Utility Equipment Operator
City of Palo Alto Palo Alto, California, United States
- Location: Palo Alto, California, United States
- Categories: Construction and Skilled Trades, Public Works, Utilities
- Job Type: Full Time
- Posted: Jun 11, 2026
Job Description:
Utility Equipment Operator
Description
DescriptionThe 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.
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 driver's 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 Bookletfor more details.
Learn more about our Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) between the City and its bargaining units, by clicking HERE.
Closing Date/Time: 6/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific