1421 Asst. Director - Electric Engineering and Ops
Job Description
Click here for the position brochure
Assistant Director for Electric Engineering & Operations
The salary range for this position is $245,315.20 - $327,060.00 annually
The Community
Palo Alto, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is home to approximately 67,000 residents and a vibrant daytime population fueled by world-renowned technology companies such as Google, Tesla, Rivian, and others. Known globally as the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley,” the City is a hub of innovation and an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family. Palo Alto is also home to Stanford University and is ideally situated near San Francisco, the coast, and a wide range of scenic outdoor destinations.
The community enjoys an outstanding quality of life supported by an abundance of amenities, including over 4,000 acres of parks, preserves, and open space, multiple community centers, libraries, a junior museum and zoo, and miles of walking and biking trails. A vibrant downtown offers a diverse mix of dining, culture, and shopping, while residents remain highly engaged in shaping the future of their city, contributing to a dynamic and forward-thinking environment.
Palo Alto stands out as a full-service municipality, providing a comprehensive range of services including electric, fiber optics, natural gas, water, wastewater, refuse, and storm drainage. These services are delivered with a focus on reliability, innovation, and cost-effectiveness. The City also operates a regional airport and provides essential fire, police, and emergency services, supporting both the residential community and a strong base of nearly 100,000 jobs.
As a global center of technology and ingenuity, Palo Alto is home to leading companies and research institutions such as Hewlett-Packard, Tesla, and VMware. Combined with a top-tier public school system and access to world-renowned higher education institutions, the City attracts a highly educated and engaged population. Its historic neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and active civic culture reflect both its rich heritage and its role at the forefront of innovation.
With more than a century of history, Palo Alto derives its name from a historic coastal redwood tree along San Francisquito Creek. Today, the City blends its historical roots with a modern, forward-looking identity—offering a unique combination of innovation, community, and quality of life that continues to make it one of the most desirable places in the nation.
The City
Incorporated over 125 years ago with a staff of 1,110 full-time employees, an adopted budget of $1.03 Billion (2026), and is headed by City Manager Ed Shikada. The government of the City of Palo Alto exists to promote
and sustain a superior quality of life in Palo Alto. In partnership with the community, their goal is to deliver cost-effective services in a personal, responsive, and innovative manner. Their values consist of:
• Quality: Superior delivery of services
• Courtesy: Providing service with respect and concern
• Efficiency: Productive, effective use of resources
• Integrity: Straight-forward, honest, and fair relations
• Innovation: Excellence in creative thought and implementation.
The city operates five libraries, 4,000+ acres of parks, preserves, and open spaces, a junior museum and zoo, an art center, three large community centers, a Municipal Golf Course, and 471 miles of streets, reflecting its
community-oriented ethos.
The city is governed by a seven-member elected City Council and an appointed City Manager.
2026 City Council Priorities
• Near-Term Priority Housing Milestones
• Cubberley Acquisitions & Renovations
• Enhance Business Vibrancy
• Government Efficiency
https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/City-Clerk/City-Council/City-Council-Priorities
The Department
About Electric & Fiber Engineering & Operations
The City of Palo Alto Utilities Department is a nationally recognized, full-service municipal utility serving approximately 67,000 residents and businesses. With 266 full-time employees and a $317 million operating budget, the department is organized into five core areas: Engineering, Operations, Resource Management, Customer Service, and Administration. Palo Alto is unique as one of a few cities in California that owns and operates a complete range of utilities, including electric, fiber optics, natural gas, water, and wastewater, delivering safe, reliable, and environmentally sustainable services to the community since 1896. City of Palo Alto Utilities
Within this structure, the Electric & Fiber Engineering and Operations Division plays a critical leadership role in planning, designing, building, and maintaining the City’s electric distribution system and expanding the municipal fiber network. The division delivers major capital improvement programs, ensuring modern, reliable infrastructure while meeting regulatory requirements and industry best practices. Engineering teams lead system planning and infrastructure development, while Operations ensures 24/7 system reliability, maintenance, and emergency response to safely serve the community. Utilities Services & Safety
The division supports a workforce of approximately 130 operations staff and is at the forefront of innovation, maintaining a 100% carbon-neutral electric portfolio and advancing major initiatives such as grid modernization, wildfire mitigation, and undergrounding of electric and fiber infrastructure to improve safety and resilience. In parallel, the City is piloting fiber-to-the-premises internet services while reconstructing the electric system to increase capacity and minimize disruption. Utilities at a glanceFY23, Grid Modernization for Electrification, Underground Infrastructure Palo Alto Fiber
List of Current Key Projects and Initiatives:
1. Grid Modernization & Electrification (Top Priority)
• Major upgrade of the electric system (up to $443M investment).
• Replacing transformers, power lines, and wiring to improve capacity and reliability.
• Supports electric vehicles, building electrification, and 100% electrification goals.
• Progress: Pilot (1,000 homes) completed in 2025; expansion continues through 2026.
Foundation for future energy and climate goals.
2. Citywide Fiber Internet Expansion
• Expanding high-speed fiber internet to all homes and businesses.
• Improves both digital access and utility communications.
• Coordinated with grid work to reduce cost and disruption.
Enhances connectivity and utility performance.
3. Infrastructure & Reliability Improvements
• Upgrading aging electric and gas systems.
• Replacing cables, switches, and transformers.
• Undergrounding power lines (especially in fire-prone areas).
• System reliability improvements, inspections , and proactive maintenance.
Ensures safe, reliable service.
4. Climate & Clean Energy Initiatives
• Already delivering 100% carbon-neutral electricity.
• Targeting 80% carbon reduction by 2030.
• Incentives for electrification (heat pumps, gas-to-electric upgrades).
• Expanding EV programs and managed charging.
Driving a cleaner, electrified future.
5. Technology & Operations Modernization
• Expanding smart grid systems and automation (SCADA, AMI, advanced protection schemes).
• Upgrading GIS, data systems, and planning tools.
Improves efficiency, outage response, and long-term planning.
6. Fire Safety & Undergrounding
• Moving overhead lines underground in high-risk areas.
• Reducing wildfire ignition risks.
Critical for safety in California’s fire zones.
7. Long-Term Strategic Planning
• Integrated Resource Planning for energy demand and reliability.
• Planning transition away from natural gas infrastructure.
• Exploring new transmission capacity (additional 115kV lines).
Preparing for future energy needs.
8. Capital Investment
• Part of a $1.7B capital improvement program (2025–2029).
• Grid modernization alone may exceed $400M+.
Council support for long-term investment in infrastructure.
Check out this interview with Chief Operating Officer Terry Crowley as he discusses the utility, the department, and the position.
The Position
The City of Palo Alto is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking leader to serve as Assistant Director of Electric Engineering & Operations, a key executive role responsible for shaping the future of critical utility services. This position leads the strategy, planning, and delivery of electrical and fiber engineering and operations, ensuring safe, reliable, and innovative services for a community at the forefront of
sustainability and technology.
As part of the award-winning City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU), a nationally recognized, full-service municipal utility, the Assistant Director will oversee 24/7 electric operations and guide major infrastructure investments that support electrification, system reliability, and long-term environmental goals. With over 125 years of public utility excellence, CPAU continues to balance
local control, customer-focused service, and cutting-edge innovation.
This role is essential to advancing the City’s climate and sustainability goals, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and moving toward a cleaner, electrified future. The Assistant Director will modernize utility systems using best practices, integrate emerging technologies, and lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-impact capital improvement projects. Success in this role requires a leader who can align engineering and operations teams with strategic priorities while maintaining the highest standards of safety, regulatory compliance, system reliability, and customer service. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise, a collaborative leadership style, and a passion for building resilient, future-ready infrastructure.
In this highly visible and impactful role, the Assistant Director will:
• Lead and optimize electrical engineering and operations for a 24/7 utility system.
• Drive grid modernization and infrastructure improvements to support growing demand and electrification.
• Champion innovation and implement modern utility practices.
• Collaborate with internal teams, stakeholders, and regional partners to deliver community-focused solutions.
• Build and inspire high-performing teams in a culture of accountability, safety, and excellence.
This is a unique opportunity to shape an electric utility, advance clean energy, and lead transformational change in one of the nation’s most innovative cities.
The Ideal Candidate
Assistant Director of Electric Engineering and Operations
The ideal candidate is a strategic and technically strong utility leader who brings both vision and execution to electric and fiber operations. You combine deep expertise in electric utility engineering and operations with the
ability to lead teams through complex challenges while maintaining a focus on safety, reliability, and customer service. You are forward-thinking and solutions-oriented, with a demonstrated ability to implement modern utility practices, deliver capital improvement programs, and align operations with ambitious sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Equally important, you are an inspiring and collaborative leader who builds high-performing teams and fosters a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. You communicate effectively across all levels—engaging with staff, City leadership, regulatory agencies, and the community—while balancing operational needs with customer expectations. You are passionate about delivering clean, reliable energy and advancing utility services that serve a dynamic and engaged community.
Key Attributes:
• Provide long-term strategic planning for the division.
• Bring demonstrated engineering knowledge and expertise to the team.
• Create strong relationships with other business units and partner agencies.
• Have the ability to shift focus when priorities change.
• Manage emergency situations with tact.
• Deliver projects through collaborative problem-solving.
• Address operational and environmental challenges.
• Build consensus through leadership and clear expectations.
• Focus on training and developing staff.
• Prepare clear, concise technical and budgetary reports.
• Have knowledge of SCADA systems, dispatch procedures, and emergency conditions.
• Have operational knowledge of construction, maintenance, field practices, etc.
• Review engineering plans and make recommendations as they relate to field problems.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Eight (8) or more years of experience in utilities or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of progressive management experience.
• California Professional Electrical Engineer (PE) license preferred.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Expertise in electrical engineering, electric utility operations, or both.
• Experience with regulatory compliance and capital project management.
Compensation Benefits
Assistant Director of Electric Engineering and Operations salary range for this position is $245,315.20 - 327,060.00
Placement within this range is dependent upon the qualifications. In addition, the City also provides a competitive benefits package described in more detail here that includes, but is not limited to:
Pension: This pension provides predictable lifetime income based on years of public service, where 20 years of service could equal about 40% of your highest salary, with Classic employees contributing 8% under a 2% at 60 formula and new members contributing about 7.25% under a 2% at 62 formula.
457(b) Retirement Savings Plan: Allows employees to save for retirement with both pre-tax and Roth options, while the City offers a dollar-for-dollar match up to $4,000 per year (subject to IRS limits), helping grow savings through investments and providing flexibility for either tax savings now or tax-free income later.
Medical through CalPERS: Provide a range of plan options and flexible coverage for employees and their families, with the City contributing a flat monthly amount toward the plan. In 2026, the City pays up to $2,444 per month for family coverage, while employee contributions range from $78 to $845 per paycheck, depending on the selected plan and coverage level.
Dental: The City provides dental coverage at no cost for employees and their families, including basic services up to $2,100 per year per dependent and orthodontic coverage at 50% up to a $2,000 lifetime maximum. Employees can also choose a buy-up plan for $8–$22 per paycheck, which increases coverage to $3,000 per year and raises the orthodontic lifetime maximum to $3,000.
Vision: The City provides vision coverage at no cost for employees and their families, including an annual eye exam and glasses or contacts every 24 months with a $115 frame or $105 contact allowance. Employees can upgrade to the VIP/Premier VSP plan for $6–$21 per paycheck, which offers an annual exam and yearly glasses or contacts with a higher $200 allowance.
Life and AD&D Insurance: The City provides Life and AD&D insurance at no cost to employees, offering basic term life coverage equal to one times annual salary up to $325,000. Additional optional coverage is also available, including higher employee coverage as well as spousal and child life insurance.
Flexible Spending Account: Pre-tax savings plans for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Vacation: 120 to 200 hours per year (about 3 to 5 weeks), supporting work-life balance. They also have the option to cash out vacation once annually, adding flexibility and financial value.
Paid Parental Leave: Up to six weeks of paid leave at 100% of salary, for the first twelve-month period, immediately following the birth, adoption, or placement of a child with the employee.
Additional Paid Time Off: Sick leave-96 hours each year.
Holiday-12 paid holidays per year. One floating Annual Day of Recognition to observe personal or cultural events.
Management Annual Leave: Employees receive 80 hours each year to recognize extra work beyond regular schedules. These hours can be used as paid time off, added to vacation, taken as cash, or contributed to a 457(b) plan.
Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
Commuter Benefits: The City offers flexible commuter benefits that support various transportation options, including transit, biking, walking, carpooling, and parking. Employees can access perks like the Clipper BayPass for $5 per month, along with pretax savings, employer subsidies, and monthly incentives.
Employee Assistance Program: Provided through CONCERN EAP, offers employees and their families free access to a wide range of mental health and well-being services. This includes confidential counseling (up to 5 sessions per issue annually), financial planning, meditation resources, and personal or parenting support through multiple formats such as in-person, phone, video, text, or chat.
Childcare and Educational Benefits:
• The City offers an annual Childcare Assistance Benefit. Up to $10,000 for childcare costs at eligible childcare facilities located within Palo Alto City limits. Find Childcare Resources.
• Through a City of Palo Alto School District partnership, City employees are eligible to apply for their children to attend award-winning Palo Alto Unified District Schools. Find Palo Alto Unified School District school information.
Flexible: 9/80 or 4/10 work schedule.
Click here to review City of Palo Alto Benefits.
To Apply
If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please contact:
Jenna Flanagan
(916) 304-6663
jenna@jpowersinc.com
Filing Deadline:
First review of applications will be on June 25th, 2026. The City of Palo Alto reserves the right to close this posting once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
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.
Assistant Director for Electric Engineering & Operations
The salary range for this position is $245,315.20 - $327,060.00 annually
The Community
Palo Alto, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is home to approximately 67,000 residents and a vibrant daytime population fueled by world-renowned technology companies such as Google, Tesla, Rivian, and others. Known globally as the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley,” the City is a hub of innovation and an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family. Palo Alto is also home to Stanford University and is ideally situated near San Francisco, the coast, and a wide range of scenic outdoor destinations.
The community enjoys an outstanding quality of life supported by an abundance of amenities, including over 4,000 acres of parks, preserves, and open space, multiple community centers, libraries, a junior museum and zoo, and miles of walking and biking trails. A vibrant downtown offers a diverse mix of dining, culture, and shopping, while residents remain highly engaged in shaping the future of their city, contributing to a dynamic and forward-thinking environment.
Palo Alto stands out as a full-service municipality, providing a comprehensive range of services including electric, fiber optics, natural gas, water, wastewater, refuse, and storm drainage. These services are delivered with a focus on reliability, innovation, and cost-effectiveness. The City also operates a regional airport and provides essential fire, police, and emergency services, supporting both the residential community and a strong base of nearly 100,000 jobs.
As a global center of technology and ingenuity, Palo Alto is home to leading companies and research institutions such as Hewlett-Packard, Tesla, and VMware. Combined with a top-tier public school system and access to world-renowned higher education institutions, the City attracts a highly educated and engaged population. Its historic neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and active civic culture reflect both its rich heritage and its role at the forefront of innovation.
With more than a century of history, Palo Alto derives its name from a historic coastal redwood tree along San Francisquito Creek. Today, the City blends its historical roots with a modern, forward-looking identity—offering a unique combination of innovation, community, and quality of life that continues to make it one of the most desirable places in the nation.
The City
Incorporated over 125 years ago with a staff of 1,110 full-time employees, an adopted budget of $1.03 Billion (2026), and is headed by City Manager Ed Shikada. The government of the City of Palo Alto exists to promote
and sustain a superior quality of life in Palo Alto. In partnership with the community, their goal is to deliver cost-effective services in a personal, responsive, and innovative manner. Their values consist of:
• Quality: Superior delivery of services
• Courtesy: Providing service with respect and concern
• Efficiency: Productive, effective use of resources
• Integrity: Straight-forward, honest, and fair relations
• Innovation: Excellence in creative thought and implementation.
The city operates five libraries, 4,000+ acres of parks, preserves, and open spaces, a junior museum and zoo, an art center, three large community centers, a Municipal Golf Course, and 471 miles of streets, reflecting its
community-oriented ethos.
The city is governed by a seven-member elected City Council and an appointed City Manager.
2026 City Council Priorities
• Near-Term Priority Housing Milestones
• Cubberley Acquisitions & Renovations
• Enhance Business Vibrancy
• Government Efficiency
https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/City-Clerk/City-Council/City-Council-Priorities
The Department
About Electric & Fiber Engineering & Operations
The City of Palo Alto Utilities Department is a nationally recognized, full-service municipal utility serving approximately 67,000 residents and businesses. With 266 full-time employees and a $317 million operating budget, the department is organized into five core areas: Engineering, Operations, Resource Management, Customer Service, and Administration. Palo Alto is unique as one of a few cities in California that owns and operates a complete range of utilities, including electric, fiber optics, natural gas, water, and wastewater, delivering safe, reliable, and environmentally sustainable services to the community since 1896. City of Palo Alto Utilities
Within this structure, the Electric & Fiber Engineering and Operations Division plays a critical leadership role in planning, designing, building, and maintaining the City’s electric distribution system and expanding the municipal fiber network. The division delivers major capital improvement programs, ensuring modern, reliable infrastructure while meeting regulatory requirements and industry best practices. Engineering teams lead system planning and infrastructure development, while Operations ensures 24/7 system reliability, maintenance, and emergency response to safely serve the community. Utilities Services & Safety
The division supports a workforce of approximately 130 operations staff and is at the forefront of innovation, maintaining a 100% carbon-neutral electric portfolio and advancing major initiatives such as grid modernization, wildfire mitigation, and undergrounding of electric and fiber infrastructure to improve safety and resilience. In parallel, the City is piloting fiber-to-the-premises internet services while reconstructing the electric system to increase capacity and minimize disruption. Utilities at a glanceFY23, Grid Modernization for Electrification, Underground Infrastructure Palo Alto Fiber
List of Current Key Projects and Initiatives:
1. Grid Modernization & Electrification (Top Priority)
• Major upgrade of the electric system (up to $443M investment).
• Replacing transformers, power lines, and wiring to improve capacity and reliability.
• Supports electric vehicles, building electrification, and 100% electrification goals.
• Progress: Pilot (1,000 homes) completed in 2025; expansion continues through 2026.
Foundation for future energy and climate goals.
2. Citywide Fiber Internet Expansion
• Expanding high-speed fiber internet to all homes and businesses.
• Improves both digital access and utility communications.
• Coordinated with grid work to reduce cost and disruption.
Enhances connectivity and utility performance.
3. Infrastructure & Reliability Improvements
• Upgrading aging electric and gas systems.
• Replacing cables, switches, and transformers.
• Undergrounding power lines (especially in fire-prone areas).
• System reliability improvements, inspections , and proactive maintenance.
Ensures safe, reliable service.
4. Climate & Clean Energy Initiatives
• Already delivering 100% carbon-neutral electricity.
• Targeting 80% carbon reduction by 2030.
• Incentives for electrification (heat pumps, gas-to-electric upgrades).
• Expanding EV programs and managed charging.
Driving a cleaner, electrified future.
5. Technology & Operations Modernization
• Expanding smart grid systems and automation (SCADA, AMI, advanced protection schemes).
• Upgrading GIS, data systems, and planning tools.
Improves efficiency, outage response, and long-term planning.
6. Fire Safety & Undergrounding
• Moving overhead lines underground in high-risk areas.
• Reducing wildfire ignition risks.
Critical for safety in California’s fire zones.
7. Long-Term Strategic Planning
• Integrated Resource Planning for energy demand and reliability.
• Planning transition away from natural gas infrastructure.
• Exploring new transmission capacity (additional 115kV lines).
Preparing for future energy needs.
8. Capital Investment
• Part of a $1.7B capital improvement program (2025–2029).
• Grid modernization alone may exceed $400M+.
Council support for long-term investment in infrastructure.
Check out this interview with Chief Operating Officer Terry Crowley as he discusses the utility, the department, and the position.
The Position
The City of Palo Alto is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking leader to serve as Assistant Director of Electric Engineering & Operations, a key executive role responsible for shaping the future of critical utility services. This position leads the strategy, planning, and delivery of electrical and fiber engineering and operations, ensuring safe, reliable, and innovative services for a community at the forefront of
sustainability and technology.
As part of the award-winning City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU), a nationally recognized, full-service municipal utility, the Assistant Director will oversee 24/7 electric operations and guide major infrastructure investments that support electrification, system reliability, and long-term environmental goals. With over 125 years of public utility excellence, CPAU continues to balance
local control, customer-focused service, and cutting-edge innovation.
This role is essential to advancing the City’s climate and sustainability goals, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and moving toward a cleaner, electrified future. The Assistant Director will modernize utility systems using best practices, integrate emerging technologies, and lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-impact capital improvement projects. Success in this role requires a leader who can align engineering and operations teams with strategic priorities while maintaining the highest standards of safety, regulatory compliance, system reliability, and customer service. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise, a collaborative leadership style, and a passion for building resilient, future-ready infrastructure.
In this highly visible and impactful role, the Assistant Director will:
• Lead and optimize electrical engineering and operations for a 24/7 utility system.
• Drive grid modernization and infrastructure improvements to support growing demand and electrification.
• Champion innovation and implement modern utility practices.
• Collaborate with internal teams, stakeholders, and regional partners to deliver community-focused solutions.
• Build and inspire high-performing teams in a culture of accountability, safety, and excellence.
This is a unique opportunity to shape an electric utility, advance clean energy, and lead transformational change in one of the nation’s most innovative cities.
The Ideal Candidate
Assistant Director of Electric Engineering and Operations
The ideal candidate is a strategic and technically strong utility leader who brings both vision and execution to electric and fiber operations. You combine deep expertise in electric utility engineering and operations with the
ability to lead teams through complex challenges while maintaining a focus on safety, reliability, and customer service. You are forward-thinking and solutions-oriented, with a demonstrated ability to implement modern utility practices, deliver capital improvement programs, and align operations with ambitious sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Equally important, you are an inspiring and collaborative leader who builds high-performing teams and fosters a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. You communicate effectively across all levels—engaging with staff, City leadership, regulatory agencies, and the community—while balancing operational needs with customer expectations. You are passionate about delivering clean, reliable energy and advancing utility services that serve a dynamic and engaged community.
Key Attributes:
• Provide long-term strategic planning for the division.
• Bring demonstrated engineering knowledge and expertise to the team.
• Create strong relationships with other business units and partner agencies.
• Have the ability to shift focus when priorities change.
• Manage emergency situations with tact.
• Deliver projects through collaborative problem-solving.
• Address operational and environmental challenges.
• Build consensus through leadership and clear expectations.
• Focus on training and developing staff.
• Prepare clear, concise technical and budgetary reports.
• Have knowledge of SCADA systems, dispatch procedures, and emergency conditions.
• Have operational knowledge of construction, maintenance, field practices, etc.
• Review engineering plans and make recommendations as they relate to field problems.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Eight (8) or more years of experience in utilities or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of progressive management experience.
• California Professional Electrical Engineer (PE) license preferred.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Expertise in electrical engineering, electric utility operations, or both.
• Experience with regulatory compliance and capital project management.
Compensation Benefits
Assistant Director of Electric Engineering and Operations salary range for this position is $245,315.20 - 327,060.00
Placement within this range is dependent upon the qualifications. In addition, the City also provides a competitive benefits package described in more detail here that includes, but is not limited to:
Pension: This pension provides predictable lifetime income based on years of public service, where 20 years of service could equal about 40% of your highest salary, with Classic employees contributing 8% under a 2% at 60 formula and new members contributing about 7.25% under a 2% at 62 formula.
457(b) Retirement Savings Plan: Allows employees to save for retirement with both pre-tax and Roth options, while the City offers a dollar-for-dollar match up to $4,000 per year (subject to IRS limits), helping grow savings through investments and providing flexibility for either tax savings now or tax-free income later.
Medical through CalPERS: Provide a range of plan options and flexible coverage for employees and their families, with the City contributing a flat monthly amount toward the plan. In 2026, the City pays up to $2,444 per month for family coverage, while employee contributions range from $78 to $845 per paycheck, depending on the selected plan and coverage level.
Dental: The City provides dental coverage at no cost for employees and their families, including basic services up to $2,100 per year per dependent and orthodontic coverage at 50% up to a $2,000 lifetime maximum. Employees can also choose a buy-up plan for $8–$22 per paycheck, which increases coverage to $3,000 per year and raises the orthodontic lifetime maximum to $3,000.
Vision: The City provides vision coverage at no cost for employees and their families, including an annual eye exam and glasses or contacts every 24 months with a $115 frame or $105 contact allowance. Employees can upgrade to the VIP/Premier VSP plan for $6–$21 per paycheck, which offers an annual exam and yearly glasses or contacts with a higher $200 allowance.
Life and AD&D Insurance: The City provides Life and AD&D insurance at no cost to employees, offering basic term life coverage equal to one times annual salary up to $325,000. Additional optional coverage is also available, including higher employee coverage as well as spousal and child life insurance.
Flexible Spending Account: Pre-tax savings plans for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Vacation: 120 to 200 hours per year (about 3 to 5 weeks), supporting work-life balance. They also have the option to cash out vacation once annually, adding flexibility and financial value.
Paid Parental Leave: Up to six weeks of paid leave at 100% of salary, for the first twelve-month period, immediately following the birth, adoption, or placement of a child with the employee.
Additional Paid Time Off: Sick leave-96 hours each year.
Holiday-12 paid holidays per year. One floating Annual Day of Recognition to observe personal or cultural events.
Management Annual Leave: Employees receive 80 hours each year to recognize extra work beyond regular schedules. These hours can be used as paid time off, added to vacation, taken as cash, or contributed to a 457(b) plan.
Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
Commuter Benefits: The City offers flexible commuter benefits that support various transportation options, including transit, biking, walking, carpooling, and parking. Employees can access perks like the Clipper BayPass for $5 per month, along with pretax savings, employer subsidies, and monthly incentives.
Employee Assistance Program: Provided through CONCERN EAP, offers employees and their families free access to a wide range of mental health and well-being services. This includes confidential counseling (up to 5 sessions per issue annually), financial planning, meditation resources, and personal or parenting support through multiple formats such as in-person, phone, video, text, or chat.
Childcare and Educational Benefits:
• The City offers an annual Childcare Assistance Benefit. Up to $10,000 for childcare costs at eligible childcare facilities located within Palo Alto City limits. Find Childcare Resources.
• Through a City of Palo Alto School District partnership, City employees are eligible to apply for their children to attend award-winning Palo Alto Unified District Schools. Find Palo Alto Unified School District school information.
Flexible: 9/80 or 4/10 work schedule.
Click here to review City of Palo Alto Benefits.
To Apply
If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please contact:
Jenna Flanagan
(916) 304-6663
jenna@jpowersinc.com
Filing Deadline:
First review of applications will be on June 25th, 2026. The City of Palo Alto reserves the right to close this posting once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
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.