The Position:
Silicon Valley Power (SVP), the City of Santa Clara’s Electric Utility, is seeking two (2) skilled and customer-focused Information Technology Systems Specialists to support the utility’s end-user computing environment.
This position is part of SVP’s Systems Support Group (SSG) — the technology backbone of the utility — which provides reliable, high-quality technical support and systems management for SVP’s staff and operations. As a growing division, SSG supports a broad range of technology projects and modernization initiatives, including those driven by the unprecedented growth in the utility’s service area.
The Information Technology Systems Specialist plays a key role in help desk and deskside support operations, providing timely and effective technical assistance to end users. Core responsibilities include diagnosing and resolving hardware, software, and connectivity issues; performing system deployments, imaging, and upgrades; managing user accounts and access; and maintaining comprehensive technical documentation. Additional duties include helpdesk management, application packaging, patch management, group policy administration, software installation and licensing, VOIP and telephony support, VPN/RDP connectivity, and ensuring the overall reliability and security of end-user devices and systems.
The ideal candidates will demonstrate strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. This position also participates in an on-call and after-hours support rotation, providing critical technical support and ensuring the availability of key systems during emergencies or planned maintenance activities.
The City:
The City of Santa Clara is a "full service" city – one of only a few communities in the Bay Area that has its own police, fire, library, recreation, and electric, water, and sewer utilities, as well as all of the other departments and civic amenities expected in a thriving community. Santa Clara is a family-oriented and business-friendly city, led by a city government that has developed an award-winning ethics program and a commitment to fostering public trust. Located in Santa Clara County at the southern tip of San Francisco Bay, about 45 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Clara is a strategic regional hub, convenient to freeways, airports, railroads, expressways, light rail, and other public transportation.
The Department:
As a community owned, not-for-profit municipal electric utility, Silicon Valley Power (SVP) has been providing dependable electric service to the City of Santa Clara residents and businesses since 1896. SVP is the only full service, vertically integrated publicly owned utility in Silicon Valley owning generation, transmission and distribution assets. Silicon Valley Power is not driven by profits, as reflected in its significantly lower utility rates when compared to other private sector utilities. Silicon Valley Power is dedicated to our community, customers, and employees. SVP provides safe reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy services with exceptional customer focus.
Today, SVP owns, operates and participates in more than 2,000 MW of electric generating resources delivering 4,800 GWh of electricity. SVP's expansion plan will double our system capacity over the next ten years. This includes over 30 strategic initiatives in four distinct areas: Utility Performance Excellence, Customer Engagement and Satisfaction, Progress and Innovation Focus, and Community and Environmental Stewardship. High-profile customers include large corporations such as Intel, Applied Materials, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and NVIDIA
Additional Information:
Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write “see resume, NA, or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Complete City Application, 2) Resume, and 3) Supplemental Questions. A cover letter is encouraged but not required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of November 18, 2025 at 4:00 PM.
THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED ABOVE. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT.MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS. ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW.
The annual salary range for this position is $122,040.48 - $155,706.48. This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE• A Bachelor's Degree from a college or university with major work in computer science, software engineering, technology hardware, or a related field; and
• One (1) year of programming experience in one or more high level structured program languages, networking, and/or operating systems management.
ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONAdditional qualifying experience may be substituted on a year for year basis for the required education, up to a maximum of four (4) years.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONSNone.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS• Experience working with municipal utilities or in a telecommunications environment;
• Possession of advanced computing, computer technician, and/or cybersecurity certificates, such as A+, Security +, etc.);
• Experience with Operating Systems (such as Windows, Apple OSX, and iOS, Linux, etc.) and Microsoft 365 or other cloud-based platform; and
• Experience with virtualization software (such as VMWare and Hyper-V).
When assigned to the Electric Utility Operations Division, in addition to the above:
• Experience with Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), microprocessor-based relays, and the Distributed Network Protocol (DNP); and
• Experience using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems
OTHER REQUIREMENTS• May be required to work unusual hours and weekends in the performance of their duties and be available on an "on call" basis.
• Incumbents will be required to pass initial and periodic comprehensive background checks, which may include fingerprinting, to meet Federal, State and/or industry security requirements.
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.
Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview may 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.
VETERAN’S PREFERENCE POINTS: 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.
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.
