The PositionThe City of Riverside, Public Utilities Department (RPU) is accepting applications from current employees for the position of
UTILITIES ELECTRICAL ENGINEER to fill one (1) vacancy in the
Energy Delivery Division - Substation Engineering Group. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months.
The Utilities Electrical Engineer provides skilled and professional electrical engineering work for Public Utilities. Designs, investigates, and participates in the construction of electrical utility projects.
Work PerformedTypical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Plan and perform electrical engineering work professionally and accurately requiring advanced engineering and technical ability; participate in and complete electrical projects and upgrades to the Electrical infrastructure.
- Perform studies of technical, environmental, and economic feasibility, engineering field studies, and related studies pertaining to proposed and existing system facilities; provide insight, expertise, and direction for electrical projects and initiatives.
- Update and adjust written directives for engineering guidelines, standard material lists, standard specifications, and technical and administrative policies and procedures.
- Research, investigate, and discover activities pertaining to new and failed materials, engineering, and construction practices; provide recommendations and expertise regarding faulty materials and potential solutions.
- Prepare, draft, and create contracts and specifications for electrical engineering and construction services; understand electrical engineering principles and apply to specific projects or problems needing engineering solutions.
- Develop, coordinate, and assist in the management of large electrical engineering projects; assist in the identification of special problems which have an important effect on other significant utility projects.
- Provide background information and documentation for management consideration on major projects and technical matters involving engineering theories, concepts, and principles.
- Make sound decisions independently on technical problems and methods related to the work being performed; monitor and oversee safety adherence and compliance.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QualificationsEducation: A Bachelor's degree in electrical, civil, mechanical or a related engineering field from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Three (3) years of experience in professional electric utility engineering work. An Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certificate is highly desirable.
Necessary Special RequirementPossession of an appropriate, valid class “C” California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
Highly Desired Qualifications:
- Proven experience in the engineering and design of substation automation and SCADA control schemes, including system architecture, control logic, and integration with protection systems
- Hands-on experience programming, testing, and commissioning utility SCADA and substation automation systems, including RTUs, intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), and HMIs
- Working knowledge of utility communications and networking, including DNP3, SEL protocols, IEC 61850, Modbus, TCP/IP, serial, and fiber-optic networks
- Strong understanding of Protection & Control (P&C) design principles for high-voltage transmission and distribution systems
Physical Demands and Working Conditions : Work is done inside and outside in the field with exposure to inclement weather, traffic, and other hazards including electrical wires, components, and parts. Employees may interact with staff and/or public and private representatives and will provide professional customer service.
Selection ProcessDOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION:1) Completed Employment Application
2) Completed Supplemental Questionnaire
FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ON COMPLETING YOUR ON-LINE APPLICATION, CLICK HERE: ( Application Guide). The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS: If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment. You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.
Positions that require, or may require, a California Commercial Driver’s License are considered Safety Sensitive and are monitored by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Any candidate being considered for a Safety Sensitive position must submit authorization forms to the City immediately upon request to begin the pre-employment process.
It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.
Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination.
NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S. college or university.
Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options:
An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at http://www.naces.org/members.html or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/ .An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university.
All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement.THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.Service Employees International Union (SEIU) - General Unit The City offers an attractive benefits package, the central provisions of which are as follows:
- Retirement for Classic Members - For employees hired after 1/1/2013 who are CLASSIC MEMBERS of California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12 and have not been separated from service from such agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2.7 % @ age 55; 3-year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 8%. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
- Retirement for New Members - For employees hired 1/1/2013 or later and who ARE NOT a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12, or those who have been separated from a public agency which contracts with CalPERS or a reciprocal agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2% at age 62; 3 year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 50% of the normal cost and is subject to change per CalPERS every fiscal year. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
- Health Insurance - The City offers six health insurance plans and contributes up to $1,687 per month for HMO plans (family coverage).
- Dental Insurance - The City provides three dental insurance plans and contributes up to $85 per month.
- Vision Insurance - The City provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for employees and their dependents that are enrolled in medical coverage.
- Life Insurance - The City provides and pays for term life insurance equal to $100,000. Additional Life Insurance is available and voluntary for employees and eligible dependents (up to $300k).
- Deferred Compensation - The City contributes $50 a month with a minimum employee contribution of $12.50 per check. Participation in the deferred compensation plan is optional.
- Leave Benefits - Includes vacation leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, and holiday benefits. Please refer to the SEIU MOU for specific details.
- Flexible Spending Account - The City offers a Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Plan for optional participation.
- State Disability Insurance - Automatic coverage administered by the Employee Development Department (EDD) of the State of California
- Vacation Accrual - 0-4 yrs. = 80hrs, 5-9 yrs. = 120hrs, 10+ yrs. = 160 hrs.
For other special compensation, refer to the SEIU MOU .
For additional benefits information, please visit the following website: https://www.riversideca.gov/human/employee-hub/benefits/about-1
For part-time, benefitted positions the insurance and other benefits (leave accruals, holidays, etc.) are pro-rated based on ½ or ¾ time status.
Closing Date/Time: 2/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific