Troubleshooter with class A

Department: T&D Line Construction & Maintenance

Location:

Sacramento, CA, US,

Category:
Skilled/Craft/Trades

The intent of this posting is fill one (1) regular full-time position and create and eligiblity list that may be used to fill permanent or limited-term vacancies for the next two (2) years.

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.

Minimum Pay Rate: $91.89 per hour

Maximum Pay Rate: $91.89 per hour

Apply by Date: 09/04/2026

Note:

Qualified candidates from this process may be invited to an in-person written and practical exam which will be held to determine levels of skill and ability. Written exam tentatively scheduled for mid-September 2026.

Under the general direction of Distribution System Operators, but with considerable freedom of independent action, a Troubleshooter operates, monitors, troubleshoots and repairs SMUD sub-transmission and distribution system. Employees in this classification receive general supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures. This job class exercises responsibility for investigating, isolating and, in some cases repairing causes of electrical outages in the overhead and underground URD electrical system, determining what materials/ repairs are required to restore service.

This job class functions at the full working journey level of classification.

• Investigates causes of electrical outages in the overhead and underground electrical system; locates and isolates faults; replaces fuses.
• Determine what materials are required to restore service; performs repair work on electrical lines and equipment under emergency conditions; makes repairs or cuts in clear energized lines, as necessary to make conditions safe.
• Checks substations for proper operating conditions; uses meter to determine loading and voltage on equipment and conductors.
• Performs field switching operations as directed by the Distribution System Operator; recommends changes in switching procedures; operates substation circuit breakers, disconnect switches, and control switches; observes and accurately records readings from various instruments.
• Investigates customer complaints regarding electrical service; tests and maintains street dusk-to-dawn lights.
• Disconnect electric service for non-payment, customer repair, or when hazardous wiring is evident; connects and reconnects service on weekends and after normal working hours; collects payments and deposits from customers.
• Performs minor tree trimming; patrols and inspects lines and equipment and reports or makes repairs to correct hazardous or degraded conditions.
• Splices primary and secondary cables with preformed or taped splices.
• Conducts high voltage DC tests on cables and switch gear using various specialized equipment and instruments.
• Performs phasing tests on high voltage underground circuits; with the aid of specialized instruments, locates de-energized cable in areas containing energized cable.
• Takes primary clearances necessary to do work.
• Directs the work of others necessary to facilitate repairs of URD cable.
• Maintains a log in chronological order, and other paper work as required.
• Performs other related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

• High School diploma or equivalent

• Typically, the skills and knowledge listed above are attained by working as a SMUD journey-level Lineman/Linewoman for a period of two (2) years.

Line construction methods, operations and standards (G.O. 95 and 128) related to the overhead and underground electrical system; meters, transformers, switching, and regulating gear; SMUD, State and Federal safety rules and regulations; industry and SMUD methods of high voltage testing; basic electrical theory; meter reading; fault location methods; SMUD service requirements.

Recognize defects and make repairs in the overhead and underground URD electrical system under emergency conditions; analyzes electrical distribution equipment damage and determine materials, equipment and manpower needed to make repairs; prepare oral and written reports; accurately read, record, and report instrument indications; work independently; follow oral and written instructions; make decisions independently; read maps and drawings; work safely around and on high…