Utility Equipment Operator

Utility Equipment Operator

Salary

$97,302.40 - $118,913.60 Annually

Location

Municipal Services Center, 3201 East Bayshore, Palo Alto, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

202601394

Department

Utilities Department

Opening Date

06/10/2026

Closing Date

6/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The Department

Palo Alto is the only city in California that offers a full array of utility services to its citizens and businesses. Because of this, the City has a unique opportunity to partner with the Palo Alto community to enjoy the benefits and achievements of reliable, home-grown, and environmentally- focused utilities. Palo Alto has a tradition of over 100 years of successful public utility operations. It is a tradition that continues to provide the Palo Alto community with safe and reliable utilities service, local decision-making over policies, utility ratemaking, environmental programs, and customized services.

Career Opportunity

The Equipment Operator position is part of the Water, Gas and Wastewater division and will work with a team that has the responsibility of maintaining the City's utility infrastructure. Equipment that this position will be expected to operate most frequently is an electric sewer rodding machine along with a CCTV push camera. This equipment, along with other various tools and machinery, will be used to maintain and inspect city owned sewer laterals and mains. A person in this position will work independently or as a member of a work crew and will receive direction from a supervisor or lead.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude.
• Good public contact skills.
• Skill in the use of hand tools.
• Ability to communicate with others and to assimilate and understand information, in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.
• Ability to operate assigned equipment.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a matter consistent with the essential job functions.
• Ability to follow instructions both orally and written.

The City offers a range of benefits including a retirement plan so make sure to visit our benefits portal here.

This position is part of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

Things to keep in mind:

• The screening process for this position may include a panel interview and skills assessment preceding final interviews with the hiring manager or their designee.
• An eligible list may be established from this recruitment and may be used to fill future vacancies for up to six (6) months, or until the list has been exhausted.
• More than one position may be filled with this posting.

Essential Duties

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Repairs existing laterals and manholes.
• Replaces sewer lateral traps with cleanouts.
• Locates cleanouts for maintenance.
• Cleans sewer mains.
• Chemically treats mains for root control and sets out poison for rodent control.
• Records and diagrams completed work on work orders and job prints for submittal to supervisor.
• Sets up barricades, flashers and cones to protect work sites.
• Performs preventative maintenance on city owned sewer laterals and mains

To review the full job description, click here.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities which would typically be acquired through:

Completion of high school, GED or equivalent.

One year plumbing or construction experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

For Utilities, WGW Operations:

Possession of a valid California Class B drivers license or the ability to obtain one within six months of appointment with proper endorsements.

Supplemental Information

Benefits: Fantastic benefits package, to learn more click HERE.

Compensation (SEIU): Comprehensive compensation plan, to learn more click HERE.

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.

See our Benefits at a Glance Booklet for more details.

Learn more about our Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) between the City and its bargaining units, by clicking HERE.

01

Do you possess at least one year of experience working with sewer lines in maintenance or construction?

• Yes
• No

02

What types of plumbing, sewer, or utility maintenance equipment have you operated?

03

Do you possess a Class A or B driver's license?

• I have a Class A driver's license
• I have a Class B driver's license
• I do not have a Class A or B driver's license

04

Describe any experience you have with plumbing equipment, including installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and the types of tools or systems you have worked with.

Required Question

Employer City of Palo Alto

Address 250 Hamilton Ave

Palo Alto, California, 94301

Phone (650) 329-2376

Website https://www.paloalto.gov/Home