Project Manager II - Energy Projects

Project Manager II - Energy Projects

Salary

$117,996.00 - $152,088.00 Annually

Location

City of Santa Cruz, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

27-011

Department

Multiple Departments

Opening Date

09/03/2026

Closing Date

9/17/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

The current vacancy is for Project Manager II supporting Energy Projects in the City Managers Office, Public Works Department, and Water Department.

The Energy Project Manager II will work within the City Managers Office, Public Works Department, and Water Department to play a key role in managing escalating energy use and costs by identifying opportunities for rate optimization, energy efficiency, shifting energy loads to cheaper times of the day, and developing battery storage and renewable energy system projects with a high return on investment. With cost savings as a key objective of this position, in addition to leveraging tools to collect data, manage and report on energy use, the role will be expected to develop and implement a strategic approach to long term energy investments and access revenue (e.g., grants, rebates, low carbon fuel standard credits, financing, etc.) to fund climate-adapted, built infrastructure energy projects. This position will directly coordinate with Central Coast Community Energy and other regional agencies and collaboratives, and facilitate public-private partnerships to advance microgrids, sustainable community resilience center infrastructure, neighborhood electrification, and other innovative energy projects.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular, Full-Time, Part-Time, Limited Term, and Temporary Project Manager II vacancies in other areas of assignment and/or other departments that may occur during the life of the list. The eligible list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.

Recruitment #27-010

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

• On Thursday, 09/17/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:

• Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.

• Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.

• Weeks of 09/28 and 10/05/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 10/13/26.

• Weeks of 10/26 and/or 11/02/26: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.

Basic Function

Under general direction, leads, oversees, and performs a wide range of mid-management level project planning, monitoring, and controlling principles and processes to deliver product, service, or program solutions for areas with unique demands that require specialized project management expertise. This position plans, coordinates, administers, and manages project funding/budgeting, scoping, bidding, and the entire lifecycle from conception to completion, ensuring milestone deadlines are met and delivered. Conducts research and analysis and prepares reports; assists in the development and implementation of specialized project procedures or programs. This position also provides complex administrative, professional, and technical assistance to the Department Director, management, staff, and members of the public, including working closely with various City departments and internal and external stakeholders; and performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the advanced-journey level project manager classification requiring significant knowledge of complex management principles and analytical practices. Project assignments are determined by the nature of the project work required and conducted to produce multiple deliverable products, services, program solutions, or results. Incumbents may be assigned as the project manager over a single or multiple long-range projects ranging in varied complexity based on business and management needs. Incumbents exercise independent responsibility and judgment in conducting responsible research, analysis, and project management, including evaluating, monitoring, and ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, policies, standards, or procedures. This class is distinguished from the Senior Project Manager in that the latter is the full supervisory management level in the professional project management class series and is responsible for major functions and development of projects and/or programs.

Typical Duties

(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)

• Provides technical and functional lead direction to assigned staff; may lead work assignments; reviews and controls quality of work; serves as a resource to staff; performs project management duties.
• Trains employees in work principles, practices, methods, policies, procedures, and applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations; may participate in the selection and hiring of staff.
• Plans, organizes, manages, and administers complex and long-range City projects that encompass a wide range of specialized areas; develops, implements, and oversees quality control aspects of each project from conception to completion.
• Oversees diverse project teams composed of City staff, internal and external clients, contractors, consultants, designers, and regulatory agencies from a broad range of disciplines.
• Defines project objectives, deliverables, risk, resources, timelines, scope, and roles of each team and participants.
• Develops and administers project funds and budgets; monitors revenues and expenditures; reviews requisitions and/or invoices for proper project fund balance and expense reports; identifies and recommends resolutions for budgetary problems; makes necessary adjustments.
• Develops and manages requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepare scopes of work and any technical specifications; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates contracts; administers contracts to ensure compliance with project specifications and service quality.
• Manages contracts, including amendments, time extensions and modifications of contract agreements; monitors process, recommends payments, and ensure contract compliance during the project lifecycle.
• Leads project teams and coordinates with stakeholders from project concept to completion; assists management in developing project objectives and specific project strategies that align with community needs and goals.
• Develops grant proposals, tracks funding and expenditures, and writes associated reports.
• Identifies and schedules project deliverables, milestones, and required tasks, including determining and implementing risk mitigation.
• Acts as liaison with other City departments, public agencies, businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations, and the general public, and serves on commissions and committees as assigned; provides technical and logistical project support; produces related reports and correspondences to achieve project outcomes.
• Coordinates public relations efforts as assigned by preparing press releases, public information material and newsletters; meets with citizens and community groups; responds to correspondence and requests for information; assists the public with questions; receives and responds to complaints relating to assigned areas of responsibility; reviews problems and recommends corrective actions.
• Translates, simplifies, and makes accessible regulatory requirements and strategic planning associated with assigned projects; fosters transparent project communication.
• Provides research, analysis, and monitoring of project issues by gathering information and data; conducts feasibility studies; maintains, compiles, analyzes, and projecting statistical data; coordinates material from various sources; and prepares reports, memos, and other forms of communication; makes recommendations.
• Develops, implements, maintains, and reports out on assigned projects.
• Keeps updated on new trends and innovations in project management and incorporates into projects.
• Ensures and observes compliance with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Performs other related duties that may be expected as part of this classification.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Primarily working inside, this position requires office work and may require field work depending on the project. Position requires standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting stooping and prolonged sitting in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Field work may occasionally require climbing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching.Additionally, the position requires far and near vision when reading and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Some driving is required. Additionally, off-site travel, attendance at multi-day off-site training sessions and various meetings. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public or business administration, finance, economics, political science, or related field; and,
• Three (3) years of responsible experience in project or program coordination and/or management experience, and research and analytic work or policy analysis and program management; or one (1) year experience performing work comparable to a Project Manager I with the City of Santa Cruz.

OR

• High School diploma or tested equivalent and,
• Six (6) years of responsible experience in project or program coordination and/or management experience, and research and analytic work or policy analysis and program management; or two (2) years' experience performing work comparable to a Project Manager I with the City of Santa Cruz.

Knowledge:

• Principles of providing functional direction and training.
• Principles and practices of public administration.
• Principles and practices of program or project development, administration, evaluation, and management.
• Principles and practices of strategic planning.
• Principles and practices of contract and grant management and administration.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
• Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, report preparation, and presentations.
• Public agency procurement processes.
• Methods and techniques of developing technical and administrative reports, and business correspondence.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping, document processing, and filing systems.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Abilities:

• Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of assigned staff.
• Effectively provide staff leadership, training, and work direction.
• Plans, manages, coordinates, and administers assigned projects.
• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Prepare and administer project budgets and funding.
• Prepare plans, specifications, and bid documents.
• Conduct strategic planning for assigned projects.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Research, locate, and compile appropriate data, information, and material; interpret and evaluate statistical data.
• Conduct complex research, analyze, and evaluate projects, programs, policies, and procedures; make and implement recommendations for comprehensive, systemic reforms and improvements; prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the City in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Prepare, maintain, and update accurate detailed records, files, and tracking systems.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Demonstrate understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse socio-economic, racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, diverse abilities, gender, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation of City staff and community served.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license and a safe driving record.

Career Ladder

• Senior Project Manager
• Project Manager II
• Project Manager I

SALARY - The current salary range for this position is posted on the City website City of Santa Cruz MOUs, Salaries, & Benefits

See the MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING - THE MID-MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ for further details on pay rates and practices.

APPOINTMENT - Any candidate selected by the appointing department may be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam administered by a City-selected physician before hire to non-sedentary positions. Prior to starting work, all newly hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment. Candidates must present documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States and take a loyalty oath as required by the State of California at the time of hire. Appointments to regular positions are subject to a six-month probationary period which is considered a part of the selection process. Probationary employees may be terminated without recourse during this period. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

LEAVE

Vacation - 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.

Sick - 12 days/year

Holidays - up to 12 days/year

Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year - prorated for part-time

INSURANCE - (available to employee and eligible dependents)

Medical - Depends on plan selected; City generally pays at least 90% of the cost of coverage. Participating members make an additional $35 contribution per pay period towards health care benefits.

Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program - City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage. Pro-rated for part-time.

Life - City provides a $25,000 life insurance policy.

Long Term Disability - City provides a long term disability plan.

MANAGEMENT LEAVE/OPTIONAL BENEFIT PLAN

80 hours of additional vacation per year. A $1,300 (less than 10 yrs) or $1,500 (greater than 10 yrs) annual contribution may be used to purchase additional vacation, be place in deferred compensation account or be paid in cash (cash-out limited to 20 hours).

RETIREMENT

All regular employees become members of PERS. Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average). Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 11.25% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Accident Protection Insurance

Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance

Direct Deposit

Discount Bus Pass Program

Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care

Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)

In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month

Supplemental Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

01

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: The following supplemental questions are designed to obtain specific information regarding your work experience. Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible, as your responses will be utilized to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. For applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, these responses may also be used as an evaluation tool in later stages of the competitive process to determine which applicants will be invited to continue in the examination process. All experience described here must correspond to employers listed in the Work Experience section of your application to receive credit. Please refrain from using AI or computer-generated responses. Applicants are responsible to clearly, completely, and accurately describe their qualifications. You may attach a resume, but this cannot be used in lieu of completing an application. Failure to complete all required questions and/or providing incomplete responses may result in an incomplete application. Do not answer any question with "see resume" and if you do not have any experience and/or education in a given area, please write "N/A."

• I acknowledge that I have read and understood these instructions

02

Do you possess a high school diploma or tested equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03

If you possess a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major course work in public or business administration, finance, economics, political science, or related field; Please indicate your degree, field of study, and name of the accredited college or university from which you graduated. If you do not possess a Bachelors degree or higher, please write "N/A" below.

04

This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a valid California drivers license. Please select your current license status:

• I have a valid California drivers license.
• I have a valid drivers license issued by another state. I understand that I will be required to obtain a California drivers license prior to appointment, as a condition of employment, if selected for this position.
• I do not currently possess a valid drivers license. I understand that I do not meet the requirement for this position and that this response will eliminate my application from consideration.

05

Please select how many years of responsible experience in project or program coordination and/or management experience, and research and analytic work or policy analysis and program management that you have. This must be able to be verified by jobs in the employment history section of your application.

• 10 years or more
• More than 8 years but less than 10 years
• More than 6 years but less than 8 years
• More than 5 years but less than 6 years
• More than 4 years but less than 5 years
• More than 3 years but less than 4 years
• Less than 3 years

06

Based on your selection above, please describe your responsible experience in project or program coordination and/or management, research and analytical work, policy analysis, and/or program management, and identify the position(s) in which you gained this experience. Describe the projects or programs you led, managed, coordinated, or contributed to. Be specific regarding projects or programs for which you had primary responsibility and those to which you contributed, including your specific role and responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the work, and the duration of each project or program. This experience must be reflected in the employment history section of your application. Please do not answer "see resume." Please limit your response to 250 words or less.

07

Describe your experience with procurement and contracting processes, including: 1) developing and managing Requests for Proposals (RFPs); 2) preparing plans, specifications, and bid documents for infrastructure, systems, or other complex projects; and 3) managing contracts throughout the project lifecycle. For each area, describe your role, level of responsibility, and relevant project examples. Please do not answer "see resume." Please limit your response to 250 words or less.

08

Describe your experience managing and/or administering federal and/or state grants, including: 1) the grant-making agency(ies); 2) the project(s) funded; and 3) your specific role, responsibilities, and level of responsibility. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."

09

The current Project Manager II vacancy is focused on Energy projects. Please describe (1) your experience analyzing and managing energy use, costs and projects (ideally for a public agency), (2) your experience in funding and financing energy projects, and (3) how you have been able to demonstrate cost savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."

10

By applying to this position, your application will automatically be considered for the current Project Manager II, Energy Projects vacancy, as well as any future Project Manager II vacancies that may occur during the life of the eligible list. Please select one option below

• I understand that my application will be considered for the current Project Manager II, Energy Projects vacancy and for any future Project Manager II vacancies during the life of the eligible list
• I do NOT wish to be considered for the current Project Manager II, Energy Projects vacancy. If qualified, I would like to remain on the eligible list and be considered for future Project Manager II vacancies in other departments or areas of assignment that may occur during the life of this eligible list.

Required Question

Employer City of Santa Cruz

Address 809 Center St.

Room 6

Santa Cruz, California, 95060

Phone 831-420-5040

Website http://www.cityofsantacruz.com