Electrical Equipment Superintendent
City of AlamedaNature of Position
- Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) is looking to fill one (1) full-time Electrical Equipment Superintendent position.About Alameda Municipal Power
In 1887, the City of Alameda paid $20,000 for the installations of 13 streetlights and a 90-kW generating station to power them. And with that, the oldest public electric utility west of the Mississippi was created.
Today, the City of Alameda is still in the power business and still a trendsetter. Now known as Alameda Municipal Power (AMP), we have survived over a century and a quarter of utility mergers that created behemoths in other places.
AMP has provided safe reliable power at lower rates without sacrificing service to power our community. We maintain local control so that we can re-invest in the island and provide value to enrich our lives, businesses, and the community.
We've seen a lot of change in 130 years, but through it all there's been one constant: We're as committed today to delivering safe and reliable electricity to the residents and businesses of Alameda as we were in 1887. We'll continue to invest in new and improved ways of doing business to manage costs, improve our service, and improve the environment.
About the Position
Under general direction, the Electrical Equipment Superintendent plans, organizes and supervises the work of operational groups engaged in the operation and maintenance of electrical and distribution systems and electrical equipment and meters. Performs other related work as required, including oversight of high-voltage switching and hot-stick/live-line procedures under strict safety protocols.
The ideal candidate will have:- Significant experience with an electric utility performing progressive responsible duties in meter and equipment testing, maintenance, installation and operation; transmission and distribution system dispatching using a SCADA system
- Experience in NERC and FERC reporting and compliance
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field
- Substantial supervisory or management experience with a construction company
- California Professional Engineer (PE) license, or equivalent certification; nationally recognized Certified Testing Engineer and/or Certified Substation Technician; journey-level Lineman, Journeyman Electrician, or equivalent high-voltage certification is preferred
BENEFITS OF EMPLOYMENTFor a comprehensive list of benefits, see the Benefit Matrix here.- Four-day, 36-hour work week (typically Monday through Thursday)
- CalPERS Retirement: Classic Members: 2% at 55 formula, 8.868% contribution; New Members 2% @ 62 formula, 8.25% contribution.
- Medical: The City contracts with CalPERS to provide comprehensive health coverage to employees. Multiple HMO and PPO plans available, with a generous City contribution towards medical premiums.
- Dental: Comprehensive dental coverage provided to employees and their eligible dependents.
- Vacation: Starting with 75 hours annually and increasing with years of service.
- Management Incentive Leave: 27 hours of management leave per fiscal year.
- Holidays: 11 City Holidays
- Floating Holidays: 4 days
- Sick Leave: 90 hours annually; unused sick leave is converted to service credit at retirement.
- Deferred Compensation: Up to 1% 457(b) matching City contribution after 1 year of continuous service.
Distinguishing Features
The Electrical Equipment Superintendent is the section's management and supervisory authority and is distinguished from the higher-level Operations Manager by the complexity of tasks assigned as well as the amount of supervision needed.
Examples of Duties
This job specification is currently under review and pending Civil Service Board (CSB) approval. To view the current spec, please click here.
The following list of duties is intended only to describe the various types of work that may be performed and the level of technical complexity of the assignment(s) and is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties. The omission of a specific duty statement does not exclude it from the position if the work is consistent with the concept of the classification or is similar or closely related to another duty statement.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Essential Duties
- Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates transmission and distribution system operations and controls; testing, servicing and repair of electrical equipment, meters and substation equipment such as circuit breakers, voltage regulators and reclosers; installation, calibration, testing and repair of all types of meters and instruments; SCADA system and radio communication system operation and maintenance.
- Directs operation, maintenance, construction, and upgrades of substations and related equipment; supervises high-voltage switching (up to 115 kV), live-line (hot-stick/rubber-glove) procedures in compliance with safety standards (NEC, NFPA 70E, Cal-OSHA Title 8).
- Reviews work progress and problems with subordinate supervisors.
- Supervises development of asset lifecycle maintenance plans, electrical system designs, drawings, and schematic documentation.
- Administers consultant and vendor contracts; develops scopes, evaluates proposals, monitors deliverables, and enforces performance.
- Leads and participates in live-line switching and switching safety zone procedures following NFPA 70E practices.
- Prepares plans, drawings, specifications and estimates for revenue and non-revenue metering installations.
- Administers equipment and supply procurement request activities.
- Prepares various studies and reports regarding the use of equipment, work methods, materials, services and administrative improvements.
- Ensures adherence to and application of established safe work practices and procedures.
- Coordinates operation and maintenance of the Northern California Power Agency’s combustion turbine installation located in Alameda; supervises training of personnel in the operation and maintenance of that facility.
- Prepares and administers section budgets; prepares plans and cost data for the budget and department’s General Plan.
- Prepares and manages multi-year Capital Improvement Programs (CIP), including budget forecasting and alignment with long-term utility strategies.
- Supervises, trains, and evaluates assigned staff.
Other Duties
15. Perform related duties as assigned.WORKING CONDITIONS
- Indoor office or station environment, and outdoor environment while performing fieldwork. Outdoor work may be performed in close proximity to electrical high voltage line and equipment, open trenches and heights associated with construction.
- Respond to after-hours emergency calls as required; respond to 24/7 on-call rotations and emergency utility incidents.
- Occasional exposure to wet or humid conditions; extreme cold or extreme heat.
- Occasional exposure to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration.
- Travel by City vehicle within City limits to City work sites, locations, and meetings to conduct work.
- Noise level is usually moderate, ambient office sounds such as speaking, working office equipment, and software. Can be loud noises due to hazards, and/or in an emergency or field situation.
- May interact with upset staff and/or private and public representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate objects, controls, and/or tools such as but not limited to a computer, computer keyboard, and standard office equipment.
- Specific vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
- Ability to lift, push or pull up to 90 lbs.
- Reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, crouch, squat, crawl, walk; twist and bend from the waist.
- Fieldwork may involve mobility on uneven terrain, and climbing, scaling, or descending electrical poles, trenches, obstacles, and/or structures to identify problems or hazards. May occasionally operate construction and/or electrical equipment when performing duties such navigating in confined spaces, work near electrical poles or substations, etc.
- Hearing and speaking to exchange information and communicate in person and by telephone.
Employment Standards
Education/Experience
Any combination equivalent to education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education
Graduation from high school supplemented by college course work in science, electronics and/or engineering.
Experience
Five years of recent and progressively responsible electrical utility operations and maintenance experience involving meter and equipment testing, maintenance, installation and operation; transmission and distribution system dispatching using a SCADA system; and substantial supervisory or lead capacity experience.
Knowledge
Knowledge of electrical theory; electric utility transmission and distribution system operation; substation and distribution equipment and operation and maintenance; SCADA system operation and maintenance; application, use, and maintenance of radio communication systems; testing, repair, installation of meters and protective relays; various com safe work practices and procedures.Ability
Ability to effectively plan, organize, direct staff and control the operations of several work sections; plan work schedules and monitor performance; interpret and apply established procedural and safety requirements; prepare specifications and evaluate bids; implement improvements in organization, work procedures and equipment; prepare budgets and track costs; analyze complex, technical and administrative problems and make sound recommendations for their solution; establish and maintain accurate records; prepare clear and concise reports, including complex reports of GO. 95, 128, 156; maintain level of knowledge required for satisfactory job performance; communicate effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public; and supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
Special Requirements
Willingness and/or ability to respond to after-hours emergency calls as required.Other Requirements
Possession of a valid California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record at the time of appointment is required as a condition of initial and continued employment only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than the employee's ability to get to/from various work locations in a timely manner, is necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
Selection Process
The examination process may include an application and supplemental questionnaire evaluation, a written exam, and an oral interview. The examination process may test for, but is not limited to, the essential knowledge and abilities listed in the job specification and announcement and will be designed to provide a comprehensive review of each candidate's technical knowledge and overall suitability for the position. Qualified applicants will be notified of the exact date, time, and location of examinations approximately two weeks in advance.
Candidates passing all components of the examination process will be placed on an Eligible List. A list of names is certified to the department(s) having vacancies based on the type of examination conducted pursuant to the provision of the City's Civil Service Rules. Final selection will be made from the Eligible List by the Department Head subject to approval by the City Manager. The Department Head may utilize additional selection procedures to make a final hiring decision. Placement on an Eligible List does not guarantee employment. Prior to appointment, a thorough reference check will be conducted which may include a credit check and background. The selection process may be evaluated and revised based on the number of qualified applicants. Federal law requires that prior to employment, you must furnish proof of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States, as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
E-Verify
The City of Alameda utilizes the Federal government's E-Verify program and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization, which includes showing a valid United States Social Security card at the time of hire (photocopies not accepted).
Veteran's Preference Credit
A job applicant qualifies as a veteran if honorably discharged from active military, reservist, or National Guard duty of at least 18 consecutive months within the past five (5) years of the date of application. In case of discharge attributable to service-connected injuries or illnesses, the 18 months active-duty requirement need not be fulfilled. An applicant claiming veteran's preference credit must attach to their application, a legible copy of their DD-214 verifying the type of discharge and date(s) of active service. NO OTHER DOCUMENTATION WILL BE ACCEPTED.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Alameda is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
In compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations, the City of Alameda will employ and promote qualified individuals without regard to disability. The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must do so no later than the final filing date for receipt of applications, otherwise it may not be possible to arrange accommodations for the selection process. Such requests should be addressed to the Human Resources Department | 1-510-747-4900 | hr@alamedaca.gov| 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Rm. 290, Alameda, 94501. Requests can be made via email, phone, or in writing via U.S. mail.The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.