Entry Level Electric Meter Reader Jobs in California

Minimum Pay Rate: $91.89 per hour
Maximum Pay Rate: $91.89 per hour
Apply by Date: 09/04/2026
Posting Type: Open
The intent of this posting is fill one (1) regular full-time position and create and eligiblity list that may be used to fill permanent or 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

Note: Qualified candidates from this process may be invited to an in-person written and practical exam which will be held to determine levels of skill and ability. Written exam tentatively scheduled for mid-September 2026.
Purpose
Under the general direction of Distribution System Operators, but with considerable freedom of independent action, a Troubleshooter operates, monitors, troubleshoots and repairs SMUD sub-transmission and distribution system. Employees in this classification receive general supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures. This job class exercises responsibility for investigating, isolating and, in some cases repairing causes of electrical outages in the overhead and underground URD electrical system, determining what materials/ repairs are required to restore service. This job class functions at the full working journey level of classification.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Investigates causes of electrical outages in the overhead and underground electrical system; locates and isolates faults; replaces fuses.
• Determine what materials are required to restore service; performs repair work on electrical lines and equipment under emergency conditions; makes repairs or cuts in clear energized lines, as necessary to make conditions safe.
• Checks substations for proper operating conditions; uses meter to determine loading and voltage on equipment and conductors.
• Performs field switching operations as directed by the Distribution System Operator; recommends changes in switching procedures; operates substation circuit breakers, disconnect switches, and control switches; observes and accurately records readings from various instruments.
• Investigates customer complaints regarding electrical service; tests and maintains street dusk-to-dawn lights.
• Disconnect electric service for non-payment, customer repair, or when hazardous wiring is evident; connects and reconnects service on weekends and after normal working hours; collects payments and deposits from customers.
• Performs minor tree trimming; patrols and inspects lines and equipment and reports or makes repairs to correct hazardous or degraded conditions.
• Splices primary and secondary cables with preformed or taped splices.
• Conducts high voltage DC tests on cables and switch gear using various specialized equipment and instruments.
• Performs phasing tests on high voltage underground circuits; with the aid of specialized instruments, locates de-energized cable in areas containing energized cable.
• Takes primary clearances necessary to do work.
• Directs the work of others necessary to facilitate repairs of URD cable.
• Maintains a log in chronological order, and other paper work as required.
• Performs other related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

Required Education

• High School diploma or equivalent

Required Experience Qualifications

• Typically, the skills and knowledge listed above are attained by working as a SMUD journey-level Lineman/Linewoman for a period of two (2) years.

Knowledge Of
Line construction methods, operations and standards (G.O. 95 and 128) related to the overhead and underground electrical system; meters, transformers, switching, and regulating gear; SMUD, State and Federal safety rules and regulations; industry and SMUD methods of high voltage testing; basic electrical theory; meter reading; fault location methods; SMUD service requirements.
Skills To
Recognize defects and make repairs in the overhead and underground URD electrical system under emergency conditions; analyzes electrical distribution equipment damage and determine materials, equipment and manpower needed to make repairs; prepare oral and written reports; accurately read, record, and report instrument indications; work independently; follow oral and written instructions; make decisions independently; read maps and drawings; work safely around and on high energy equipment; maintain a harmonious relationship with fellow employees and the public.
Desirable Qualifications

• Completion of an approved Lineman/Woman Apprentice program including three years climbing experience in overhead electrical distribution work;
• Two (2) years journeyman Lineman experience;
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record;
• Must live or be willing to relocate with 25 miles of reporting headquarters in Sacramento;
• Work overtime and emergencies;
• Be "On Call" and respond immediately to emergency call-outs;
• Work special schedules as required.

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.
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.
SMUD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SMUD complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
SMUD expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of SMUD employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.
Req ID: 3088