Since 1896, Silicon Valley Power (SVP) has provided electricity for residents and businesses in Santa Clara. The Electric Department has a budgeted staff of 198 employees who provide such diverse services as operating, maintaining and dispatching electric service, engineering, system planning, administrative and financial management, marketing, customer service, energy programs, power trading, outdoor Wi-Fi services and dark fiber leasing services, all of which work together to make SVP successful for the City and its residents. For more information about Silicon Valley Power, please visit the department website.
The Energy Conservation Specialist is a customer-facing position responsible for educating customers in areas of energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy, building and transportation electrification and other utility programs. This includes developing and delivering presentations to community members of all ages, answering questions and providing program assistance, processing rebate applications, tracking and reporting program performance data, performing in-home energy audits and equipment inspections to verify compliance with program rules and acting as the primary point of contact for residential electric customers in all aspects as it relates to utility programs. [MM1]
This is a position in the classified service assigned to work in the Electric Utility Department. The incumbent is responsible for assisting in the planning, development, modification, implementation, and coordination of energy conservation and customer service programs for the City of Santa Clara Electric Utility, including existing programs such as the City’s Energy Audit Service and Energy Conservation Hotline. The incumbent will be expected to exercise independent judgment and be able to communicate effectively, orally or in writing.
To be considered for this position: Submit a 1) Complete online City application, 2) Current resume, and (3) Cover Letter. Incomplete applications will be disqualified. This recruitment is open until filled and the first review of applications will be on
Typical Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Under general direction, assists in the planning, promotion, implementation and coordination of Electric Department energy conservation and services programs
- Develops and disseminates conservation and services information suitable for distribution to the public
- Coordinates support services to produce conservation and services materials
- Sets up displays or workshops, classes and conservation presentations
- Speaks to groups and conducts workshops
- Performs residential energy audits and verification inspections
- Determines the cost-effectiveness of various energy conservation programs and techniques for the customer and the utility
- Prepares written reports to customers, including technical reports concerning the use of energy
- Answers customer conservation and service related questions
- Uses computer programs to analyze and present information to staff and customers
- Acts as liaison with community organizations
- May install or provide advice in the installation of energy-saving devices
- Develops programs for Public Power Week and other special events
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
- Completion of 60 semester units of college
- One (1) year of experience working in energy related fields and with the general public.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree and major course work in engineering, environmental studies, business administration, public administration, communications, or a closely related field is desirable.
- Possession of an appropriate, valid Class C California driver's license is required at the time of appointment and for the duration of employment.
- A certificate of completion of energy auditing, energy management, resource conservation, or communications courses is desirable.
- May be expected to work evenings and weekends as required.
- Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, move large appliances short distances, and climb ladders to inspect attic spaces for certain programs.
- Must be computer literate and tested for computer literacy.
Candidates must attain a passing score on of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview will be required prior to appointment.
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.
This position qualifies for Veteran’s Preference Points. Applicants who have separated from service (Active Duty Status) must submit proof of honorable discharge (Form DD214) with their application at time of filing or will be ineligible to have points added to their final score.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of
- Principles and practices of energy conservation and Demand-side management, including the use of common utility benefit/cost ration tests
- General building construction and components; heating and cooling systems used in residential, commercial and industrial buildings; customer motivation and marketing
- Proficiency with Windows-based word processing, spreadsheet, web browser and presentation programs
- Office safety practices, procedures, and standards
Ability to:
- Follow oral and written instructions
- Organize and control records and files
- Speak on a one-to-one basis and in front of groups of various sizes
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
- Write, organize and effectively present informational material for public distribution using common computer applications
- Work tactfully with the public and co-workers
- Establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public
- Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
- Walk or stand for extended periods of time
- Bend, stoop, reach, carry, crawl, climb and lift as necessary to perform assigned duties
- Lift up to 50 pounds of static weight, with or without assistance
- Effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload and meet strict deadlines
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) Complete online City Application, 2) Resume, and 3) Cover Letter. 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 position is continuous or open until filled: Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis for consideration to the position. If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed.
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.