-
Job Description
Description
The City of Palo Alto operates a full suite of municipal utility services, including electric, natural gas, wastewater collection, water, and fiber optics. Our organization is located in the heart of Silicon Valley and has a history of leading innovation on a local scale for positive global outcomes. Founded on the principles of delivering quality public services at an affordable rate for community members, the City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) is award-winning for reliability, safety, environmental sustainability, workforce development, and infrastructure system improvements. Join an inspiring team for a rewarding career!
Career Opportunit y
The City of Palo Alto is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Electrician Lead to join our Electric Engineering Team at the downtown Development Center. This position is responsible for reviewing and evaluating electric plans submitted by customers for moves, additions, or changes to their electrical equipment in residences and/or commercial facilities. The successful candidate must have journey level experience with inspecting, testing, and evaluating residential and commercial electrical systems to ensure they meet safety standards, local standards, local regulations, and the National Electrical Code. This position will act as the City’s liaison, coordinating communication and activities between customers, contractors, and the City’s Customer Service Team.
Ideal Candidate- Possesses a strong background in electrical facilities construction.
- Solid understanding of building codes, electrical systems, and safety regulations.
- Strong attention to detail, problem solving skills, communication skills, and proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints and technical documents.
- Possesses a Journey Level Electrician Card (please submit with application)
- Ability to actively identify safety risks and hazards to take necessary actions to reduce safety risks.
- Previous experience with applications such as SolarApp+ and Accela desired but not required.
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Knowledge of the Uniform Building Code, construction practices, and legal aspects of code administration. Ability to read and understand blueprints, plans and specifications. Skills to understand and explain local ordinances, regulations and procedures, and to provide technical direction to other staff members.
- Possesses strong communications and interpersonal skills in interactions with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, and other persons sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
- Utilizes complex specialized computer software including the City’s permit tracking system (Accela). Learn and use the City’s Automated Building Permit Issuing System.
Essential Duties
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:- Reviews and evaluates electric permit applications, construction plans and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy and conformance with local, state and federal building codes and other applicable established criteria.
- Provides counter and telephone service to general public; answers code related issues and supplies information regarding permit processing, policies, and procedures
- Interfaces with contractors, management, co-workers, supervisors, and the general public.
- Performs extensive entries into the City’s Permit Tracking System, ensuring accuracy in all data.
Full Job Description
Benefits: Fantastic benefits package, to learn more click HERE.
Compensation (SEIU): Comprehensive compensation plan, to learn more click HERE.
This position is represented by Service Employee International Union position (SEIU).
Must upload Journey Level Electrician Card with application.
This role requires regular in-person attendance at our Development Center.
Shift: 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Friday or option for 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off
Minimum Qualifications
Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities, which would typically be acquired through:- Completion of an accredited electrician apprentice program, or (depending upon position), Associate of Science degree in electronics or equivalent experience
and- Two years of experience as a journey-level Electrician/Technician
Special Requirements:- Possession of a valid California Driver's License
- Ability to pass drug test as mandated by the Department of Transportation
- May be required to work on standby and/or overtime in emergency situations
Supplemental Information
Supplemental Information
Screening Process: Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applications will be reviewed promptly upon receipt and screenings and interviews will begin as soon as posting requirements are met and a sufficient applicant pool is found.
The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
For more details visit our Careers Page, by clicking HERE.
Learn more about our Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) between the City and its bargaining units, by clicking HERE.
Closing Date/Time: 5/29/2025 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
-
-
City of Palo Alto
Show morePalo Alto is located about 35 miles south of San Francisco; and 14 miles north of San Jose. Palo Alto, known as the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley” and global center of technology and innovation, is the corporate headquarters for many world-class companies and research facilities such as VMWare, Hewlett-Packard, IDEO, Tesla, and Skype. Home to Stanford University and a top-ranked public school system, Palo Alto also features beautiful and historic residential neighborhoods, vibrant shopping and retail districts.
Palo Alto has a highly educated and culturally sophisticated citizenry that is actively engaged in making a difference both locally and globally. Unique among city organizations, Palo Alto operates a full-array of services including its own gas, electric, water, sewer, refuse and storm drainage provided at very competitive rates for its customers.
The birthplace of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto, is a community of approximately 68,000 residents and nearly 100,000 jobs. Located on the mid-Peninsula between San Francisco and San Jose, Palo Alto is recognized worldwide as a leader in cutting-edge technology, medicine, and green innovation. Many world-class businesses maintained or started offices here, including Amazon, Tesla, Hewlett Packard, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Rivian, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, SAP Ariba, Houzz, Varian Medical Systems, and VMware. Numerous start-ups are also at home in Palo Alto, arguably making it the startup capital of the world.
Stanford University is foundational to the history and prestige of Palo Alto, reflected in the community’s dedication to life-long learning. Stanford’s cultural and educational offerings are integral to the vibrancy and charm of Palo Alto, while the City’s exceptional K-12 school district ranks among the top public school systems in the country. With more than 50% of adult residents holding a graduate degree or higher, Palo Alto is frequently listed as one of the most educated cities in the nation.
Home to picturesque tree-lined streets, bike lanes, and historic buildings that reflect its California heritage, Palo Alto boasts a genuine sense of community and an active citizenry with strong environmental values. Beautiful neighborhoods are complemented by vibrant commercial corridors and a bustling economy with premium shopping and dining options. Excellent health care facilities, performing arts, and diverse recreational opportunities are just some of this incredibly desirable community’s cherished amenities.
Join an Award Winning Team
Palo Alto is an award-winning City recognized nationwide as innovative and well-managed. Palo Alto is one of a small number of California cities with a AAA bond rating. Recently, Palo Alto became one of the most livable cities in the U.S. by Livability.com. It's the only city to receive the Platinum Beacon Award in sustainability best practices by California’s Institute for Local Government.
We offer a variety of career paths that relate to building and improving communities. The City has fourteen departments employing 1,000 full-time staff. Police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, and building inspectors keep us safe. Engineers and public works staff build and re-build the physical infrastructure. City planners help envision and shape future community growth. Recreation, arts and library professionals enhance community life. Utilities provides electric, gas, water, sewer and other services. Internal services departments help manage, staff, and protect the City.
-