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Overview:

Valley Water’s Office of District Counsel seeks a senior-level attorney to be the primary attorney on all labor and employment functions, draft and negotiate inter-agency agreements, and advise the Board, its committees, and staff on broad, agency-level policies and procedures. The Senior Assistant District Counsel will be one of three senior assistant counsels reporting to the District Counsel and will be designated as unclassified/at-will. This attorney role offers ongoing, time-sensitive legal support to Valley Water operations and its long-term strategic goals. This position is vital for addressing Valley Water's labor and employment law requirements. The incumbent also carries significant responsibility for public agency financing matters, making experience in that field a huge plus.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Day-to-day support of Valley Water's labor and employment law matters, including but not limited to employee discipline, grievances, internal investigations, and compliance matters as well as first-chair representation in labor arbitrations and administrative hearings.
• Second-chair management of employment litigation matters (“first-chair” experience is a plus).
• Assisting management with labor negotiations, including service on “second table” negotiating teams (“first table” experience is a plus). 
• Other operational support to the Valley Water business includes contract reviews, real estate transactions, and agreements with other government entities.
• Support to District Counsel, such as support on broad, agency-level policy matters, confidential Board matters, and filling in for District counsel during absences.

About Valley Water:

Valley Water’s (Santa Clara Valley Water District) mission is to ensure that Santa Clara County and Silicon Valley have access to safe, clean water to support a healthy life, environment, and economy.
 
Headquartered in San José, California, Valley Water operates with a Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget of $1.1 billion and employs over 900 professionals. Their integrated water resources system encompasses clean water supply, flood protection, and environmental stewardship of streams.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:

Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

Ideal Experience for Senior Assistant District Counsel:

• Fifteen years of recent experience in the active practice of law in the State of California, including at least six years representing public agency employers in labor and employment matters.  
• Experience with real estate transactions, inter-agency agreements, and agency-level policies and procedures is also desired.   
• Experience with public agency financing is a huge plus. 

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• A can-do, solutions-oriented mindset is a must, as is a sense of humor. 
• A high degree of political acumen and the ability to think strategically and see the big picture.
• Maintain effective relationships with federal, state, regional, municipal, and local agencies, and with Silicon Valley’s major stakeholders. 
• Comfortable operating in complex legal and regulatory environments,
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and adversaries.
• Analyze and apply principles of law, particularly with respect to highly sensitive labor and employment matters.
• Advise on the legal aspects of labor negotiations, including “second table” experience (“first table” experience is highly desired).   
• Provide significant first-line and strategic support to Valley Water's Finance team on debt issuances, refinancing, and Public Facilities Financing Corporation work. 
• Present statements of law and fact clearly, succinctly, and logically, both orally and in writing.
• Prepare legally sufficient transactional documents.
• Prepare a variety of reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Collect, interpret, and evaluate varied information and data and provide recommendations.

Ideal Knowledge:

• Principles and practices of law, particularly as related to public agency activities.
• Advanced principles of law related to labor and employment matters
• Judicial and administrative procedures and the rules of evidence
• Principles of legal research and writing
• Pleadings and practices and effective techniques in the presentation of judicial cases, administrative hearing cases, and labor arbitration cases
• Principles of governmental organization
• State and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting Valley Water operations, particularly the Brown Act, the Public Records Act, the Fair Employment and Housing Act, Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.  
• Knowledge of the laws governing public agency financing transactions is a plus.

 Ideal Training and Education: 

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, and graduation from an accredited law school plus a minimum of six years in the active practice of public agency-labor and employment laws and fifteen years of practice of law overall.

• Must be a current member, in good standing, of the California State Bar Association. 
• Must have pledged to comply or be willing to pledge to comply to the Santa Clara Bar County Association Code of Professional Conduct.

Please submit your application along with cover letter and resume by the application deadline. In your cover letter, please provide your CA State Bar Association number and address the following three prompts:

• Who is the client of an attorney for a public entity? How would that influence the performance of your duties as the Senior Assistant District Counsel for the Santa Clara Valley Water District? 
• Please describe the top three achievements of your professional legal career and why you are proud of them.
• Tell us about your experience representing public agency employers in labor and employment matters 
• Tell us about your experience with real estate transactions, inter-agency agreements, agency-level policies and procedures, and public agency financing matters.  

Following the closing date, resumes and cover letters will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above. The most qualified candidates will be invited to Zoom panel interviews with a Valley Water-appointed interview panel. A select group of candidates will be asked to provide references once they are anticipated to be recommended as finalists. References will be contacted only following candidate approval. Finalist interviews will be held with a Valley Water executive interview panel.

Overview:

Are you an experienced emergency management professional ready to lead critical preparedness initiatives for one of California’s largest water agencies? Valley Water is seeking a dynamic and strategic Supervising Program Administrator (SPA) to lead our Office of Emergency Services (OES).

This position plays a key leadership role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the OES unit and advancing Valley Water’s readiness, response, and recovery capabilities. Reporting to the Assistant Officer of Emergency, Safety & Security, the SPA will supervise two Senior Management Analysts and contracted staff while managing a wide range of emergency management programs and projects.

The SPA is responsible for developing, maintaining, and implementing essential planning documents—including the Emergency Operations Plan, Business Continuity Plan, and the Hazard Mitigation Plan—as well as overseeing the agency-wide Emergency Steering Committee. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, program management, and coordination skills, with a solid background in emergency planning, stakeholder engagement, and strategic implementation.

Our Commitment: 
We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity, contributes to inclusion, and strengthens belonging by broadening our perspective and collective understanding of the world around us to accomplish our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

About Valley Water:
Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Emergency Planning & Coordination:
  1. Lead development and maintenance of key planning documents including the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), Hazard Mitigation Plan (in collaboration with Santa Clara County/FEMA), and Business Continuity Plans.
  2. Oversee and support emergency action planning, training, and exercise programs.
• Leadership & Supervision:
  1. Supervise OES team members, including two Senior Management Analysts and contracted staff.
  2. Develop and implement work plans, conduct performance reviews, and ensure accountability in alignment with Valley Water’s strategic goals.
• EOC Readiness & Operations:
  1. Serve in a key leadership role during emergency operations, including EOC Coordinator and Planning & Intelligence (P&I) Chief functions.
  2. Ensure ongoing preparedness and operational capability of the Emergency Operations Center.
• Strategic and External Engagement:
  1. Deploy the OES Strategic Plan and support continuous improvement of emergency management programs.
  2. Act as a liaison between Valley Water and internal/external emergency response partners, including local, state, and federal agencies.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:

Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

Ideal Experience:

• Minimum of six (6) years of experience in emergency management or a closely related program area.
• At least one (1) year of experience planning, organizing, and directing complex programs or serving as a subject matter expert.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Lead and supervise professional staff, manage team performance, and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Direct a comprehensive emergency management program with organization-wide impact.
• Analyze complex problems and recommend practical, effective solutions.
• Apply policy knowledge to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local emergency management standards.
• Develop, manage, and report on large and complex budgets.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively in both written and verbal formats.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal departments, external agencies, and community stakeholders.

Ideal Knowledge:

• Principles and best practices of emergency management, mitigation planning, business continuity, and emergency operations.
• Program development, evaluation, and strategic implementation techniques.
• Federal and state regulatory frameworks governing emergency preparedness and response.
• Valley Water operations and the role of emergency planning within a public utility context.
• Principles of effective organization, personnel supervision, and public administration.

Ideal Training and Education:

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Emergency Management or a related field.

Office of Emergency Services Unit (Position Code 771) 
Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite, after completion of the probationary period  (one year).

ENVIRONMENTAL/CIVIL ENGINEER 

Utilities Department

$9,569.42 - $11,631.58 Monthly Plus Excellent Benefits

Opportunity to work a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off. 

The City of Gilroy is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Join our team!

ABOUT THE POSITION
The City of Gilroy is currently recruiting for a full-time Environmental or Civil Engineer to ensure sustainable water solutions and make a positive impact on public health and our environment. In this exciting opportunity you will play a crucial role in designing, implementing, and optimizing water treatment processes and help develop sustainable practices that ensure clean, safe water for our community. Your expertise will help us enhance our wastewater systems, improve potable water quality, and expand our recycled water initiatives. 

The Environmental/Civil Engineer is primarily assigned to the South County Regional Wastewater Authority (SCRWA) treatment plant. The SCRWA plant has won multiple awards at both the regional and state levels, and is undergoing expansion from 8.5 MGD to 11 MGD capacity. Tasks include permitting, reporting, planning, coordinating, and directing the design, investigation, development, operation, and construction of a wide variety of civil and environmental engineering wastewater projects. Assignments may also relate to wastewater collection, recycled water, and potable water. The Incumbent will need to work effectively with the Senior Environmental Engineer, staff from the cities of Gilroy and Morgan Hill, Santa Clara Valley Water District, the Regional Water Quality Control Board, SCRWA legal counsel, and the general public. 


CANDIDATE PERSPECTIVE/ LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

At the City of Gilroy, we believe that every team member plays a vital role in shaping a sustainable future. As an Environmental Engineer with us, you’ll have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse and impactful projects that directly benefit our community. You will engage in real-world challenges related to wastewater treatment and potable water systems and gain invaluable professional experience and development in facilities planning, project management, construction, regulatory and implementation skills. The Environmental Engineer will be part of initiatives that promote environmental awareness and sustainability in our community, and you’ll have the potential to engage with residents and stakeholders, enhancing your communication skills and understanding of public concerns. 

EXAMPLES OF FIRST YEAR PROJECTS/ASSIGNMENTS:

• Assist in completing the South County Regional Wastewater Authority (SCRWA) expansion project.
• Conducting assessments for upcoming infrastructure projects to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. 
• Evaluate and recommend CIP and maintenance projects for the wastewater treatment plant. 
• Gain an understanding of the regulatory requirements and permitting related to SCRWA.

Are you ready to take the lead in shaping a more sustainable future? Join our team as a key driver of innovation and excellence in the Sanitation Services Division. This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact by overseeing vital infrastructure, leading dedicated professionals, and contributing to the well-being of our community. If you're passionate about environmental stewardship, team leadership, and achieving meaningful results, we encourage you to apply and be part of something extraordinary!

Details:

• Full-time regular position, 9/80 schedule
• Salary range $123,468.00 to $158,995.00 annually with Excellent Benefits 
• To view the full job description, click on the link below.

Minimum Qualifications for consideration - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering, environmental engineering, environmental sciences or a related field. 

Experience: Five years of increasingly responsible wastewater treatment plant and collection system operations and maintenance experience including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility. One year of Biological Nutrient Removal Treatment Processing is desirable.

License or Certificate:

Possession of a State of California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade V certificate is highly desirable.

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.

 

 

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. 

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.