Natural Gas Inspector 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).

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.