Operational Technical Specialist

Description

Powering the Future: Join us as our new Operational Technical Specialist and keep our Grid Smart, Secure, and Strong!

We are looking for an Operational Technical Specialist to support critical systems, streamline operations, and turn technical challenges into practical solutions. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy making things work better every day, we’d love to hear from you.

The role offers flexible scheduling options, including a 9/80 or 4/10 work week.

DEADLINE TO APPLY

This recruitment will remain open for a minimum of ten (10) calendar days and will close at 05:00 p.m. (PST) on February 12, 2026, or until a sufficient number of applications have been received.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Operational Technical Specialist plays a key role in managing, maintaining, and advancing the City’s electric utility operational technology infrastructure. This position is primarily responsible for maintaining and securing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Outage Management System (OMS), and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, implementing and supporting Distribution Automation (DA) equipment on the electric utility grid, and supporting the ongoing development and operation of engineering asset management platforms. The Operational Technical Specialist ensures continuous system integrity, operational efficiency, and compliance with cybersecurity and regulatory standards, and provides technical support for mission-critical utility applications and devices.

Job Description

Click here to access the complete classification description, including the experience, education, and physical and mental requirements for this job.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate for the Operational Technical Specialist role is a highly skilled technical professional with hands-on experience in SCADA systems, Distribution Automation devices, and Operational Technology networks, combined with a strong understanding of cybersecurity standards and compliance requirements. This individual excels at diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues under time-sensitive conditions, communicates technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders, and collaborates effectively with engineering, Technical Services, and field operations teams. They are detail-oriented, proactive, and adaptable, capable of managing multiple priorities while ensuring system reliability, security, and efficiency. Committed to continuous learning and innovations, the ideal candidate stays current with emerging technologies and industry standards to support a modern, resilient utility grid.

Minimum And Desirable Qualifications

An Associate’s degree in Electrical Technology, Computer Science, Industrial Automation, or a related field; or a minimum of two (2) years of equivalent work experience in utility operational technology roles.

Experience with DA devices, RTU/PLC programming, and SCADA communication integration is highly desirable

Required Licenses And Certifications

• Valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurance under the City's vehicle insurance policy.
• Certifications in SCADA systems, networking, or cybersecurity are desirable.

Who We Are

The City of Moreno Valley prides itself on delivering quality service to our residents and businesses efficiently and effectively through Collaboration, Innovation, Customer Service, and Human-Centric Design. Strategically located in Southern California’s Inland Empire, Moreno Valley is the second-largest city in Riverside County and is close to major hubs such as Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. This spacious, thriving, and diverse City has a population of over 200,000 residents and offers a variety of business opportunities. For additional information regarding the City, please click here.

The Moreno Valley Electric Utility provides safe, reliable, and economical public electric service with a focus on innovative customer solutions, infrastructure enhancement, community development, and environmentally responsible resource management.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants possessing the MOST DESIRABLE qualifications at each level, based on a screening of required application materials, including the completed Supplemental Questionnaire, will be invited to continue in the selection process. The City of Moreno Valley prioritizes and is committed to continuously providing a workplace where equal employment opportunity is afforded to all people.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS: Human Resources (HR) reviews all application materials to determine whether candidates meet the established minimum and preferred qualifications once the position has closed. Those who qualify will be advanced to the next stage of the recruitment process. All applicants will receive email notifications regarding their status.

Application Screening

Applications and supplemental materials will be reviewed to identify candidates whose qualifications best align with the essential requirements of the position. Only those applicants who meet the criteria outlined in the job bulletin will advance to the next phase of the selection process.

Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.

Eligible List: Once the appraisal has been completed, HR will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

Disclaimers

The City of Moreno Valley is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City of Moreno Valley prioritizes and is committed to continuously providing a workplace where equal employment opportunity is afforded to all people. As part of this commitment, the City of Moreno Valley will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

If reasonable accommodations are needed to participate in the interview process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or (951) 413-3045.

BENEFITS: For an overview of the City of Moreno Valley's excellent benefit offerings, please click the following link: City of Moreno Valley Benefits Overview

SELECTION PROCESS: Following an administrative review of each application, only the most qualified applicants will be invited to an oral interview and/or testing. The successful candidate will be required to pass a medical examination, and to submit original documentation to establish both work authorization and identity (per the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986). Criminal background investigations will be conducted, and, in accordance with our Drug Free Workplace Policy, a Drug Screening Test will be required.

The City of Moreno Valley is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. For further information regarding this position, contact the Human Resources Department at (951) 413-3045.

The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

01

This supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Responses should be complete and specific, describing work you have actually performed, the level and purpose of the work performed and how often. To be considered for this position, the experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of your Employment Application. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications. A response of "see resume" or "see application" for any of the supplemental questions will result in the questions not being scored. Please check Yes/No if you understand the above requirement.

• Yes
• No

02

Please Indicate the highest level of education you have completed.

• Less than High School Diploma or GED
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some college coursework completed (less than 59 semester units or less than 89 quarter units)
• Associate's Degree (at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units)
• Bachelor's Degree (at least 120 semester units or 180 quarter units)
• Master's Degree or higher

03

Do you have a valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's vehicle insurance policy?

• Yes
• No

04

Please indicate the years of experience you have in a utility operational technology role or information technology role within a utility or government setting.

• None
• Less than (2) two years
• Two (2) - three (3) years
• Four (4) - five (5) years
• Six (6) years or more

05

Do you have governmental agency experience?

• Yes
• No

06

If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please provide the name of the government agency where you gained your experience. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A)

07

Do you possess experience working with SCADA system design, protocols (DNP3, Modbus, IEC 61850), and network architecture?

• Yes
• No

08

If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please briefly describe your experience below. ("See resume" is not a valid response.)

09

Do you have hands-on experience with RTUs, PLC, networking switches or DA devices?

• Yes
• No

10

If you answered "Yes" to the questions above, please briefly describe the equipment and type of programming or configuration your performed.

• Required Question