Electric Program Manager

Description

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:
- Customer Engagement
- Distributed Energy Resources, Renewable Energy and Power Purchase Contracts
- Engineering
- Generation

Customer Engagement
The Customer Engagement Division develops and implements customer programs that support customer and utility sustainability goals. This position reports to the Senior Division Manager of Customer Engagement. The successful candidate will guide the development of programs and initiatives related to our portfolio of programs including Outreach & Education, Electric Transportation, Building Electrification, Energy Efficiency, Solar and Storage. This position will assist in the development of short and long term strategic and operational plans, monitor related legislation, regulations, reporting and compliance and serve as the liaison to various stakeholder groups. The person selected for this position will collaborate with other departments, facilitate a constantly evolving portfolio of projects (both new and existing work), have great organizational skills, and operate as an integral component of the Silicon Valley Power team.

Distributed Energy Resources, Renewable Energy and Power Purchase Contracts
As a key member of our Resources team, you will play a pivotal role in securing and managing the energy resources necessary to power our growing operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Resource Procurement and Integration : Oversee the end-to-end process of identifying, procuring, and integrating new energy resources into our portfolio.
• Contract Negotiation: Lead complex negotiations with energy suppliers to secure optimal pricing and terms for power purchase agreements and related contracts.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement long-term resource procurement strategies aligned with our business objectives and evolving energy market dynamics.
• Financial Modeling: Utilize production cost modeling to forecast future energy costs and inform budget planning.
• Project Management: Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project timelines and budgets.

Ideal Candidate:
We are seeking a self-driven professional with the following characteristics:

• Excellent Negotiation Skills: Ability to negotiate complex contracts and build strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.
• Project Management Acumen: Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously and delivering results on time and within budget.
• Strategic Thinking: A strategic mindset to identify opportunities and risks, and develop innovative solutions.
• Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Energy Market Expertise: A strong understanding of wholesale power market operations, renewable energy, and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong Analytical Skills: Proficiency in financial modeling, data analysis, and forecasting techniques.

Engineering

This position will manage portfolio of capital improvement projects that can include new substations, transmission and distribution lines, reconstruction, expansion of existing substations and transmission lines and distribution systems. This position requires hands-on working knowledge of the project management lifecycle, including not limited to initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and closeout of projects. This position may also manage staff such as but not limited to Senior Electric Utility Engineers, Electric Utility Engineers, interns, electric estimators and designers related to the planning, operation and maintenance of distribution and transmission facilities and SVP’s third-party overhead pole contact program. The candidate will also assist in the development of budget, standards and specifications, contracts, and training programs . This position will administer procurement contracts, public work contracts and other related contracts related to Capital improvements projects, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of utility projects including electric transmission and distribution facilities and other electrical infrastructure. This position may stand in for the Electric Division manager of Engineering during times of absence.

Generation

This position directly oversees the daily operations and maintenance activities required of the in-city power plants including the DVR Combined Cycle, Gianera Peaker, and Cogeneration plant. The incumbent supervises a staff of up to 16 technicians on fixed and rotating shifts responsible for operating and maintaining the facilities. The Operations & Maintenance Manager works closely with other Division personnel including Plant Engineer, Compliance Manager, and administrative staff and reports directly to the Division Manager.

Under general direction, the candidate will oversee the daily operations and maintenance activities of the power plants. Additional duties include, but are not limited to:

- Monitor for efficiency and safety ensuring that all applicable regulatory requirements are followed.

- Set the standard for safety & integrity by adhering to all applicable safety standards, environmental standards & treatment of employees.

- Responsible for O&M and major maintenance spending as well as the plants' efforts to achieve reliability & performance metrics.

- Lead outage planning and execution to ensure the safety of the personnel and on-time completion of the work scope.

- Ensure that all department staff under your direction are compliant with all local, State and Federal safety regulations, including but not limited to OSHA and CALOSHA, in addition to conformance with all City safety policies & procedures.

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.

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 . This posting has been updated to continuous. The first review of applications will be on Thursday , December 12, 2024 at 4:00 PM. Applications will be reviewed every 2 weeks thereafter. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close at any time.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS 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 $180,860.40 - $234,039.72. This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.

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
• 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.

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.

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 #9
Miscellaneous Unclassified Management

This summary provides a brief overview of the City of Santa Clara’s benefits available to Bargaining Unit #9 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:

• City contribution up to $2042.82/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 as early asthe first day of the monthafter 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
• Employees hired on or after 1/1/2023who 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

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 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

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 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 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 serviceManagement 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 leaveHolidays:

• 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). Assistant Department Heads and Division Managers can receive $200/month (Up to $500 with City Manager approval)

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 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

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• City of Santa Clara

• 408-615-2080

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