High Voltage Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Minimum Pay Rate: $73.74 per hour
Maximum Pay Rate: $73.74 per hour
Posting Type: Open
The intent of this job posting is to establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill current and future, permanent and limited-term, vacancies for up to two (2) years.
Please Note:

• This position will be posted until a sufficient number of qualified applicants has been received but may close at any time after July 31st, 2026.
• You must clearly demonstrate, on your resume, that you possess the knowledge, skills and experience required in the minimum and desirable qualifications listed in this posting.
• The most qualified candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to the written examination.

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

IMPORTANT APPLICATION STEP: SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
To be considered for this position, you must complete the Journey High Voltage Electrician Supplemental Questionnaire, linked below:
Journey High Voltage Electrician Questionnaire
Note: Completion of the questionnaire is only one part of the application process. Applicants must also submit a formal application to this requisition in order to be considered for the position.
Written Exam Details:

• Qualified candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to the written examination, date TBD.
• Exams are strictly PASS/FAIL, results will be sent to each applicant approximately two weeks from the exam date.
• Please reach out directly to SMUDrecruiter@smud.org if an accommodation is required. All requests must be received prior to the examination scheduled date and time.

Successful candidates may also be required to complete a hands-on skills assessment and interview.
Purpose
Performs a variety of specialized journey level electrical and skilled mechanical work on low to high voltage systems in and about electric substations, underground systems, and power generating plants.
Nature and Scope
Under general supervision, works at journey level performing duties associated with voltages up to 230kv AC. Must be familiar with safe working practices for Phasing and Hot Glove requirements for grounding.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Follow all safety policies, procedures, practices, and exercise caution when performing duties.
• New Construction/Installation of Equipment
• Installs steel structures, insulators, and bus; installs high voltage switches, disconnects, and fuses.
• Installs, splices, and terminates high-voltage cables; installs high voltage transformers, circuit breakers, reactors, capacitor banks, CCVTs, potential transformers and current transformers.
• Installs conduit, wireways, raceway, fittings, wiring, cabling, conductors, and circuits.
• Installs underground service conduit, cables, and ground grids (using press and/or cad weld).
• Installs equipment, switchgear/GIS, motor control centers, motor operated valves, and pressurized systems.
• Installs and maintains batteries/chargers and related equipment.
• Installs Microprocessor Relay panels and Protection Schemes for Line, Bus, Generator, and Transformer protection.
• Installs RTU and SCADA equipment and PLC's.
• Bends, threads and installs conduit systems (Rigid, PVC and EMT) and hard and string bus.
• Maintenance and Testing
• Maintains, tests, troubleshoots and repairs:
• power transformers and auxiliary equipment such as bushings, surge arrestors, cooling equipment, and tap changers.
• power circuit breaker and operating mechanisms including hydraulic, pneumatic, solenoid operated and other stored energy systems.
• motors and motor control equipment; control circuits.
• DC battery systems for protection and control of high voltage equipment.
• capacitor banks and reactors.
• Hydro large generators and associated systems.
• maintenance of overhead gantry and bridge cranes.
• internal and external electrical systems/equipment such as lighting, lighting control, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Systems), battery monitoring, power distribution, switch boards and breakers.
• redundant power distribution systems and equipment such as Standby and Emergency Generators, transfer switches, and power distribution units.
• Handles, samples, and tests various power interrupting/insulating mediums including vacuum, mineral oil, FR3 and SF6.
• Performs predictive maintenance (IR scans) on electrical panels, transformers, switch gear and other related equipment.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities
• Use of Equipment, Tools and Resources
• Uses hand tools and small power tools such as drills, grinders, sanders, saws, and cutters.
• Operates equipment such as boom and bucket trucks, forklifts, aerial equipment, cranes, and uses rigging and lifting techniques to install large equipment.
• Climbs ladders and steel structures; uses fall protection equipment for working at heights.
• Uses electrical test equipment such as voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, DC insulation resistance testers, transformer turns ratio testers, AC and DC high potential test sets, power factor and circuit breaker testers.
• Use of live line tools
• Reads and interprets mechanical drawings, diagrams, and instructions such as layout and erection diagrams, structural elevations, exploded views, cutaway diagrams, and related information.
• Reads and interprets electrical drawings and diagrams such as wiring diagrams and schedules, schematic and elementary diagrams, one lines, and related information.
• Follows processes and procedures for oil handling/testing during installation and maintenance of large oil filled electrical equipment.
• Follows all safety procedures when performing work including, but not limited to clearance, LOTO (Lockout Tag out), switching, verification, grounding, and working on or around high voltage systems.
Required Education
Completion of a recognized apprenticeship or equivalent training in the electrical trade.
Required Experience Qualifications
Demonstrated experience at a journey level in the installation, connection, and maintenance of electrical equipment in one of the following; high voltage transmission and distribution substations, switchyards and large power generating plants.
Required Licenses/Certificates
Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License (CDL) and a satisfactory driving record (not more than two moving violations in the last two years). Must also be able to obtain a Class A driver's license with tanker endorsement after completion of the required driver training class.
Knowledge Of
Basic algebra and trigonometry in order to compute calculations and understand electrical theory. Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical equipment; National Electric Code and Electrical Safety Orders of the Division of Industrial Safety applicable to electrical work, electrical terminology and theory; electrical safety rules and regulations; preventative maintenance on electrical equipment; electrical installations; switchgear; electrical rotating machinery, such as motors and generators; boom and rigging processes and procedures; common and special tools used in electrical work; proper grounding techniques; ferrous and nonferrous materials; hazardous materials; safe lifting techniques and lift charts; proper use of slings; procedures to lay out and fabricate a variety of materials; sheet metal work,; safe handling policies and procedures of pressurized cylinders, FR3 oil, SF6, oil transport, spill prevention; Hot glove use; safety protocol for discharging water from substations; NERC and FERC regulations as it pertains to critical infrastructure protection (CIP) of substations and power plants; switching and taking clearances with distribution and power system operators.
Skills To
Read, comprehend and apply technical information in shop manuals, electrical/mechanical schematics, wiring diagrams and training materials; follow written and verbal instructions for installation, maintenance, and repair of equipment; develop and maintain effective working relationships with all groups of individuals; complete switch training or be able to take clearances after needed training; process training; complete forms, requisitions, reports, and document work performed; perform work at heights, in confined spaces, and use ladders in a safe manner; perform required calculations, including algebra and trigonometry; distinguish colors; safely lift and carry up to 80 pounds of material and move heavy cylinders; troubleshoot and perform repairs on high voltage power transformers and circuit breakers, motor control centers, switchgear, capacitor banks, reactors, disconnect switches, batteries, battery chargers, large generators, motors, cranes, motor operator valves, communication equipment,; effectively use ammeter, SFRA, power factor (Doble), ultrasonic vibration tests, computer based test equipment, TTR, breaker speed analyzer, transformer resistance tester, micro ohm tester, High Pot, meggers, and voltmeters; use tools and equipment such as (vertical and horizontal), cutting machines, threading machines, small power tools, and grinders, (air, electric, and surface); provide quality craftsmanship at all times; understand and follow safety procedures; work around energized equipment and in energized substations; use a basic computer and keyboard.
Desirable Qualifications

• Computer and keyboarding skills.
• Work in radiation areas; under adverse conditions, such as extreme heat. Willingness to work overtime as workload and deadlines require; and, work on-call as needed.
• Willingness to work overtime as workload and deadlines require; and, work on-call as needed.

Physical Requirements
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.