This position is being posted at both the Journey and Senior level; however, only one hire will be made from these two postings. Candidates interested in both levels must apply separately to each posting.
This posting will be used to create an eligibility list of qualified candidates to fill current and future limited term and full time Associate Transmission Planning Engineer, Journey vacancies. To be considered, please ensure your resume clearly demonstrates that you meet the knowledge, skills, and experience outlined in the minimum qualifications of this posting.
In support of our reliable planning and clean energy goals, SMUD is seeking a highly engaged Associate Transmission Planning Engineer (Journey) for supporting the transmission planning and generation interconnection studies. Under the direction of the Manager of Transmission Planning, this position has the responsibility for reliable planning for the current and future needs of the Bulk Electric System (BES) of SMUD and Balancing Authority of Northern California (BANC). This position provides technical expertise in transmission planning and generation interconnection studies and compliance support with FERC/NERC/WECC Reliability Standards and Criteria to support the reliable and cost-effective planning of the BES generation and transmission assets for SMUD and BANC.
Performs specialized professional technical and analytical functions in a variety of planning areas including generation, transmission, and contractual resources to ensure SMUD’s power requirements are met, and power resource assets are managed to maximize benefits to SMUD within legal and established SMUD policy constraints; and ensures the reliable operation of the transmission/generation system for SMUD and the SMUD Control Area.
This classification is comprised of two levels: "E" is the entry, "J" is the journey. This is the journey-level and is distinguished from the entry by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.
Methods and techniques for planning and organizing work activities, teamwork, report preparation/writing, and negotiating; fundamentals and practices of economic analyses of projects/programs, program evaluation, analytical approaches, problem research/resolution, and resolving complex technical issues; fundamentals, practices, and procedures related to power system operation, advanced power system theory, thermal and hydroelectric generation, and load management dispatch; systems and concepts related to economic planning and operation of a power system; planning and design techniques; fundamentals related to short circuit evaluation; generator unit efficiency and capability characteristics; WECC/NERC Reliability standards and criteria; AC/DC transmission systems; safety policies, practices, and procedures; standard operating procedures for modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; fundamentals and practices of database administration and electronic records; English grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary standards.
Oversee adherence to safety policies and procedures; apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; utilize a personal computer and/or computer terminal, systems, and software relevant to the job; interact with others; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) - Who We Are
As the nation's sixth-largest community-owned electric service provider, we're proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Our employees tell us in our engagement surveys they're "Happy, satisfied and engaged" which helps create a workplace that best serves our customers. Sacramento was named as the 2nd happiest place to work in America by Forbes Magazine. Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the world-renowned Napa Valley are within easy driving distance of our locations.
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
SMUD celebrates diversity, and inspires an inclusive culture based on trust and respect to create belonging and connection among our employees, customers, and communities. By working together, we are powering positive, equitable opportunities for all. We aspire to be a workplace where you can be yourself, achieve your best, and thrive together.
An example of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is when SMUD signed the California Equal Pay Pledge in 2020. This requires equal pay for employees who perform “substantially similar work,” when viewed as a composite of skill, effort, and responsibility at the time those employees started within that classification. As such, initial hiring salary range is not subject to negotiation and salaries will vary over time based on performance.
SMUD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic. All employment decisions are made on the basis of individual qualifications, merit, and business needs and interests.
Why Sacramento, California?
The capitol of California, Sacramento is the state's sixth-largest city, and the 35th largest in the U.S. Local universities include California State University, University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law, and the University of California, Davis and several competitive community colleges. The UC Davis Medical Center, a world-renowned research hospital, is one of more than a dozen hospitals and shared services centers in the Sacramento region. Part of the agriculturally-rich Central Valley, Sacramento is at the forefront of the farm-to-fork food movement. Northern California is home to some of the country's top technology companies, including Google and LinkedIn, and a multitude of startups in many industries. Sacramento is home to the NBA Kings, the River Cats (AAA baseball), the Republic FC (soccer) and the San Francisco Giants, NBA Warriors and NFL 49er's aren't far away. Sacramento offers an affluent liberal arts community with Broadway, Mondavi Center, Crocker Museum and summer musical theater to name a few.
Hybrid Work
This position may be eligible for SMUD's remote work employee benefit, the schedule of which will be determined by the successful candidate and the Hiring Manager. SMUD takes pride in powering the Sacramento region community where we live and work. We value the strong working relationships we develop with our colleagues. Our approach to remote work will continue to evolve. Please be aware that should SMUD’s business needs change, emergencies occur, or various other reasons arise, you may be required to report onsite on a part-time or full-time basis.
CalPERS
SMUD is a CalPERS agency. As a member of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), SMUD offers eligible employees access to a defined benefit pension plan along with other valuable retirement and health benefits. This program helps provide financial security both during your career and after retirement. To learn more about CalPERS and the benefits it offers, please visit www.calpers.ca.gov.
We recommend you create a SMUD Candidate account through our SMUD Careers page, upload your resume and cover letter to be considered for this and other open position.
As the nation’s sixth-largest, community-owned, not-for-profit electric service, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity to Sacramento County for over 75 years. SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. See a map of our service area.
Read more about SMUD's history
We're proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Happy, satisfied and engaged employees create a workplace that best serves our customers. That's one reason we're also first among all California utilities in customer satisfaction.
Our commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion
We respect, value and celebrate the unique attributes, characteristics and perspectives of each individual. Diversity, equity and inclusion are guiding principles to deliver a culture that reflects the broader values of the community and our customers.