Line Equipment Operator Assistant with class A

SMUD; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

SMUD is seeking full-time Line Equipment Operator Assistants to support the construction and maintenance of transmission and distribution systems. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and some relevant experience, with a focus on safety and efficient operations.

Benefits

Competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

Retirement through Public Employees Retirement System

457 and 401(k) plans available

Flexible Savings Account

Short and Long Term Disability

Employee and Spouse Life Insurance

Qualifications

• Under general supervision, learns and performs a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled duties in support of Line Equipment Operators.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California Drivers License.
• Proficient in construction methods, procedures, and safety practices related to digging and trenching.

Responsibilities

• Serves as assistant to Line Equipment Operators involved in running heavy equipment.
• Operates dump trucks and transports materials to job sites.
• Assists in performing minor maintenance on tools and equipment.

Skills

Basic safety rules

Hazard identification

Basic math

Use of hand and power tools

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Power-driven hole diggers

Backhoes

Tractors

Job description

SMUD is seeking to fill two regular full-time Line Equipment Operator Assistant positions in our Line Assets department,and create an eligiblity list which may be used to fill permanent and limited-term vacancies for the next two (2) years.

Every day at SMUD, we deliver power to more than 1.5 million customers throughout the Sacramento area. As a community-owned, not-for-profit electric service, we have been providing low-cost, reliable electricity for over 75 years.We are a recognized industry leader and award winner for our innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies, and for our sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. Through the efforts of the 2,400 people that power us, we work 24/7 to keep the lights on and provide our customers with innovative energy solutions.We're one of the region's largest employers, with a reputation for attracting, developing, and retaining some of the most talented employees around.

Employee Benefits:

• Competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Retirement through Public Employees Retirement System
• 457 and 401(k) plans available
• Flexible Savings Account
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Employee and Spouse Life Insurance

Please Note: The most qualified applicants may be invited to an in-person practical exam, tentatively scheduled July 2025.

Purpose

Under general supervision, learns and performs a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled duties in support of Line Equipment Operators and related operations involved in the construction, maintenance and repair of SMUD transmission and distribution substations, lines, and network systems.

Nature and Scope

This classification is assigned to Distribution Services and primarily functions as a helper to Line Equipment Operators running backhoes, boom trucks, rock saws, and hole diggers. Employees in this classification will learn and become proficient in general construction methods, procedures, and safety practices related to digging, trenching and back-filling operations to ensure that open ditches and trenches are at proper depth and backfilling occurs in an efficient and timely manner. This job also provides general labor assistance where needed in the construction and maintenance of SMUDs distribution system.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as assistant to Line Equipment Operators involved in running backhoes, rock saws, boom trucks, trenchers, hole diggers, and related equipment; guides operators to ensure that open ditches and trenches are at proper depth.
• Probes open ditches and trenches to locate existing utility lines and underground structures (i.e., gas, water, and/or sewer service lines, mains, conduit, etc.) and guides Line Equipment Operators in digging around these structures ensuring that proper clearances are maintained.
• Operates dump trucks and other line trucks to transport and deliver equipment and materials to and from job sites.
• May serve as a member of a small work crew engaged in a variety of manual tasks associated with: concrete repairs; backfilling, jetting, shoring, and compacting trenches; landscaping after cable installation, replacement and repair; street repairs; installing conduit and conductors; setting pads and transformers; and digging pole holes.
• Orders and amasses materials to be delivered to work sites and obtains permission from property owners to leave delivery materials.
• Frames poles; assembles, and installs anchors and guys; installs shoring, backfill, jett and compact trenches and other various excavations; digs holes/splice pits manually or using power equipment.
• Operates hand lines in order to send tools, materials, or equipment to advanced workers on poles or steel structures; performs basic rigging techniques involving winches, block and tackle, ropes, and slings.
• Performs minor maintenance on electric, hydraulic, gas, air, and hand tools; assembles/disassembles/pre-fabricates various materials/parts; installs/removes work site protection devices; uses various types of tools to paint.
• Line Equipment Operators Assistants w/Haz may use chemicals for various tasks; cleans up PCB spills and transports hazardous material; uses chemicals for various tasks including pole testing, treatment and weed abatement.
• Assists crews in traffic control and flagging operations.
• Assists in installing and/or making repairs to conduits and vaults; pulls cable in conduits; installs/repairs cubicle/transformer wells, transformers, sprinkler systems, fences, landscaping, driveways; walkways, sewer/water pipes, and storm drains; mixes, pours and finishes cement/concrete; and, lays asphalt.

Required Education

High school diploma or equivalent.

Required Experience Qualifications

Experience in a position which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills required.

Required Licenses/Certificates

Must possess and maintain a valid California Drivers License and a satisfactory driving record (not more than two 2 moving violations in the years). A Class A drivers license is required and in addition, may require a hazardous materials and tanker endorsements within six (6) months of hire. Candidates appointed to positions requiring the possession/retention of a Class A Drivers license must undergo an initial and alcohol screen and submit to random drug and alcohol screens required by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

Knowledge Of

Basic safety rules; use of hand and power tools; hazard identification; basic math; and, material and tool nomenclature.

Skills To

Operate line motor vehicles to transport equipment to and from jobsites; read and understand job/training manuals, safety procedures and their application on and around high voltage conductors and equipment; read, interpret and follow written and oral instructions; learn SMUD radio equipment operation; read a wire print; climb ladders; maintain a positive work relationship/environment with peers; and perform physically demanding work for extended time periods. Ability to learn overhead and underground line construction practices and procedures; methods, materials, tools and equipment used in construction and maintenance work; backfilling, compaction and grading principles and procedures; shoring and road base materials; and, SMUD standards and procedures.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in the operation of equipment such as power-driven hole diggers or tractors with accessory equipment like angle dozers, backhoes, front loaders,trenchers, or hydrovacs.
• Two (2+) plus years Underground utility instillation wet or dry.
• Two (2+) plus years electrical utility/utility experience.
• Current and valid Class A license.

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.

On-site Work

This role will be an on-site role that will require being in person at one of SMUD's campuses daily to complete work tasks.

We recommend you create a SMUD Candidate account through our SMUD Careers page, upload your resume and cover letter to be considered for this and other open position.