Project Development Manager

Department: Project Development and Renewable Generation

Location:

Sacramento, CA, US, 95817-1899

Category:

Minimum Pay Rate: $146,806.40

Maximum Pay Rate: $194,438.40

Apply by Date: 08/22/2025

Posting Type: Open

Note: The hiring department will be filling two separate positions from this recruitment process, we are seeking to make one limited term and one regular full time hire. This posting will also be used to create an Eligibility List for current and future Project Development Manager openings, both regular fulltime and limited term.

SMUD is a leader in clean energy and carbon reduction. This is an exciting time to join SMUD as member of the Project Development Team in our Power Generation Department helping reach our ambitious goal of zero carbon emissions in our power supply by 2030 - the most ambitious goal of any large utility in the United States.

Power Generation is seeking a strong, experienced Project Development Manager to manage the real estate, permitting, design, installation, integration, interconnection, contracting for services, contract management, construction and commissioning of utility scale and utility interconnected renewable energy projects including solar, combined solar and energy storage, storage and wind projects at distribution and transmission interconnection voltages. In this role, you will manage fast-paced projects, planning, procuring, installing, integrating and interconnection for utility scale renewable energy projects.

The ideal candidate will have experience managing and development of utility scale renewable energy projects including management of matrixed teams of subject matter experts and consultants in real estate, community strategy, permitting at the federal, state and local level, utility interconnection, and management of EPC contracts, and procurement contracts for electrical power projects. Experience in siting of utility scale renewable energy is highly desired. This position requires a high degree of coordination with both internal and external parties to SMUD.

Purpose

To implement programs for the development of new power generation, storage and transmission resources by directing and controlling the design, permitting, licensing, and engineering to meet SMUD’s requirements.

Nature and Scope

Directs the development, implementation and managing of department goals, objectives, policies and priorities in partnership with the department leadership; may select, train, motivate, evaluate and develop subordinate personnel and ensures that department strategic objectives and priorities are achieved and coordinated with other departments.

Duties and Responsibilities

Required Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university majoring in Engineering, Science or other relevant discipline or equivalent experience related to project development. If no degree, fourteen (14) years of relevant work experience is required.*

Required Experience Qualifications

Required Licenses/Certificates

Knowledge Of

Principles, procedures and practices of project development, design and construction; Principles, procedures and practices related to evaluation and decision making, contract laws and negotiation. Principles, procedures and practices related to surveying and computer applications. Principles, procedures and practices related to construction completion, turnovers, start-up and electric system operations including distribution, substations and generation. SMUD policies, procedures, applicable MOUs and other special agreements; methods and techniques for planning, organizing, directing and controlling work activities; policies and procedures for evaluating and recording performance results. Policies and standards for interacting with local, state and national authorities and agencies; techniques for exercising significant leadership and authority; performance management techniques related to Project Management; principles and practices for contract management; Procedures and practices for cost control and project scheduling; procedures and practices for monitoring and managing projects; procedures and practices for overseeing contractors/consultants work activities; procedures and practices for project budget management; project management software systems. Techniques and practices related to negotiations and compromise. Safety policies, practices and procedures. Standard operating procedures, modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; and, English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary standards.

Skills To

Monitor and manage projects, develop and maintain project budget and schedule. Evaluate and resolve complex technical or management issues. Negotiate with internal and external management on projects. Coordinate the work of the function or unit with other SMUD entities. Interpret and apply SMUD policies procedures, applicable MOU and/or other special agreements. Compile and prepare technical, statistical and/or analytical reports and presentations; develop and conduct oral presentations to internal/external audiences; explain complex and/or controversial policies. Regulations, procedures and/or activities internally/externally. Reconcile significant and/or controversial differences to bring interested parties to consensus; plan, organize, prioritize and schedule projects. Analyze complex issues and develop/implement resolution alternatives; analyze situations, documents and data for conformance to establish policy and procedures. Apply applicable laws, codes and regulations. Appraise situations and people accurately and adopt an effective course of action. Identify the key elements that must be modified to achieve a goal; Interpret, analyze and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations and requirements; Interpret, clarify, understand and analyze verbal/written information and ideas. Research, analyze and provide recommendations to achieve department objectives. Utilize a personal computer and/or computer terminal, systems and software relevant to the job. Communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally. Establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.

Desirable Qualifications

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

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 will be required to work onsite one or more days a week on a regular basis; sometimes more or less, depending on the work and, at any of our SMUD locations. 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.

SMUD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SMUD complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

SMUD expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of SMUD employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.

Req ID: 2336