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Kv Power Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Substation Electrician

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$153K - $188K/yr

Maintain, test and repair, 115/60, 60/12, 60/4-kv power transformers and load tap changers. Sample, test and evaluate insulating oil and other media and maintain appropriate records including DGA and ...

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Kv Power information

See California salary details

$63.2K

$86.8K

$134.7K

How much do kv power jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for kv power in California is $86,764.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $134,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is kv power?

Kv Power jobs typically refer to positions within KV Power, a company that provides electrical powerline construction, maintenance, and emergency restoration services. Employees may work in roles such as linemen, field technicians, engineers, or project managers, focusing on building and maintaining electrical infrastructure. These jobs often require technical expertise, physical fitness, and a strong emphasis on safety. Working at KV Power can involve travel, outdoor work, and collaboration with utility companies and contractors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a high voltage (kV) power technician?

To thrive as a High Voltage (kV) Power Technician, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, safety protocols, and technical troubleshooting, typically supported by an electrical engineering degree or vocational certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, circuit testing equipment, and relevant safety certifications like OSHA are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of high-voltage power systems.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in high voltage (kV) power roles, and how can they prepare for them?

Professionals in high voltage (kV) power roles often encounter challenges such as ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols, working in physically demanding environments, and troubleshooting complex electrical issues under tight deadlines. To prepare, candidates should be well-versed in industry safety standards, participate in ongoing technical training, and develop strong communication skills to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams. Proactively staying updated on evolving technologies and regulations also helps minimize risks and enhances job performance.

What is the difference between Kv Power vs Electrical Technician?

AspectKv PowerElectrical Technician
CertificationsTypically requires a relevant electrical or power industry certificationRequires electrical trade certifications or licenses
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in power plants, substations, or utility companiesIn various settings including construction sites, maintenance, and industrial facilities
Industry UsageCommonly employed in power generation and distribution sectorsUsed across multiple industries including manufacturing, construction, and maintenance

Kv Power professionals focus on high-voltage power systems, ensuring safe operation and maintenance of electrical infrastructure. Electrical Technicians perform a broader range of electrical tasks across different environments. While both roles require electrical knowledge and certifications, Kv Power specialists typically work with high-voltage systems in the power industry, whereas Electrical Technicians have a more diverse scope across various sectors.

What job categories do people searching Kv Power jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Kv Power jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Kv Power job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,764 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Substation Electrician

City of Palo Alto

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$153K - $188K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


City Of Palo Alto rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description The 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 125 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. Learn more about our Utilities Department. The Position The Substation Electrician is a skilled, journey-level position that performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled work in installation, maintenance and repair of a substation.

Workers specialize in low, medium, and high-voltage substation work, including switching, equipment maintenance and calibration. Performs skilled work in electrical construction, maintenance, climb station structures, operate aerial lift, hot washing, oil filtering and troubleshooting of electric utility facilities such as electric transmission, distribution, communication and SCADA systems. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate will be skilled in general fundamentals of electrical theory, control relaying, protection relaying, control and power switching schemes.

Knowledge of tools and systems used in the trade and committed to safe work practices. The ability to communicate with others, make sound decisions, and to assimilate and understand information in a manner consistent with the essential job functions and maintain cooperative working relationships with other employees and the public is essential. This position is part of the Service Employees' International Union (SEIU).

Compensation (SEIU): Comprehensive compensation plan. To learn more, click here. Benefits: The City offers a fantastic benefits package including: Schedule: Option of a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off Professional development: Tuition reimbursement, leadership training, and career growth opportunities Education benefits: Potential enrollment for dependents in the Palo Alto Unified School District (pilot program, subject to change) Childcare support: $10,000 in childcare subsidies (pilot program, subject to change) Commute benefits: Incentives for walking, biking and taking transit to work.

The City of Palo Alto participates in the Clipper Bay Pass program (Employee Cost: $5 per month). Defined-Benefit Retirement Plan: with competitive pension benefits Essential Duties Essential Duties and Responsibilities - essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following: Install, test, calibrate, troubleshoot and repair simple and complex protective relays, regulator control and operating devices, power transformer protective and safety devices and maintain appropriate records for calibration, testing and maintenance. Install, test, maintain and repair 115KV, 60kV, 12kV and 4kV power circuit breakers; perform periodic trip testing.

Maintain, test and repair, 115/60, 60/12, 60/4-kv power transformers and load tap changers. Sample, test and evaluate insulating oil and other media and maintain appropriate records including DGA and dielectric test. Troubleshoot, repair, maintain and calibrate computer-based SCADA system, transducers, input devices, communication equipment and data transmission equipment.

Perform substation high-voltage switching operations. Test, calibrate, maintain and repair distribution system line equipment such as transformers, capacitors, regulators, reclosers and associated control equipment. Test prior to energizing and perform fault locating of high-voltage underground cable systems Assists with the design, programing, installation, maintenance of PLC and SCADA functions.

Installs, maintains and repairs electric control/protection systems both AC and DC, PLC's, Motor Control Center. Perform infrared scanning of substations transmission/distribution equipment 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: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade; and, Completion of an accredited apprentice program Experience with solid state circuitry and computer-based test equipment, control, monitoring and analysis system and associated tools required Special Requirements May be required to work on standby and/or pre-arranged or emergency situations Possession of a valid California Driver's License Supplemental Information Working Conditions / Physical Requirements: Travel from site to site; exposure to high voltage and heights; lifting, climbing and stooping.

Hazardous conditions are an extremely critical factor of this job, working in close proximity to energized lines and equipment up to 115,000 volts. Work in small, confined areas. Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body when lifting heavy electrical equipment during installation, or when climbing in and out of the truck cab or bucket.

Move electrical components or fixtures weighing up to 70 pounds short distances. Communicate orally both face to face and using a telephone or radio when receiving or communicating status of work assignments. Sit for extended periods of time with the ability to move about at will when working on ground level electrical facilities.

The Selection Process: Applicants will receive recruitment status notifications via email. Governmentjobs.com account also has notification status updates. Applicants will be screened throughout the posting process, and highly qualified candidates may be invited to interview at any time

The screening process for this position includes a panel interview and skills assessment preceding final interviews with the hiring manager or their designee. More than one position may be filled as a result of this recruitment process. 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.

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.


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