Electric Heavy Equipment Operator

Salary : $117,894.40 - $144,206.40 Annually
Location : Municipal Services Center, 3201 East Bayshore, Palo Alto, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 202501162
Department: Utilities Department
Opening Date: 04/06/2026
Closing Date: 6/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


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 100 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 rate-making, environmental programs, and customized services.

Career Opportunity

The Electric Heavy Equipment Operator is a journey-level position that is assigned to work with the Electric line crew with Lineperson/Cable Splicers, Electrical Assistants, Substation Electricians, and other staff while performing various maintenance tasks, including the installation and repair of the electric systems. The responsibility of this position is to operate heavy equipment and other equipment used in Electric Operations, such as: electrical line truck, cable pulling equipment, bucket trucks, and wheeled cranes. A requirement of this position includes the ability to obtain a crane certification within 6 months of appointment and to maintain this certification.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is knowledgeable in safe work practices and skilled at identifying potential hazards and obstructions when operating equipment and working around electrical systems. To be successful in this role, the candidate must have experience operating heavy equipment used in electric utility operations and work effectively as part of a team with line crews and other field staff. They should demonstrate reliability and dependability with a strong work ethic, along with flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic field environment, and possess strong communication and interpersonal skills that support a positive and collaborative workplace.
Embark on this rewarding career. Apply today!

Benefits : The City offers a fantastic benefits package that includes affordable healthcare plans, generous retirement packages, paid parental leave, convenient commuter programs and !
Compensation (SEIU) : Comprehensive compensation plan. To learn more, click.
Schedule : 9/80 work schedule (with every other Friday off).
This position is represented by Service Employee International Union position (SEIU).


This is a continuous recruitment and may remain open until filled.

Essential Duties
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Works with Lineperson/Cable Splicer Lead, Lineperson/Cable Splicer or Electrician operating equipment used during installation, maintenance, and repair of the electric system
• Operates electrical line truck, digging pole holes, setting poles, transformers, switches, and any other related hardware in and around energized lines
• Operates cranes, ditch witch as needed
• Assists members of the Electric Division as required
• Perform related duties and responsibilities asrequired
• Complies with safety standards and practices
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures in working with Heavy Equipment.

To see full job description, click.

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:

• Completion of High School, GED, or equivalent; and,
• One year of experience operating type(s) of heavy equipment used in line construction

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California Class A commercial driver's permit with appropriate endorsements required within sixty days of appointment, with the ability to obtain a license within six months.
• Ability to pass a drug test as mandated by the Department of Transportation.
• Possession of, or the ability to, obtain required crane certification within six months of appointment to be maintained throughout incumbency

Supplemental Information
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

Construction site environment; exposure to dust and loud machine noise; danger of heavy equipment; some climbing, stooping, and lifting; work in inclement weather conditions

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.
• An eligible list may be established from this recruitment and used to fill future vacancies for up to six (6) months, or until the list has been exhausted.

Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at View phone number on click.appcast.io between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday.

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.
See our Benefits at a Glance Booklet for more details.
Learn more about our Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) between the City and its bargaining units, by clicking
01


Do you currently possess or have the ability to obtain a California Class A Commercial Drivers' License within six (6) months of appointment?

• Yes
• No

02


Describe your experience operating the following equipment: electrical line truck with digger and cable pulling equipment.
Required Question