The ideal candidate will have a knowledge of California energy markets and experience working with a variety of market participants, including renewable energy and storage developers, large energy trading firms, independent power producers, investor owned and municipal utilities, and CCAs. The ideal candidate should have strong analytical and negotiation skills, experience in power trading and origination, or renewable energy development and contract management.  

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Knowledge of energy markets, pricing trends, seasonal market dynamics, and experience lowering costs and improving portfolio performance.

• Experience in contract negotiations with large energy trading firms, utilities, and renewable developers.

• Experience with typical power contracts and agreements including: the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) agreement, the Western Systems Power Pool (WSSP) agreement, tolling agreements, and long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) for renewable projects. 

• Experience in participating in or managing power bids and requests for proposals.

• Strong analytical skills, experience implementing data driven strategies, to lower costs and improve portfolio performance. 

• Knowledge related to power generation technologies, major asset owners and sellers, risks and benefits of various power sources and contract structures.

• Experience with California Independent System Operator (CAISO) markets, other RTOs, power scheduling and settlement functions to ensure compliance and reduce market risks and costs.

• Knowledge of California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulatory requirements.

• Experience developing long & short-term resource plans; including integrated resource planning to develop an electric utility’s resource needs to cost effectively meet electricity demand over the planning horizon.

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies: 

• Job Expertise – Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles, practices, Citywide and departmental procedures, policies, federal, state rules and regulations.  

• Analytical Thinking – Approaches problems or situations using a logical, systematic, sequential approach. 

• Collaboration – Develops networks and builds relationships; engages in cross-functional activities.  

• Fiscal Management – Understands the relationship of the budget and resources to the strategic plan; complies with administrative controls over funds, contracts, and procurements.

• Leadership - Leads by example; demonstrates high ethical standards; remains visible & approachable, interacts on a regular basis; promoting a cooperative work environment, allowing others to learn from mistakes; provides motivational supports and direction.

• Planning - Acts to align own unit's goals with the strategic direction of the organization; defines tasks and milestones to achieve objectives, while ensuring the optimal use of resources to meet those objectives.

• Problem Solving – Approaches situations or problems by defining the issue; determines the significance & priority, collects information from various sources; uses logic & intuition to make decisions and solution sets & outcomes. 

• Project Management - Ensures support for and drives projects, implements goals towards strategic objectives.

• Communication Skills – Effectively conveys information, expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills, displays openness to other's ideas and thoughts. 

Education & Experience

Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Economics, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Law, Natural Resources, Statistics, or related field to utility business.

Experience: Three (3) years of experience in energy resources operations, planning, purchasing, scheduling, or contract negotiations. 

Licenses: Possession of a valid State of California driver’s license may be required. 

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in the US. Please be informed the City of San José will NOT sponsor, represent, or sign any documents related to visa applications/ transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application. 

Compensation & Benefits

The Senior Power Resources Specialist salary range is currently $135,211.44 -$165,634.56; placement within this range will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the individual selected. This salary includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. The salary is supplemented by an attractive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to: 

• Retirement – The City has its own competitive defined benefit retirement plan separate from and with full reciprocity with CalPERS.

• Health Insurance – The City contributes 90% towards the premium for the lowest-priced non-deductible plan. Several plan options are available.

• Dental Insurance – The City contributes 100% of the premium of the lowest-priced plan for dental coverage.

• Personal Time – Vacation is accrued initially at the rate of three weeks per year, with amounts increasing up to five weeks after 15 years of service. Vacation accrual may be adjusted for successful candidates with prior public service to reflect a vacation accrual rate commensurate with total years of public service. Executive Leave of 48 hours is granted annually and depending upon success in the Management Performance Program, could increase to up to 80 hours. Sick Leave is accrued at the rate of approximately 8 hours per month.

• Holidays – The City observes 15 paid holidays annually.

• Deferred Compensation – The City offers an optional 457(b) plan.

• Flexible Spending Accounts – The City participates in Dependent Care Assistance and Medical Reimbursement Programs. 

• Insurance – The City provides a term life insurance policy equal to two times annual salary. Long-term disability and AD&D plans are optional. 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – The City provides a comprehensive range of services through its EAP. 

• Parental Leave Program – The City has a City-Paid Parental Leave program for which the incumbent in this position would be eligible. The program provides up to 320 hours of City-paid leave and can use up to 120 hours of their sick leave balances for the birth or placement of a new child, all of which must be used no later than 12 months from the birth or placement of the child.  

Important Information

Form 700 Filing: Upon commencement of employment and subsequently each spring, the incumbent of this position must file the Family Gift Reporting Form together with the Statement of Economic Interest-Form 700. Please view the following link for details related to the State-Required reporting: Form 700 (ca.gov) and the following link for the City of San José Family Gift Reporting Form. 

Application Process

This position is open until filled. First review of applications will take place on March 14, 2024. To apply for this outstanding opportunity, please submit a cover letter with current organization chart, resume (with months/years of employment and size of staff and budgets managed) via e-mail to: 

Ginger Quijano

Human Resources Department City of San Jose

Email: ginger.quijano@sanjoseca.gov 

Resumes will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in the brochure and candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be invited to preliminary screening interviews for further consideration. Qualified applicants will be contacted and scheduled for interviews. Candidates will be advised of their status of the recruitment following the selection of the Senior Power Resources Specialist - Power Resources. If you have any questions regarding this exciting opportunity, please do not hesitate to contact Ginger Quijano at ginger.quijano@sanjoseca.gov. Successful completion of a thorough background investigation prior to employment is required. The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer encouraging workforce diversity.