Principal Power Resources Specialist

The Position

The Principal Power Resources Specialist position reports to the Deputy Director of the Power Resources Division.  This position is part of an exciting, fast-paced team responsible for procuring hundreds of megawatts of renewable energy projects.     

The selected candidate will have the following duties and responsibilities: 

 • Prepare, issue, and evaluate solicitations, including energy hedges (Inter-SC Trades), resource adequacy, renewable energy credits and long-term power purchase agreements. 

• Conduct economic analysis of solicitation results for least-cost, best fit solutions. 

• Negotiate purchases and sales of energy, capacity, transmission rights and renewable energy credits. 

• Analyze the performance of SJCE’s portfolio of power contracts and CAISO (California Independent System Operator) market participation. Report results to senior management with recommendations to enhance market performance, reduces risks, and lower costs. 

• Provide direction and guidance to SJCE’s Scheduling Agent, particularly focusing on stand-alone storage and collocated renewables, based on SJCE’s internal strategies and policies. 

• Serve as a subject matter expert on CAISO Scheduling and Bidding practices, including knowledge of the CAISO Tariff and Business Practice Manuals. 

• Develop procurement plans and strategies related to energy, capacity, and renewable energy credits. 

• Develop and improve CRR (Congestion Revenue Rights) strategies to mitigate congestion risks. 

• Coordinate project-based work with internal and external staff as required. 

• Participate in joint procurement initiatives with other CCAs and CA Community Power. 

• Develop and maintain relationships with key power suppliers. 

• Oversee consultants and review modeling results for projects such as Integrated Resource Planning, Long-Term PPA analysis, and strategy development. 

• Oversee the operational impacts of new generation resources (e.g., renewable, stand-alone storage) as they progress through various stages of development, construction, and operations. 

• Assist with CPUC (California Public Utilities Commission) compliance filings such as RPS (Renewable Portfolio Standard) Procurement Plans and Resource Adequacy filings. 

• Prepare and present technical and complex written and oral reports to a diverse audience. 

 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.  

Education & Experience 

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

Experience: Six (6) years of progressively responsible related experience overseeing and administering 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.

The Principal Power Resources Specialist salary range is currently $168,312-$210,388; 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 40 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 are able to 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.   

Executive Management Benefits - https://www.sanjoseca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument?id=21323  

Health Benefits - https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/human-resources/benefits

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

COVID-19 Policy: Per the City’s COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the City requires all new hires to provide proof of vaccination as a condition of employment absent an approved medical or religious exemption. Fully vaccinated means a person has received the following:  » Two doses of the monovalent Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine; or  » Two doses of the monovalent Moderna COVID-19 vaccine; or  » Two doses of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine; or » One dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine; or  » One dose of the bivalent Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine; or  » One dose of the bivalent Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

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:  

Zoë McChesney Community Energy Department City of San Jose