Generator Technician

Generator Technician

Salary

$74,084.36 - $104,244.13 Annually

Location

Sacramento, CA

Job Type

Full-Time Career

Job Number

006061-26-DOU-2

Department

Utilities

Division

On-Site Power

Opening Date

09/13/2026

Closing Date

10/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

THE POSITION

The Generator Technician position with the City of Sacramento is a journey-level position. Knowledge and experience in industrial generator and Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) repair is highly desired.

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The ideal candidate will have experience safely and thoroughly performing the following:

• Performing troubleshooting and mechanical repairs on internal combustion engines, both gaseous and diesel.
• Understanding the application, maintenance, and repair of exhaust aftertreatment systems, up to and including T4F, on diesel and gaseous engines.
• Collecting oil and fuel samples and understanding the results of the sample evaluations.
• Performing preventive maintenance inspections and repairs on generators, transfer switches, and engines.

Under general supervision, the Generator Technician performs a variety of skilled and technical tasks in the inspection, repair, preventive, and corrective maintenance and modification on Internal Combustion (IC) engines, diesel generators, and other IC gaseous engines; tests, replaces or adjusts engine components such as valves, pistons, bearings, emissions systems, and other related systems; and, interprets schematic wiring and modifies diesel control circuits.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey-level classification. Incumbents perform routine task and as proficiency increases incumbents, under general supervision or technical guidance may perform more difficult assignments. The Generator Technician class is distinguished from the Senior Generator Technician in that in addition to the latter having independent responsibility for completing task of a complex nature, Senior Generator Technicians may also serve as team leader and provide technical insight over projects.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General supervision is provided by a Supervising Generator Technician or a higher-level administrative or division manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist and participate in routine inspections and make modifications to IC engines, diesel generators, and associated equipment.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) and annunciator panels.
• Perform load testing on units to identify possible problems and prevent wet stacking.
• Make electrical and mechanical wiring modifications to diesel control circuits.
• Rebuild and repair gas compressors (turbochargers) used for forced-induction of IC engines, head gaskets, seals, water pumps, catalytic converters, torque heads, belts and hoses.
• Conduct automatic and manual transfer tests of simulated power outages to ensure generators are functioning properly.
• Test batteries, fuel coolant, and oil; ship oil samples for analysis.
• Transport and dispose hazardous materials.
• Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual holding this classification.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Basic electrical, mechanical, thermal, and hydraulic principles and practices.
• Engine Control systems and other program logic controls that are associated with IC power generation.
• Electrical and mechanical safety procedures.
• Applicable local, state and national regulations such SMAQMD, CARB and EPA. state and national regulations.
• Natural Fire Protections Codes.
• Lockout/tagout Procedures.
• Appropriate electrical and mechanical personal protective equipment (PPE).
• IC Diesel and other gaseous IC engines.
• Technique in tracking, transporting, and disposing hazardous materials.
• Rigging standards and principles of safe and efficient methods for handling heavy objects.
• Computer technology.

Skill in:

• Interpreting electrical and mechanical drawings.
• Identifying and repairing problems with engine control systems.
• Interpreting schematic diagrams and wiring.
• Correcting wet stacking conditions.
• Rigging for the handling of heavy objects.
• Troubleshooting and diagnosing electrical problems.
• Maintaining records manually and electronically.

Ability to:

• Read electrical and mechanical drawings and prints.
• Use electrical testing and calibration equipment to include but not limited to: Digital-Volt-OHM-Meters, DVOM), Mega-ohmmeters, Oscilloscopes, Power Quality Meters, and Loop Calibrators.
• Use calibrated mechanical tools to include but not limited to: torque wrenches, dial indicators, micrometers, and vacuum and pressure manometers.
• Use stationary machine tooling to include but not limited to: drill presses, grinders, band saws, pipe threads/cutters, lathes, iron workers and hydraulic presses.
• Follow applicable state and national regulations; safety guidelines; and procedures.
• Rebuild engines.
• Interpret and analyze characteristics of oil samples.
• Identify wet stacking problems in gasoline and diesel engines.
• Record and track the transporting of materials.
• Rig and handle heavy objects.
• Operate cranes and forklifts.
• Climb into confined spaces that may contain hazardous gas.
• Lift moderately heavy objects weighing up to approximately 50 pounds.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education

Successful completion of a two-year technical electrical or mechanical trade school; or military training/apprenticeship.

• AND-

Experience

One year of experience in the general maintenance, servicing, and repair of diesel and gas engines and other electrical systems related to light and heavy duty machinery and mechanical equipment.

• OR-

Three years of experience in the general maintenance, servicing, and repair of diesel and other gaseous IC engines and other electrical systems related to light and heavy duty machinery and equipment.

PROOF OF EDUCATION

Should education be used to qualify for this position, then proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.

Special Requirements

Driver License

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Ability to obtain a valid California Class A Driver License with appropriate Hazardous Material and Tank Vehicle Endorsements during the probationary period. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Ability to attain California state issued Crane and Forklift Certifications by the end of the probationary period. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Respiratory Protective Equipment

Work in this classification requires wearing respiratory protective equipment at times. When assigned to such work, facial hair must be shaven when it interferes with the safe fitting of respiratory protective equipment.

Physical Requirements

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

• Making observation of electrical circuits and controls.
• Operating assigned equipment.
• Communicating with others.

Maintain physical conditions appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:

• Moving items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Work in confined spaces.

Assessment:

If considered for appointment, candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test.

Probationary Period:

Employees must complete twelve (12) months of probation at a satisfactory performance level prior to gaining permanent status.

THE SELECTION PROCEDURE

Please note, the City of Sacramentos preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.

1. Application: (Pass/Fail) - All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application to the Employment Office by the final filing deadline;

• Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted.

• Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified:

• If applicants do not list current and past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).

• If "see resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section; a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section.

• Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted online with your application. Proof of education will be required at time of appointment.

• Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.

• If you're requesting Veteran's credit, a copy of your DD214 must be submitted online with your application or emailed to the Employment Office by the final filing deadline. Information regarding the use of Veteran's credit can be found in the Civil Service Board rules under rule 4.9C.

• Applicants are responsible for attaching a copy of their DD214 to each position for which they apply.

2. Screening Committee: (Pass/Fail)- Human Resources will evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications stated on the job announcement.

3. Screening For Most Qualified: (Pass/Fail) - In the event of a large candidate pool, each candidates Work Experience section of the application will be evaluated and rated. Only those candidates determined to be the most qualified will proceed to the next step in the selection process. A resume will not substitute for the information required in the Work Experience section of the application.

4. Performance Test: (Weighted 100%) - Qualified candidates will be notified by email of the test date, time, and location approximately one to two weeks prior to the test. The performance test will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the knowledge and abilities as outlined above. The performance exam will be administered in English only.

TEST EXEMPTION - If you have previously taken the Generator Technician exam within the past year of the final filing date of this posting, you may be considered exempt from taking the Generator Technician Exam.

The City of Sacramento's Human Resources Department will verify applicant's eligibility at the time of the final filing deadline of this job posting.

5. Eligibility - Candidates who pass the performance test will be placed on an eligible list. The hiring department may contact those on the eligible list for an interview at any time during the life of the one-year list. Candidate's eligibility expires year from the date of notification of a passing score for the Generator Technician examination. Candidates can take the examination at any time to maintain eligibility.

• If you are currently on an active eligible list for the Generator Technician classification, it is unnecessary to retake the examination.
• The eligible list is effective one year from the date of passing the examination for the Generator Technician
• If you are hired from the eligible list you will no longer have active status on the eligible list per Civil Service Board Rule, 5.7(i). Applicants interested in maintaining their eligibility will need to take and pass the exam after their hire date.

6. Conditional Hire: Upon receipt of a conditional offer, the selected candidate must complete and pass LiveScan / fingerprinting; review by Human Resources, a pre-employment medical exam, controlled substance and / or alcohol test, and possess any required licensure or certification prior to receiving a start date from the Department. Failure to meet these prerequisites will be grounds for withdrawal of your conditional offer of employment.

QUESTIONS:

For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:

• Please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/Home/ApplicationGuide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the application process.
• For technical support between 6 AM - 5 PM PT, contact Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627.
• Visit the City of Sacramento Human Resources Department website at https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment;
• Send an email to employment@cityofsacramento.org; or
• Call the Human Resources Department at (916) 808-5726

Bilingual Pay

Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? Thats right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.

Pension Reform Act

The City of Sacramento is covered by the California Public Employees Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicants eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies at the City of Sacramento.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Sacramento is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Additional Information

Civil Service Rules: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/CivilServiceBoardRules62012.pdf

Union Contracts:https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/labor-agreements.html

Salary Schedule: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/SalarySchedule.pdf

01

APPLICATION: I understand my application must meet the minimum qualifications for consideration of employment with the City of Sacramento. The experience I list in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section of the employment application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum qualifications as stated on the job announcement. A resume, responses to the supplemental questions requiring a narrative response, employment history listed elsewhere in the application or attachments will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section of the employment application. Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Please refer to the City of Sacramentos Applicant Resources Page for Screening Instructions: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment

• Yes

02

PROOF OF EDUCATION: To qualify for this classification you may use education or experience as listed in the substitution option to provide required knowledge, skills, and abilities. I understand proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with my application and will be required at the time of appointment if I am using education to qualify for this position. Please refer to the City of Sacramentos Proof of Education Requirements (https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment) for information on accepted documentation.

• Yes

03

EDUCATION CONFIRMATION: If I am using education to qualify for this position, I attest I possess or will possess completion of a two-year technical electrical or mechanical trade school; or military training/apprenticeship by time of appointment if I am selected for this position.

• Yes
• No

04

DRIVERS LICENSE CONFIRMATION: I attest I possess or will possess a valid California Class C Drivers License by the time of appointment if I am selected for this position.

• Yes
• No

05

TEST EXEMPTION: I understand that I must have passed the examination for Generator Technician within the past year of the final filing date, to be exempt from re-taking the examination.

• Yes

06

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE: The answers to the questions below will be reviewed by the hiring department along with the information provided in your employment application. Therefore, your answers must be consistent with your employment application information (especially in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections), must be unambiguous, and must contain sufficient but concise detail and organization. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of completing this Supplemental Questionnaire. Lack of clarity, incomplete or inconsistent information, and/or disorganized presentation may negatively affect the hiring departments review of your Supplemental Questionnaire. I understand and agree to the above instructions.

• Yes

07

Describe your hands-on experience operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, or rebuilding internal combustion (IC) diesel or gaseous-fueled engines. What types of engines and fuel systems have you worked with, and what applications were the engines used to perform?

08

What types of engine control systems do you have experience working with, and describe your specific responsibilities, such as programming, troubleshooting, testing, calibration, maintenance, or modification?

09

Describe your hands-on experience using precision or calibrated mechanical measuring and test equipment. What specific tools or instruments have you used to maintain, repair, or test equipment? What regulatory, industry, or manufacturer standards were you required to follow regarding their calibration, use, and documentation?

10

At the time of application, I possess:

• No education or relevant training
• An associate degree
• A Bachelors Degree
• A Masters Degree
• A Juris Doctorate (JD)

11

At the time of application, I have taken:

• No formal training courses or programs
• One (1) relevant, formal training courses or programs
• Two (2) relevant, formal training courses or programs
• Three (3) relevant, formal training courses or programs
• Four (4) or more relevant, formal training courses or programs

12

At the time of application, I possess:

• No relevant experience
• The minimum experience required by this job posting
• An additional six (6) months - one (1) year of relevant experience as required by this job posting
• An additional one (1) year - two (2) years of relevant experience as required by this job posting
• An additional two (2) or more years of relevant experience as required by this job posting

13

At the time of application, I possess:

• No supervisory experience
• Six (6) months - one (1) year of supervisory experience
• One (1) year - two (2) years of supervisory experience
• Two (2) year - three (3) years of supervisory experience
• Three (3) or more years of supervisory experience

Required Question

Employer City of Sacramento

Address 915 I Street

Historic City Hall

Sacramento, California, 95814-2604

Phone (916) 808-5726

Website http://portal.cityofsacramento.org/HR