Senior Electric Utility Engineer

Job Description:

Senior Electric Utility Engineer

Description

Description

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 Positions
SVP is seeking dynamic and innovative Senior Electric Utility Engineer candidates to fill three (3) vacancies in the Utility Operations division and Customer Development and Project Management division. The ideal candidate will have electric utility engineering experience; excellent project management skills; strong oral and written communication skills; experience working in a team environment on major construction projects.

For the Operations Division:

• This position will support SVP’s Electric Control Center (ECC) in the operations horizon (0 to 1 year). This will include running models for contingency analysis and reliability analysis of the transmission system. This position has the responsibility and authority to implement real-time actions to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the Bulk Electric System and the Sub transmission system. This position is responsible for complying with the NERC Certification at the highest level of (Transmission Operator -TOP), reviewing clearance requests, and coordinate with PG&E’s transmission operations group. Other duties include preparing the yearly Summer Operating Assessment, leading operations engineering studies, collaborating with SVP’s Electric Transmission Planning, substation, T&D, and engineering departments, including coordinating with RC West and the CAISO. An understanding of how electric system devices are used and can affect reliability is required, in addition the ability to read and understand single line diagrams. Knowledge of electric power flow theory, hands on experience with GE PSLF or equivalent WECC approved software, Aspen One Liner, is critical to the success of the position. This person should be an experienced self-starter who can thrive in both an autonomous and team environment.
• The alternative to the above position will lead substation engineering and standards development that support the mission of the Utility. This individual should be an experienced, self-starter who can thrive in both an autonomous and team environment. This position requires hands-on working knowledge of substation design and construction, and standards development. A working knowledge of protection and control systems, communication systems, project management, and Compliance is desirable. The candidate should have extensive knowledge of substation engineering concepts, principles, and practices to resolve complex problems with only general direction. This position supports day-to-day utility operations and Compliance.

For the Customer Development and Project Management Division:

• The first position will perform and maintain the distribution system model, participate in integrated SVP system planning with the transmission planning team and other SVP groups to deliver distribution system results and reports, identify and implement projects that are necessary to support load growth and improve reliability of the distribution system. This position will contribute to developing engineering standards and processes. Experience with distributed energy resources interconnection to the grid, including battery storage and grid automation is desirable. This position will work closely with customers/developers on their projects, will coordinate with various City departments, and support SVP’s field and operation staff, as necessary.
• The second position will lead the implementation of a portfolio of projects that can include new substations, new 60KV, 115KV and 230KV transmission lines, reconstruction, expansion of existing substations and transmission lines and capital projects related to distribution system. This position requires hands-on working knowledge of the project management lifecycle, including but not limited to initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and closeout of projects. A working knowledge of how electric utility systems work, and the work resources required to design, bid, construct and commission these systems is desirable. The candidate should have extensive knowledge in scheduling, budgeting, preparing bid packages, leading and working with teams of subject matter experts, managing all financial aspects of projects through ongoing job forecasting, oversee preconstruction meetings, coordinating factory acceptance testing of equipment, manage RFIs, change orders, invoicing, and developing and maintaining a network of professional relationships within our industry and with our customers. This position supports day to day utility operations and compliance.

Incumbents in these positions may be assigned to work in the operations, generation, transmission, planning, distribution, or substation groups of the Electric Utility Department as the need is determined.

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 1) Cover Letter and, 2) 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 . Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of November 19, 2024 at 4:00 PM.

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.

The annual salary range for this position is $196,841.40 - $251,163.60. This position will be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.

**Application Deadline converted to Continuous Posting*

Typical Duties

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
Graduation from an accredited college or university with: a) Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering and three (3) years experience in electric utility engineering work or b) a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and four (4) years experience doing electric utility engineering work or ten (10) years experience doing electric utility engineering work and satisfactory completion of a qualifying written examination. A Master's Degree in electrical, mechanical or civil engineering from an accredited college may be substituted for one year of experience (proof of receipt of an Engineer In Training certificate may be substituted for the qualifying written examination). Candidates from a non accredited college or university must demonstrate equivalency. Registration as a professional electrical, mechanical or civil engineer in the State of California may be substituted for accreditation equivalency.

LICENSE
Possession of a valid California Driver's license.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS
May work unusual hours in emergency situations, or while acting as duty supervisor outside regular working hours, or at other than regular job site.

SCOPE OF EXAMINATION FOR QUALIFYING EXAMINATION (if necessary) Fundamentals of engineering and science. Mathematics including algebra, geometry, complex numbers, trigonometry, calculus; electrical theory (alternating and direct current), statics, dynamics, thermodynamics and economic analysis.

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 .

City of Santa Clara Benefit Summary Overview for Bargaining Unit #4
Professional Engineers

This summary provides a brief overview of the City of Santa Clara’s benefits available to Bargaining Unit #4 employees in 2024. In the event of any conflict between the information in this summary and the applicable official plan documents, City Manager’s Directives (CMDs), Personnel and Salary Resolution, or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the applicable official plan documents, CMDs, Personnel and Salary Resolution, or MOU will prevail over this summary. Benefits are subject to change.

Retirement:

• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)
  • Classic Employees: 2.7% @ age 55 formula - employee pays 8.00% of gross pay, minus $61 bi-weekly
  • New Employees: 2.0% @ age 62 formula - employee pays 7.00% of gross pay

Medicare and Social Security (FICA)

• Employee pays 6.20% up to $10,397.40 (Social Security) and 1.45% (Medicare) of gross pay

Health Insurance:

• The City contributes up to 100% of the premium of the Kaiser (Region 1) plan for Employee Only and Employee + 1 Dependent plans, and up to 90% of the premium of the Kaiser (Region 1) plan of the Employee + 2 or More Dependents plan
• Employees electing health coverage with premiums above the City health contribution will pay additional premium costs from salary on a pre-tax basis
• No cash difference is paid if an employee elects a plan cheaper than the max City contribution
• To be eligible for the City’s contribution toward health, employees must be on a paid status for at least 80 hoursin the month prior to the month of coverage
• Coverage is effective as early asthe first day of the monthafter date of hire
• Employees hired on or after 1/1/2024who opt-out of City-offered health insurance and provide annual attestation and acceptableproof of alternative required coverage for themselves and their tax family, if applicable, are eligible for a cash-in-lieu amount of $250/month. Contact Human Resources for more details

Dental Insurance:

• Choice of two Delta Dental plans; enrollment is mandatory
• City pays lowest cost employee only plan; additional cost is paid by employee
• Coverage is effective as early asthe first day of the monthafter date of hire

Vision Insurance:

• Choice of two VSP plans
• City pays lowest cost employee only plan; additional cost is paid by employee
• Coverage is effective as early asthe first day of the monthafter date of hire

Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA):

• City contributes $50.00 a month toward employee’s VEBA account
• Account funds may be used to pay for qualified medical expenses after separation from the City and after age 50 (pre-tax)

Life Insurance:

• City pays for $50,000 of Basic Life Insurance coverage
• Coverage is effective the first of the month after one calendar month of employment
• Additional optional insurance may be purchased by the employee for the employee, spouse, domestic partner, and/or dependent children

State Disability Insurance (SDI):

• Employee pays 1.1% of gross pay (includes Paid Family Leave)
• 7 day waiting period. Weekly paid leave for absences due to non-work related injuries/illnesses. Benefit is based on past earnings. Refer to edd.ca.gov for more information

Paid Family Leave (PFL):

• Up to 8 weeks of benefits within a 12-month period to care for a family member or to bond with a new child
• No waiting period. Weekly paid leave benefit. Benefit is based on past earnings. Refer to edd.ca.gov for more information

Deferred Compensation:

• Voluntary plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions
• Employee may contribute up to the lesser of the IRS maximum or100% of gross compensation into a pre-tax 457(b) account or a post-tax Roth 457(b) account (or a combination of the two accounts) subject to IRS rules
• Additionally, the City contributes $166.00 a month toward the 457(b) plan for employees in classifications not in SVP. The City contributes $330.00 a month toward the 457(b) plan for employees in classifications in SVP. This dollar amount will factor into the above mentioned IRS rules and limits

Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125 Plan):

• Employee may contribute up to $3,200per year in pre-tax dollars to a health care spending account
• Employee may contribute up to $5,000 per year in pre-tax dollars to a dependent care spending account
• Employee may contribute up to $315per month in pre-tax dollars to a commuter benefit plan

Vacation:

• Vacation is accrued bi-weekly, cannot use vacation during first 6 months of City service
  • For 1 - 4 years of service: 10 days (80 hours)/year
  • For 5 -9 years of service: 15 days (120 hours)/year
  • For 10 - 15 years of service: 21 days (168 hours)/year
  • For 16 - 20 years of service: 22 days (176 hours)/year
  • For 21+ years of service: 24 days (192 hours)/year

Maximum vacation accrual is 400 hours Once per year, employees can elect to convert up to 60 hours of accrued vacation to cash to be paid out thefollowing calendar yearSick Leave:

• Sick leave is accrued bi-weekly for equivalent of 96 hours per calendar year with no maximum accrual
  • Up to 48 hours/year of accumulated sick leave may be used for family illness
  • Up to 32 hours/year of accumulated sick leave may be used for personal leave

Employee may convert sick leave to vacation once per calendar year (annual maximum conversion is 96 hours sick to 48 hours vacation) Partial sick leave payoff provision on retirement depending on years of serviceCompensatory Time Off (CTO):

• Employees may accrue CTO in lieu of overtime hours up to a maximum of 240 hours
• 16 hours of PCTO is credited to employees each January 1st (prorated if hired after January 1st)

Holidays:

• Seventeen paid eight-hour holidays per year (13 & 4 holidays between 12/25 to 1/1 of following year and an additional 32 hours of floating holiday for calendar year 2024

Personal Safety Equipment Reimbursement:

• Reimbursement up to $200/calendar year toward the purchase or repair of specified protective personal safety equipment (per MOU)

Professional Registration:

• The City will pay cost of Professional Engineer registration fee. Employees eligible for $3,600 per year in premium pay for attaining and continued maintenance and possession of Professional Engineering Certification

Tuition Reimbursement Program:

• Up to $2,000 per fiscal year for tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program:

• Confidential counseling to employees and dependents. Up to maximum of five (5) consultations per family member per incident per year
• City paid benefit

Retiree Medical Reimbursement Program:

• Employees who retire from the City with at least ten (10) years of service shall receive reimbursement to help cover retiree single health insurance premiums. The reimbursement maximum includes the PEMHCA minimum.
• Up to age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to$416/month in 2024(amount adjusted annually)
• After age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to $249/month in 2024(amount adjusted annually)

Alternate Work Schedule:

• An employee, subject to the conditions of the employee’s job assignment, may propose an alternate work schedule as described in City Manager’s Directive #71. Proposal must be made to the Department Head through the immediate supervisor

Resident Status:

• Engineers will be permitted to pay the “resident” rate rather than the non-resident rate for City programs andactivities so long as the employee’s sign-up or participation will not interfere with a resident’s access to or ability to participate in the applicable program or activity

Salary:

$196,841.40 - $251,163.60 Annually