Job Description

Salary Ranges:

• Lineman/woman Apprentice: $51.08 - $74.64 /hour
• Lineman/woman Apprentice with Class A: $52.23 - $75.79 /hour

Apply by Date: 02/06/2026

Posting Type: Open

The intent of this job posting is to establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill current and future, regular full-time vacancies for up to two (2) years. You must clearly demonstrate on your resume that you possess the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the required qualifications secions of this posting.

Only the first 1000 applicants will be considered for this opportunity. Once 1000 applications have been received, this posting will be closed and no additional applications will be accepted. If we do not receive 1000 applicants, the posting will close Friday, February 6th, 2026. Apply early!

***Update: As of 5:00PM on 1/26/2026, we have received 400 applications***

As one of the most innovative electric utilities in the country, Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) values and rewards the contributions of its 2,000-plus employees. We're proud of our long-standing reputation as one of the best places to work in the Sacramento region, and we're always seeking talented people to help keep us moving forward. In addition, SMUD has been recognized as one of the nation's Best Workplaces for Commuters.

Among the many reasons that SMUD is a great place to work:

• Challenging and fulfilling work
• Competitive pay and benefits
• Flexible work schedules
• An inclusive and diverse culture
• SMUD's reputation as a national energy leader
• On-site fitness centers
• CalPERS pension
• Paid education/employee development program
• Personal computer purchase program

SMUD is currently seeking individuals interested in becoming a line worker with our organization as an apprentice lineman/woman. Under close supervision, you will learn to perform work at the journey level in the installation, maintenance, and repair of distribution electrical systems including the hazards of working at elevations above ground, in trenches and vaults, as well as energized equipment.

**Please read Additional Posting Info for Candidate section below for more information regarding the selection process.**

Purpose

Perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks in the construction, maintenance, repair and inspection of SMUD transmission and distribution systems. This work may involve operating backhoes, derricks, and hole diggers, etc. and perform related duties as assigned.

Nature and Scope

The Lineman/wn Apprentice classification is assigned to Distribution Services. It is considered a climbing Lineman/wn job. Apprentice Lineman/wn function in a learning capacity and assist in the duties specified below. Once learned and at the completion of the apprenticeship program, incumbents will journey-up to the full working level of the Lineman/wn classification series.

Duties and Responsibilities

Apprentices will perform these duties in a learning capacity.

• Performs complex rigging techniques using winches, block and tackle, ropes, slings, hoists, etc.Frames, sets, removes, wood or steel poles and associated anchors and guys.Makes connections and performs work on lines energized @ 120V through 230KV using rubber gloves and hot line tools.Climbs wood poles, steel structures, or ladders.
• Constructs/removes/maintains transmission towers.Installs/removes cross-arms, guy wires, insulators, disconnect devices, switches, capacitors, and various pole top apparatus.Lay out, measures, cuts, installs, terminates, and splices various types of cable.
• Connects pole bolt, pad mount, and submersible transformers.
• Assists Electricians in the installation, maintenance, and wiring of electric substations.
• Performs phasing tests on high voltage circuits.
• Performs maintenance functions on transmission and distribution lines.
• Installs and maintains night-lights, streetlights and street lighting equipment.
• Applies principles of electrical theory to line construction and maintenance work.
• Installs/removes work site protection devices.
• Assists Cable Splicer/Electricians in the construction and maintenance of network underground systems.
• Operates various types of equipment including; backhoes, tractors; front-loaders, rock saws, hole diggers, boom trucks, digger derricks, forklifts, water trucks, bobcats, cable pullers, cable-tensioners, trenchers, pole-stubbers, portable generators, portable/hydraulic pole setters, jackhammers, j tams and other related equipment.
• Operates aerial lift trucks and boom trucks.
• Operates SMUD vehicles, in the course of work, that may require a class a license.
• Installs/repairs cubicle/transformer wells, transformers, sprinkler systems, fences, landscaping, driveways, walkways, sewer/water pipes, and storm drains.
• Mixes, pours and finishes cement/concrete.
• Assembles/disassembles/pre-fabricates various material/parts.
• Installs residential and commercial meters of various types.
• Inspects trench, conduit, transformer pad/well, switching cubicle, pull box and vault installation.
• Inspects for G.O. 95 and 128 infractions.Cleans up PCB leaks and transports hazardous material.
• Uses chemicals for various tasks.Installs shoring, backfills, jets and compacts trenches and other various excavations.
• Performs cable locating, when necessary.Uses various types of tools to paint.
• Picks up and delivers materials.
• Removes and installs asphalt.Digs holes, trenches, splice pits manually or using power equipment.
• Assists in traffic control.
• Instructs, directs, and may train sub-ordinates.
• Uses mobile data terminals, as required, to process appropriate documents in order to accurately report time and reconcile jobs.
• Installs/removes and performs routine maintenance on dusk to dawn street lights.
• Installs/removes and performs maintenance on overhead and underground residential and commercial services.
• Connects/disconnects electric service.Inspects and approves customer service facilities.
• Performs minor tree trimming.Installs/removes or performs maintenance on transformers, capacitors, re-closers, regulators, and related line apparatus.

Required Education

• High School diploma or equivalent

Required Experience Qualifications

• Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary skills, abilities, and knowledge.
• Attend classes after normal working hours to obtain knowledge required for the job.
• Able to obtain and maintain a Class A Driver License.
• Willingness to learn and operate equipment line construction equipment and tools.
• Must complete the Lineman/wn Apprentice training requirements in order to advance to the full- journey level.

Required Licenses/Certificates

Ability to obtain a valid Class A California Drivers Permit within 30 days of employment and a valid Class A California Drivers License within 6 months of employment.

Knowledge Of

Basic math basic safety rules and procedures safe use of hand and power tools.

Skills To

Read and understand job manuals, safety procedures, and training manuals on electrical theory and principles of electric distribution read and interpret written instructions. Remember and follow a series of directions Work safely on and around high voltage conductors and equipment. Climb wood poles, steel structures, and ladders Perform work at heights in a safe manner. Perform physically strenuous work for extended periods of time. Learn to operate line trucks and other equipment safely. Learn line construction methods and techniques. Learn knots and rigging used in line work. Learn material and tool nomenclature. Learn work site protection and safety precautions. Learn hazard identification Learn SMUD radio operation and etiquette. Learn to read a wire print and diagram. Learn to operate a variety of equipment safely.

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Additional Posting Info for Candidate

Selection Process:
The selection process for this position will take up to 5 months depending on the amount of applications received. Within 2 weeks after the job closes qualified candidates will be invited to take an in-person written exam tentatively scheduled for the week of February 16th. Those who pass the written exam may be invited to physical performance exams planned for April 2026. Based on the number of applications received, SMUD reserves the right to consider applicants based on factors such as the desirable qualifications, date of application, and work history with SMUD.

Written Exam Pass/Fail Results:
Results (Pass/Fail only) will be sent to those who took the exam on or before March 13th, 2026.

Reasonable Accommodations:
Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation are encouraged to notify SMUD Human Resource Services no later than February 17th, 2026.

Please Note The Following: We will be creating an employment eligibility list from this process which will remain active for 2 years; therefore, candidates must keep their address and contact information up to date in their online SMUD application profile.

ALL COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING THIS PROCESS WILL BE MADE VIA E-MAIL CORRESPONDENCE.

Please make sure you check your e-mails daily for communication regarding this selection process. SMUD is not responsible for your receipt of the e-mails, including redirection of your e-mail to junk or spam folders.

Please print/save this job description so you have access to all the pertinent exam details, as this will not be available to view once the posting closes.

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.

CalPERS

SMUD is a CalPERS agency As a member of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), SMUD offers eligible employees access to a defined benefit pension plan along with other valuable retirement and health benefits. This program helps provide financial security both during your career and after retirement. To learn more about CalPERS and the benefits it offers, please visit www.calpers.ca.gov