). SVP operates voltages of 230kV and 115kV (transmission), 60kv (sub-transmission), and 12kV (distribution). Its peak load in 2024 was 718MW and has the ability to generate up to 200MW internally. SVP has roughly 60,000 meters with 90% of the load industrial-commercial and 10% residential. SVP is a NERC registered utility and conforms to NERC 693 and CIP reliability standards. It is the mission of SVP to be a progressive, service-oriented utility, offering reliable, competitively priced services for the benefit of the City and its customers. Being competitive in the marketplace with a continuous focus on customer service, SVP provides 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:  
Electric and Water System Operators (EWSO) ensure that all Electric, Water and Storm sewer systems are operated reliably, efficiently and effectively in a safe manner and restoring service in a timely way to all customers.  The EWSO has responsibility for monitoring and operation of the City's municipal electric power, water, transmission and distribution systems and for coordinating planned and unplanned power outages. As a Transmission Operator, operating personnel in this position have the responsibility to comply with NERC reliability standards and the authority to implement real-time actions to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the Bulk Electric System. These efforts are coordinated with the appropriate Reliability Coordinator (RC), affected Transmission Operator(s) (TO) and affected Balancing Authorities (BA). This position is staffed 24/7 365 utilizing a rotation of 12 hour shifts with Operators alternating between days and nights.
 
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 Resume. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
 
Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. This position is continuous. Applications will be reviewed on a bi-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.

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 $174,817.92 - $223,593.84 annually.  This position will be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range. 

 

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

 

 

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Requirements:

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED

• 1) Two (2) years of experience in an electric utility performing complex load dispatching and switching

• 2) Four (4) years of experience in an electric utility as a generating plant or substation operator with sub-dispatching responsibility

• 3) Four (4) years of experience with the City of Santa Clara Electric Department, including at least one (1) year as an journey-level or higher, electrician or lineman/linewoman 

• 4) Completion of a recognized State of California Electric System Operator apprentice program

Desirable Qualification:  A valid Transmission Operator Certificate issued by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)

LICENSE: Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required at time of appointment and for the duration of employment.

CERTIFICATES: Possession of the following certificate is required within one year of hire date and for the duration of appointment:

• A valid Water Distribution System Operator Certificate (Grade D-1 or above) issued by the California Department of Health Services (DHS).

• A valid Transmission Operator Certificate issued by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC).

Incumbents will be required to obtain and maintain any other license or certification mandated by NERC for the position of Transmission Operator and necessary for the performance of duties under the current scope of responsibilities pertaining to the SVP Transmission System.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents may be assigned to work on a rotating 12-hour shift schedule

• Incumbents must have the ability to work, as assigned, to schedules that may include weekends, holidays, and non-traditional work hours; and a willingness to work overtime as required

• Incumbents may have to pass an initial and periodic comprehensive background checks, which may include fingerprinting, to meet Federal, State and/or industry security requirements

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

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 HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov. 

Definition
Under general supervision, the Light Rail Power Supervisor supervises and coordinates the overhead power and substation maintenance and repair of the light rail system.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the first full supervisory level in the maintenance and repair of electric power systems for light rail, including overhead and substations. The next higher class of Light Rail Way, Power and Signal Superintendent manages the overall activities of the program and supervises this class.

About Way, Power & Signal Maintenance
Way, Power & Signal Maintenance is responsible for timely and reliable maintenance, preventive maintenance, inspections, repair and servicing of the light rail right-of-way, rail system power, tracks, signals, station facilities and related equipment. Components of the Way, Power & Signal unit are:
 

• Station & Wayside Maintenance: Station & Wayside Maintenance maintains and repairs (including graffiti removal) light rail stations, terminal buildings, restrooms, park & ride lots, landscaping, fences, guardrails, and other trackside areas.

• Track Maintenance: Track Maintenance maintains (including right-of-way weed eradication, vegetation control, and graffiti removal), performs preventive maintenance, inspects, services and repairs rail, switches, ties, roadbed, and track systems.

• Power Maintenance: Power Maintenance maintains (including trackside right-of-way tree trimming), performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services light rail electric power systems, including overhead, substations, lighting, and other electrical systems.

• Signal Maintenance: Signal Maintenance maintains, performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services signal systems, crossing gates, fare machines, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) controls, and station audio/video equipment.

• Passenger Facilities Maintenance: Passenger Facilities Maintenance maintains, performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services all VTA-maintained passenger facilities, including bus stops. Services include: bench installation, painting and repair, core drilling for poles at new bus stops, garbage collection, trash receptacle installation and relocation, graffiti abatement, litter removal, pressure washing, red curb painting, signage inspection, route updates, and sweeping services. Janitorial services for transit centers are provided daily through a Facilities Maintenance service contract with a third-party vendor. Guadalupe   

 

About VTA

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County’s authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.  

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused, innovative, and environmentally responsible transportation options promoting the region's vitality. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services and participates as a funding partner in regional rail services, including Caltrain, Capital Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.  

To learn more, go to: vta.org.  

Our Community

Santa Clara County, sometimes referred to as “Silicon Valley”, is unique for its innovation, natural attractions, and social diversity. With numerous amenities and perfect weather, it has long been considered one of the best places in the United States to live and work. calendar of festivals and celebrations supports the community spirit. Nearby open space provides easy access to mountain parks, trails, lakes, streams, and beautiful coastal beaches. San José has received accolades for its vibrant neighborhoods, healthy lifestyle, and diverse attractions from national media, including Business Week and Money magazines.  

The county’s population of 1.9 million is the largest in Northern California and is rich in ethnic culture and diversity. Enjoy access and the option to explore our closely neighboring counties of San Francisco and Alameda. 

Classification Bargaining Unit: AFSCME

 Application Deadline:  Initial Application screening will begin on Sunday, December 8th, 2024. 
 

 

Essential Job Functions

Typical Tasks

• Plans, schedules and supervises the inspection, maintenance and repair of overhead power and substations;
• Coordinates with all affected personnel to maintain safety and continued operations;
• Supervises and performs inspections and repairs of all overhead contact wires, poles, support cables, insulators, switch gears and rail bonds;
• Supervises and performs inspection and repairs of traction power voltage, monitor systems, charging systems, circuit breakers and other electrical substation systems;
• Supervises and performs inspections and repairs of lighting and other electrical systems;
• Operates hi-rail vehicles;
• Serves as department representative in interaction with other VTA departments and outside agencies;
• Responds to calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;
• Hires, trains, counsels and disciplines workers;
• Performs safety training and supervises safe work practices;
• Prepares written reports, documents defects and repairs on inspection forms, work orders, or designated computer programs;
• Operates computer for related data input and retrieval;
• May represent VTA at disciplinary hearings;
• Makes estimates of labor, time, costs and materials;
• Maintains records and prepares reports;
• Performs related work as required.

 

Minimum Qualifications

Employment Standards
Sufficient education, training and experience to demonstrate possession of the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Development of the required knowledge, skills and abilities is typically obtained through the equivalent of six (6) years of experience in electrical/electronic maintenance, including one (1) year in an electrified rail or high voltage power supervisory position AND the equivalent of completion of a recognized apprenticeship program for electricians.

Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to qualify for and maintain a Class B license.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

• Methods and procedures used to repair and maintain high voltage electrical systems;
• Principles of supervision, training, counseling and discipline;
• Theory and principles of electrical and electronic equipment and circuits;
• Principles and practices of electrical construction and insulation;
• Laws, ordinances and regulations governing electrical installation, maintenance safety and accident prevention.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret construction plans, specification and electronic schematics and diagrams;
• Read and understand blueprints and schematics;
• Supervise, train and discipline electronic/electrical workers;
• Develop and implement procedures for preventative maintenance programs;
• Understand, interpret and apply rules, regulations, union contract provisions, policies and procedures;
• Estimate costs for time, labor and materials;
• Evaluate cost effective methods and budgetary needs;
• Monitor expenditures;
• Coordinate with external contractors' production schedules;
• Prepare written reports, documents defects and repairs on inspection forms, work orders, or designated computer programs;
• Perform computer related functions that allow for data input and retrieval;
• Maintain records and prepare clear and concise reports;
• Establish and maintain cooperative, working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

VTA is seeking a skilled and dedicated Substation Maintainer to join our team. This role will be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and inspection of electrical substations with 750 volt DC and 11,000 - 22,000 volts AC power. 

Definition
Under general supervision, the Substation Maintainer performs journey level tests, maintains, repairs, and overhauls electrical substation equipment.
 

About Way, Power & Signal Maintenance
Way, Power & Signal Maintenance is responsible for timely and reliable maintenance, preventive maintenance, inspections, repair and servicing of the light rail right-of-way, rail system power, tracks, signals, station facilities and related equipment. Components of the Way, Power & Signal unit are:

• Station & Wayside Maintenance: Station & Wayside Maintenance maintains and repairs (including graffiti removal) light rail stations, terminal buildings, restrooms, park & ride lots, landscaping, fences, guardrails, and other trackside areas.

• Track Maintenance: Track Maintenance maintains (including right-of-way weed eradication, vegetation control, and graffiti removal), performs preventive maintenance, inspects, services and repairs rail, switches, ties, roadbed, and track systems.

• Power Maintenance: Power Maintenance maintains (including trackside right-of-way tree trimming), performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services light rail electric power systems, including overhead, substations, lighting, and other electrical systems.

• Signal Maintenance: Signal Maintenance maintains, performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services signal systems, crossing gates, fare machines, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) controls, and station audio/video equipment.

About VTA

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County’s authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.  

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused, innovative, and environmentally responsible transportation options promoting the region's vitality. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services and participates as a funding partner in regional rail services, including Caltrain, Capital Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.  

To learn more, go to: vta.org.

Our Community

Santa Clara County, sometimes referred to as “Silicon Valley”, is unique for its innovation, natural attractions, and social diversity. With numerous amenities and perfect weather, it has long been considered one of the best places in the United States to live and work. calendar of festivals and celebrations supports the community spirit. Nearby open space provides easy access to mountain parks, trails, lakes, streams, and beautiful coastal beaches. San José has received accolades for its vibrant neighborhoods, healthy lifestyle, and diverse attractions from national media, including Business Week and Money magazines.  

The county’s population of 1.9 million is the largest in Northern California and is rich in ethnic culture and diversity. Enjoy access and the option to explore our closely neighboring counties of San Francisco and Alameda. 

Classification Bargaining Unit: ATU




 

 

 Essential Job Functions:Typical Tasks

• Inspects, adjusts and/or repairs voltage in the line, battery systems, circuit breakers, relays, and connections;
• Tests, maintains and overhauls rectifiers;
• Repairs fan motors and blower motors;
• Repairs air blast breakers and cathode breakers;
• Repairs electronic circuit boards;
• Operates welding equipment;
• Keeps tools and equipment clean and in good condition;
• Keeps substations clean;
• Drives trucks;
• May provide lead supervision and assist in training other workers;
• Prepares written reports, documents defects and repairs on inspection forms, work orders or designated computer programs;
• Operates computer for related data input and retrieval;
• Performs related work as required.

 

 Minimum Qualifications:Employment Standards
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to qualify for and maintain a Class A license.

Training and experience equivalent to a high school diploma and five (5) years of experience in electrical inspections, maintenance, and repair, preferably on high voltage substations. The completion of a recognized apprenticeship program for electricians or equivalent can be included as part of the required years of experience.

Must be available to work weekends, holidays, odd and unusual hours.

• In accordance with Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements, all job applicants selected for appointment to this safety-sensitive position are subject to pre-employment drug testing. A final job applicant will be tested for five prohibited drugs (and their metabolites): Cocaine, PCP, Amphetamines, Marijuana, and Opiates. During employment, employees holding safety-sensitive positions (Bus Drivers) are subject to random, reasonable suspicion, post accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing.
• In accordance with Federal Regulation 49 CFR Part 40.25, VTA is required to obtain all information regarding any positive drug test results, any alcohol test results of .04 or above, any refusal to test, and any records of evaluation and/or treatment resulting from such tests from current, previous, and potential employers for the past two years.
• You will be required to complete and sign a "Drug and Alcohol Background Check Consent Form" if you are offered this position.
• Candidates will be required to be fingerprinted for the purpose of obtaining "Summary Criminal History Conviction Information" from state and federal record agencies.

 

 Supplemental Information:Knowledge of:

• Methods and procedures used to repair and maintain high voltage electrical systems;
• Theory and principles of electrical and electronic equipment and circuits;
• Tools and equipment used in the testing and repair of electrical and electronic equipment and installations;
• Principles and practices of electrical construction and installation;
• General shop safety procedures;
• Welding procedures used in electrical work;
• Laws, ordinances, and regulations governing electrical installation, maintenance, safety, and accident prevention.

Ability to:

• Test and repair electrical and electronic equipment and installations;
• Work independently and safely with 750 volt DC and 11,000 - 22,000 volts AC power;
• Perform work in compliance with safety rules and regulations;
• Operate welding equipment used in electrical work;
• Read and interpret construction plans, specification and electronic schematics, diagrams, and maintenance manuals;
• Estimate costs for time, labor and materials;
• Maintain records;
• Prepare written reports, document defects and repairs on inspection forms, work orders, or designated computer programs;
• Perform computer-related functions that allow for data input and retrieval;
• Assign and review the work of and train others;
• Learn and stay current on all new technologies introduced into the transit industry as it relates to electrified rail;
• Effectively read, understand, and use technical information found in repair manuals, service change bulletins, and applicable technical documents, including parts and supply manuals;
• Establish and maintain effective relations with those encountered in day-to-day performance of tasks.