Electric Utility Compliance Technician

City of Palo Alto; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Palo Alto is seeking an Electrical Lineperson to patrol and maintain overhead and underground distribution systems, ensuring safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

You will work under the Utilities Supervisor and Compliance Technician Lead, perform inspections, minor field repairs, keep accurate records, and support environmental and safety programs. A strong commitment to service and community is essential.

Qualifications

• Completed an Electrical Lineperson apprenticeship.
• Ten (10) years of journeyman experience with overhead and underground distribution systems.
• Full knowledge of California General Orders 95, 128, and 165 and Title 8 Safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine overhead and underground line patrols to ensure compliance with California General Orders 95, 128, and 165.
• Verify tree-trimming program and perform inspections during outages.
• Maintain databases of infrastructure and report findings for corrective action.
• Conduct required Safety and Service Reliability inspections for overhead and underground systems.
• Make minor field repairs and report hazardous conditions promptly.

Skills

Reliability

Adaptability

Safety-conscious

Education

Electrical Lineperson apprenticeship

High school diploma or equivalent

Journeyman Lineperson/Cable splicer apprenticeship completion

Job description

Are you a skilled, proactive Electrical Lineperson ready to make an impact?

Do you thrive in a dynamic, community-focused environment where your expertise ensures safe, reliable, and environmentally-conscious utility services? If so, we want you on our team!

Why Palo Alto?

Palo Alto is the only city in California offering a full spectrum of utility services to its citizens and businesses. For over 100 years, our utilities have been locally operated, environmentally-focused, and dedicated to providing safe, reliable service. Join a team where your work directly benefits the community—and where local decision-making, environmental programs, and customized services set us apart.

The Opportunity

Under the guidance of the Utilities Supervisor and Compliance Technician Lead, you will:

• Conduct routine overhead and underground line patrols to ensure compliance with California General Orders 95, 128, and 165.
• Verify the tree-trimming program and perform inspections during outages.
• Maintain databases of our infrastructure and report findings for corrective action.
• Conduct required Safety and Service Reliability inspections for overhead and underground systems.
• Make minor field repairs and report hazardous conditions promptly.

• Ensure compliance with General Orders 95 (overhead) and 128 (underground).
• Maintain accurate records of all infractions or deviations during line patrols.
• Recommend infrastructure improvements to supervisors and engineering teams.
• Step in proactively to make minor repairs in the field.

Ideal Candidate

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Completed an Electrical Lineperson apprenticeship.
• At least 10 years of journeyman experience working with overhead and underground distribution systems.
• Full knowledge of California General Orders 95, 128, and 165 and Title 8 Safety regulations.
• Reliability, adaptability, and a strong commitment to departmental goals.
• A valid California Driver’s License and required certifications.

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
• Completion of a apprenticeship as an Electrical Lineperson/Cable splicer.
• Ten (10) years of experience as a Journeyman Lineperson/Cable splicer.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

This position is represented by Service Employee International Union position (SEIU).

This posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

The Selection Process:

• Recruitment status notifications will be sent via email or text (please enroll in text alerts when applying).
• Updates can also be found on your governmentjobs.com account.
• Applicants will be screened throughout the posting process and highly qualified candidates may be invited to interview at any time.
• The screening process for this position may include a virtual recorded interview and/or panel interviews preceding final interviews with the hiring manager or their designee.

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.