Gas Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Minimum Pay Rate: $47.98
Maximum Pay Rate: $70.11
Apply by Date: 09/01/2026
This position is being posted at both level I and II; however, only one hire will be made from these two postings. Candidates interested in both levels must apply separately to each posting.
Join us at SMUD, where we power over 1.4 million customers across the Sacramento area as a community-owned, not-for-profit electric utility with more than 75 years of delivering low-cost, reliable electricity.
We manage a diverse mix of energy sources that include hydro, solar, and wind, and operate an essential 76-mile high-pressure natural gas pipeline that transports approximately 190 million cubic feet of gas daily from Winters to four thermal plants in Sacramento County. This system is run without compression, remotely monitored through a sophisticated SCADA system, and prioritized for safety with continuous leak detection, remotely operated shutoff valves, and rupture mitigation devices.
We're looking for a Gas Control Technician I to join our Gas Pipeline Operations team. In this role, you'll keep the pipeline operating safely and efficiently by monitoring its performance, troubleshooting issues, and performing routine inspections and maintenance key to reliable gas delivery.
The ideal candidate has solid hands-on experience with SCADA systems and control technologies, a strong commitment to safe work practices, and familiarity with transmission pipeline safety regulations guided by PHMSA, CPUC, and CEC. Advanced skills in natural gas measurement systems, overpressure protection, pressure regulation, chromatography, and analysis equipment are essential. Experience with transmission integrity management programs (TIMP) and industry best practices from AGA, GPA, and API is highly valued.
Cover Letter Requirements: To be considered for this position, please ensure your cover letter includes responses to the following questions. Failure to submit the required cover letter may preclude you from moving forward in the process:

1. Summarize your experience with the operation and maintenance of natural gas pipeline control and safety systems (e.g., control systems, over pressure protection, regulation schemes). Cite specific examples.
2. Discuss your involvement with technology and strategies used to ensure pipeline safety and environmental compliance, such as leak detection, rupture mitigation, emission reduction, or pipeline integrity systems.
3. Describe your experience working with natural gas measurement equipment, such as gas chromatographs, analyzers, or ultrasonic meters. Give examples of activities performed (e.g., calibration, troubleshooting, data interpretation).

Purpose
Under close supervision, learns and performs routine maintenance functions involved in the installation, maintenance, repair, operation, and testing work related to the construction, modification, maintenance, and operation of natural gas transmission facilities, pipelines and appurtenances in the most efficient, safe and cost-effective manner. Assists journey-level Gas Control Technicians with skilled maintenance functions in a learning capacity.
Nature and Scope
This classification is comprised of two levels: Level "I" is the entry-level where incumbents are provided formal training and/or certification for progression to the journey-level of the classification. The incumbent is promoted/progressed to the journey level "II" upon successful completion of all training and/or certification requirements for the classification. Incumbents hired at the entry-level are required to successfully progress to the journey-level within 18 to 60 months, depending on the length of the training and/or certification program. If an employee is unsuccessful with progressing to the journey-level, they will return to last class held or separate from SMUD.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs highly technical maintenance tasks associated with gas instrumentation under close supervision.
• Installs, troubleshoots, repairs, operates, and maintains all types of natural gas control, measurement and treatment equipment such as regulators, meters, valves, controllers, and chromatographs.
• Installs, operates and maintains corrosion protection equipment such as anodes, insulated fittings, volt-ohm-ammeters, potentiometers, and recorders.
• Installs valves and valve components and performs valve maintenance and vault maintenance per the Gas Pipeline Procedures Manual.
• Performs inspections and maintenance of natural gas above ground facilities and equipment.
• Performs field surveys and takes readings, such as leak detection surveys, cathodic protection surveys, density surveys and taking natural gas odorant readings.
• Conducts field locating duties and responds to Underground Service Alerts.
• Assists others in performing and evaluating field and station tests.
• Assists in transmission line repair work, construction of new pipelines, purging of pipelines and tapping pipelines under pressure.
• Maintains files, records and logs in compliance with a highly regulated industry.

Required Education

• High School diploma or equivalent

Required Experience Qualifications

• Any combination of education and experience that has provided the necessary knowledge and skills will be considered qualifying.

Knowledge Of
Safe work practices related to maintenance work; safe and proper use of hand and power tools used in routine maintenance work; basic fundamentals of electricity; basic mathematics; basic computer skills with an understanding of Microsoft Office applications and any other relevant software applications and skills.
Skills To
Effectively communicate orally and in writing; use basic hand and power tools; remember and follow written and oral instructions; read and interpret written instructions; complete forms, requisitions and reports; develop and maintain effective working relationships with others; learn the functional requirements for effective operation and maintenance of gas control equipment; learn the fundamentals of physics of thermal, fluid, gas and instrumentation, metering and control systems; learn the applicable fundamentals of electricity, electronics, mathematics through trigonometry, mechanics and corrosion protection; learn the functional requirements for effective operation and maintenance of gas control equipment; learn the fundamentals and operation of gas transmission lines, automatic controls, natural gas analyzers, and cathodic protection systems.
Desirable Qualifications

• Certifications such as Operator Qualifications (OQ), apprenticeships, journeyman certification, relevant coursework or degree.
• Knowledge of/experience working on transmission high-pressure natural gas pipelines
• Knowledge of/experience with SCADA systems and control technologies
• Knowledge of/experience applying pipeline transition integrity management program
• Knowledge of ultrasonic measurement systems, gas chromatography, analytic equipment, and flow computational devices.
• Knowledge of/experience installing, operating, and maintaining over pressure protection systems, pressure regulation, and valve actuation equipment.

Required Licenses/Certificates

• Valid California Driver's License; meets SMUD's driving standard by not having more than two (2) moving violations within the last two years; and the ability to obtain operator qualifications to perform tasks as per CFR 49, Part 192, Subpart N.

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: 3125