Description
The Department: Silicon Valley Power (SVP) currently provides over 40 percent of Santa Clara’s electricity 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 capturing and burning methane gas from a closed city landfill and using power from solar generating systems on city-owned garages and vacant, unusable land. 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 Position: The Principal Power Analyst is a professional, management position that supports the Back Office operations of the Resource Department at SVP. The Resource Department supports SVP’s aggressive goal of 100% 24/7 clean energy through resource planning, portfolio management, and power procurement agreements and structured transactions, along with requisite regulatory compliance. The Back Office’s responsibly is the settlement, accounting, and accuracy of utility electric purchase/sale contacts and wholesale transactions. This small interdisciplinary environment allows for interesting learning opportunities in a supportive team culture for a healthy life-work balance. Robust compensation package includes competitive salary, health benefits and CalPERS membership (see Benefits tab for complete description).
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 GUARENTEE 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 may include, but are not limited to, the following.
Under general direction:
• Manages, controls, settles, and accounts for all wholesale electricity transactions ensuring data integrity;
• Plans, coordinates and performs complex accounting, statistical, financial analysis and financial reporting tasks;
• Exercises quality control over contents of various financial reports, budgets and other financial documents;
• Audits and assures the contract and policy compliance with the City's Market Risk Management Policy and Procedures;
• Designs and manages accounts receivable and payable functions for all wholesale electricity transactions;
• Captures and validates the contract, financial and market data produced in the Wholesale Power Trading Division;
• Analyzes and verifies the contract compliance of City's energy-based transactions including power purchases and sales, and other fuel;
• Assists in the design and development of information technology applications;
• Organizes workflow and assignments of the Back Office staff;
• Supervises, trains, motivates and evaluates staff;
• Supports trading activities and balances the portfolio of buy/sell transactions;
• Oversees the deal capture, confirmation, and account settlement processes for all wholesale electricity trades;
• Prepares various complex monthly, quarterly and annual accounting reports;
• Reviews and resolves disputes between counterparties;
• Researches and resolves meter data discrepancies
• Assists in the preparation and administration of the operating budget of settlement and risk;
• Operates and uses a variety of modern office equipment, and computer software programs including current windows applications, Word, Excel (advanced user), PowerPoint and to learn and operate new programs as required;
• Prepares reports, memos, and supporting documentation;
• Assists in the development and implementation of the Department's goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards;
• Works closely with the trading and risk managers; and
• Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Finance, Accounting or closely related field
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible administrative experience in finance, including accounting and auditing, two (2) of which must have been at the managerial level
• Electric Energy Industry experience is desirable
LICENSE
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required at the time of appointment and for the duration of employment.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
May be required to work unusual hours, including evenings and weekends, and to be available on an on-call basis in emergency situations
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• Required to pass 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
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.
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, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
• California ISO compliance and settlement procedures and processes;
• Problem resolution of documentation and validation of wholesale electricity trades;
• Generally accepted governmental accounting principles, policies, procedures and practices;
• External accounting and financial reporting requirements, and financial analysis;
• Concepts and techniques of financial control systems and methodology;
• Effective leadership, supervision, training and project management principles and practices;
• Research methods and statistical analysis;
• Problem solving and conflict resolution practices and techniques;
• Complex spreadsheets and database applications;
• Office safety practices, procedures and standards; and
• Methods and procedures required to validate the sale of wholesale electricity transactions.
Ability to:
• Effectively develop and set objectives, identify and prioritize plans and strategies and efficiently allocate resources to meet goals and timelines in relation to wholesale electricity transactions;
• Research, analyze and investigate work related issues;
• Maintain highly confidential information;
• Create, manage and maintain complex filing and record systems;
• Develop and maintain information technology applications;
• Evaluate situations, identify problems, make logical decisions and follow through on resolution;
• Provide leadership and management in the division through coaching, enabling and facilitating employees working in a team environment;
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate division activities and effectively manage the work of others;
• Conducts research and analysis of complex technical issues; evaluates options and makes recommendations for action; prepares staff reports and recommendations;
• Gather, assemble, analyze, and evaluate complex financial and fiscal data and make sound recommendations and decisions;
• Prepare and interpret a variety of reports utilizing a variety of software packages very specific to the wholesale electric industry;
• Track a high volume of detail with accuracy;
• Communicate clearly and effectively in writing by using correct English grammar, spelling and punctuation;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including supervisors, subordinates, wholesale electrical power suppliers and customers;
• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals;
• Effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload and meet strict deadlines; and
• Walk or stand for extended periods of time 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 . This posting deadline has been extended to continuous and applications will be reviewed every 2 weeks. Applicants are encouraged to apply as this posting may close at any time. A first review of applications will be
Friday, April 14, 2023 at
4:00 PM. 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 #9Miscellaneous Unclassified ManagementThis summary provides a brief overview of the City of Santa Clara’s benefits available to Bargaining Unit #9 employees in 2023. 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 $9,932.40(Social Security) and 1.45% (Medicare) of gross pay
Health Insurance: - City contribution up to $1827.48/month, based on enrollment in a CalPERS health plan
- Employees electing health coverage with premiums above the City health contribution will pay additional premium costs from salary on a pre-tax basis
- Coverage is effective the first of the month after date of hire
- If an employee enrolls in a plan with a premium that is less than $946.86/month, they will be paid the difference in cash
- An employee hired on or after 1/1/2023 is eligible for a cash-in-lieu benefit of $250/month if they sign an annual attestation and provide proof of Alternative Required Coverage for themselves and their Tax Family, if applicable. Contact Human Resources for more details
Dental Insurance: - Choice of two Delta Dental plans; enrollment is mandatory
- City pays lowest cost of employee only plan ($22.22 for 2023); additional cost is paid by employee
- Coverage is effective on the first day of the month following three full calendar months of employment
Vision Insurance: - Choice of two VSP plans
- City pays the lowest cost employee only plan ($9.00 for 2023); additional cost is paid by employee
- Coverage is effective the first of the month after 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)
- If account balance is less than $2,000 upon separation, then account funds can be used immediately
Life Insurance: - City pays for $50,000 of Basic Life Insurance coverage. Employer premium is $9.55/month
- 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 0.9% of gross pay; max deduction of $1,378.48 (includes Paid Family Leave)
- 7 day waiting period. Maximum benefit is $1,620/week for absences due to non-work related injuries/illnesses. Benefit is based on earned wages in a specific 12-month period
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. Minimum benefit is $50/week. Maximum benefit is $1,620/week. Benefit is based on past quarterly wages
Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance: - Benefit is 60% of basic wage up to $13,333; max $8,000/month
- City paid benefit. City pays $.207/$100 of insured earnings
- 60 calendar day waiting period
- Coverage is effective the first of the month after one calendar month of employment
Deferred Compensation: - Voluntary plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions
- Employee may contribute up to the lesser of $22,500/year or 100% 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.Employees over 50 years of age may contribute up to $30,000/year
Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125 Plan): - Employee may contribute up to $3050per 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 $300per 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 accrual is 480 hours Once per year, employees can elect to convert up to 80 hours of accrued vacation to cash to be paid out in up to two cash-outs the following calendar year
Sick 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 service and sick leave cap (balance as of 01/01/2004 plus 1,500 hours)
Management Leave: - 120 hours of management leave credited to employees each January 1st
- New employees hired between January 1st and June 30th receive 120 hours of management leave their first year
- New employees hired between July 1st and December 31st receive 60 hours of management leave their first year
Unused management leave may be carried over from one calendar year to the next; however, an employee may never have more than 240 hours (calendar years 2021 through 2024) of “banked” management leave
Holidays: - Seventeen paid eight-hour holidays per year (13 & 4 holidays between 12/25 to 1/1 of following year)
Mobile Communication Device Allowance: - $80/month in lieu of carrying a City-issued cell phone
Auto Allowance (an alternative to mileage reimbursement or use of a City vehicle): - Department Heads receive $320/month (up to $520, with City Manager approval). Other Unit 9 employees can receive $200/month (Up to $500 with City Manager approval)
Tuition Reimbursement Program: - Up to $2,000 per fiscal year for tuition reimbursement. See CMD 26 for details
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 premium is $4.03/month
- Employees may call Managed Health Network (MHN) confidentially at 1-800-227-1060
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 $406/month in 2023(amount adjusted annually)
- After age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to $243/month in 2023(amount adjusted annually)
Alternate Work Schedule: - An employee shall be eligible to work a 9/80 alternate work schedule according to the conditions, criteria, and requirements set forth in City Manager's Directive 71. Requests to work a 9/80 schedule shall be made through or by the Department Head to the City Manager. The City Manager must approve the schedule and the City Manager or Department Head (for employees other than Department Heads) may terminate the schedule at anytime.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous
