Utilities Analyst I

Description

The City of Anaheim Public Utilities Department (APU) seeks a bright, detail-oriented, and analytical Utilities Analyst I to support procurement and materials management for Orange County's only municipal utility providing both electric and water services to one of California's largest cities, home to 350,000 residents, 20,000 businesses, and 25 million yearly visitors.

Working closely with the Utilities Warehouse & Logistics Manager, the Utilities Analyst I will help ensure that the materials and equipment APU depends on are planned for, ordered, and delivered when they are needed. This includes critical utility items such as distribution transformers, cable, switches, and other electrical and water system components. The analyst will assist with the preparation of purchase requisitions, bid documents, and scopes of work; help evaluate proposals and support contract negotiations; track orders and long-lead items; and communicate with suppliers on pricing, availability, and delivery schedules. The position will also analyze inventory, usage, and spending data to support forecasting and stocking decisions, and will prepare reports, metrics, and recommendations for management.

Success in this position calls for strong analytical skills applied across every aspect of the work, from forecasting material needs and evaluating supplier performance to developing solicitations and supporting contract negotiations. The ideal candidate will know how to ask the right questions, take a thoughtful approach to each assignment, and recognize risks and opportunities that may not be immediately apparent. For example, when developing a solicitation, the analyst should be able to assess whether it clearly defines APU's needs, complies with City policy and applicable law, and positions APU well in negotiations given market conditions. Equally important is the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, particularly in writing, as the position will prepare staff reports, RFPs, correspondence, and other written materials for management and outside parties.

Prior procurement experience is helpful but not required. APU is prepared to train the right candidate in City purchasing requirements, procurement procedures, and utility materials. Candidates should bring a strong foundation in analytical reasoning, problem solving, and written communication, along with the curiosity and persistence to see assignments through thoroughly.

APU welcomes candidates from a range of academic and professional backgrounds and highly values those whose education or experience demonstrates strong analytical and writing ability, including coursework in quantitative, technical, or writing-intensive disciplines. Experience in procurement, supply chain, or contract administration; proficiency with Excel; experience with an enterprise resource planning or inventory system (such as Oracle, SAP, or Maximo); and familiarity with public agency purchasing and competitive bidding requirements are also highly desirable.

The following are required for consideration:
• Completion of application and supplemental questions
• Resume
• Cover letter

Essential Functions

The following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Plan, coordinate, implement, and oversee administrative, operational, and financial programs, studies, research projects, and initiatives in support of Public Utilities' mission and goals; participate in the development and implementation of strategies and work plans for the achievement of these goals.
• As assigned, conduct complex surveys, data analysis, auditing, research, and related activities on administrative, budgetary, and operational programs, enterprise and energy risk management, regulatory and legislative affairs, real property administration, and finance and economics; compile research findings, including statistical data, and prepare graphs and related charts as appropriate; present findings and recommendations.
• Research and analyze industry, legislative, and/or regulatory developments for impact on department operations and programs; prepare written analysis, including recommended course of action.
• Research and analyze Utility Department Orders; participate in the development and revision of applicable policies and procedures; present recommendations both orally and in writing.
• Research, negotiate, and monitor assigned contracts and agreements with outside suppliers, service providers, leasing agents, and others; prepare Requests for Proposal, specifications and bid packages; review bids, and recommend vendor selection; ensure work is performed in compliance with contracts and agreements.
• As assigned, prepare economic analyses and develop recommendations on water and power supply contracts, transmission projects, investment in conservation and other specialized Utilities projects; update cost/benefit methodology.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of public utility administration and topics related to area of assignment.
• As assigned, select, train, motivate and evaluate staff; prepare performance evaluations; work with employees to correct deficiencies; and recommend and implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Assist in developing and maintaining metrics to track performance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Supplemental Information

***** IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION *****

Applications will be accepted until Monday, November 30, 2026 at 5:00PM. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applications will not be accepted after this deadline. Based upon the application, resume, cover letter, and responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process, which may include, but is not limited to, a written assessment, a skills assessment, and an oral panel interview. These components are designed to evaluate analytical reasoning, problem solving, and written communication. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of 12/14/2026.

The eligibility list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill the current and/or additional vacancies throughout the City.

Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference / background check (to include a conviction record) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening). The City of Anaheim utilizes E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization.
 
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Experience and Education: Two years (Utilities Analyst I) of experience performing analysis in areas such as finance, administration, real property, operations, engineering, regulatory, and / or public policy, preferably in a public utility environment, supplemented by a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in finance, economics, business administration, environmental sciences, quantitative sciences, public administration, or a related field
• An equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions and provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying
• Knowledge of: Based on area of assignment, principles of financial planning analysis and statistical reporting
• generally accepted accounting principles and fund accounting
• principles of municipal budget preparation and control methods of calculating investment returns and risk assessment
• principles and practices of public administration
• research methods and report writing
• principles of cost benefit analysis
• water and electric utility industry markets
• principles and work methods of real property
• benchmarking and performance measurement
• management information systems
• work flow analysis
• City and Utility Department policies and procedures
• effective training practices
• personal and network computer software to manage and analyze data
• complex spreadsheets and database applications
• pertinent federal, state, and local laws, rules, codes, and ordinances
• Ability to : Based on area of assignment, prepare and administer financial reports
• gather, organize and analyze data
• employ creativity, logical thinking and judgment in analyzing complex issues and developing sound recommendations
• forecast and develop models which simulate complex financial activities
• assist and/or conduct electric and water studies related to cost of service, rate schedules, and cost-benefit analysis
• prepare and monitor budgets
• conduct operational audits
• understand legal, contractual and lease documents
• make sound recommendations related to assigned projects
• prepare clear, concise and accurate reports
• assist and/or develop strategic plans and performance indicators contribute to the development of corporate culture initiatives such as employee satisfaction surveys
• research, negotiate and finalize real property transactions
• effectively communicate and promote ideas to various stakeholders
• effectively represent the department and City when working with other departments and outside agencies
• design and conduct appropriate training
• effectively plan and direct special studies
• operate with tact and diplomacy
• learn regulatory reporting requirements and basic bulk power electric system theory, regulations and practices
• use personal computers and related finance software in the performance of job duties
• make effective oral presentations
• communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• License/Certification Required: Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license

Work for Warriors is a no-cost employment program of the California Military Department for Service Members, Veterans, and military family members. The Veteran Staffing Consultant for City of Anaheim is Steven Rosales.