Note: Pay rates for this role are anticipated to increase by 4% by Summer 2026, subject to approval and timing of implementation
This position is being posted at both Level 1 and Level 2; however, only one hire will be made from these two postings. Candidates interested in both levels must apply separately to each posting.
At SMUD, we proudly serve over 1.4 million customers in the Sacramento area with affordable, reliable electricity. As a community-owned, not-for-profit utility, we've been committed to keeping energy costs low and service dependable for more than 70 years. Our team of 2,200 skilled employees works around the clock to provide clean energy and develop smart solutions that benefit both our customers and the environment. Hydroelectric power plays a crucial role in our energy mix, providing sustainable, renewable energy that helps reduce carbon emissions and supports grid reliability. By focusing on hydro, we're investing in a clean energy source that's here for the long haul and essential to building a greener future for our community.
We're looking for a dedicated and skilled Hydro Stationary Engineer II to join our Power Generation team at the Hydro Generation Operation Facility in Fresh Pond, located about 60 miles east of Sacramento and 15 miles east of Placerville. The ideal candidate has journey-level experience installing, servicing, and operating equipment in HVACR, building automation, fire systems, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fabrication, locksmithing, painting, and civil maintenance, especially focused on hydroelectric equipment and associated facilities. Your expertise will support safe, reliable operations at a variety of SMUD facilities, with special emphasis on hydroelectric powerhouses, dams, reservoirs, and remote locations.
You will handle complex installations, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair tasks critical to our infrastructure, while taking initiative to innovate and enhance system performance. Opportunities to provide lead direction on projects and coordinate contractor activities allow you to further demonstrate leadership and technical abilities. If you're passionate about working in challenging environments, tackling unique technical problems, and supporting California's clean energy future, a career as a Hydro Stationary Engineer II at SMUD offers a rewarding path forward.
Under general to limited supervision, performs a variety of highly skilled industrial/commercial trades work including HVACR (Heating Ventilation Air-conditioning and Refrigeration), Building Automation, Fire Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fabrication, Locksmith, Painting, and Civil maintenance work in the operation, repair, and maintenance of SMUD facilities with an emphasis on Hydroelectric equipment and properties. May provide lead direction and work review to assigned staff on specific projects.
This is a Journey- level requiring independent problem solving and innovative thinking to improve and enhance systems performance and deliver outstanding customer experience and satisfaction. This job class requires the performance of the more specialized and complex duties related to a specific skilled trade(s) in an assigned area such as office buildings, shops, power houses, telecommunications data centers, switchyards, reservoirs, dams and other remote locations. Incumbents may direct the work of contractors. The Hydro Stationary Engineer ll differs from the Hydro Stationary Engineer l in that it requires expertise in three or more of the skilled trades with some experience in all; HVACR, Building Automation, Fire Systems & Suppression Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Locksmith, Metal Fabrication/ Welding, as well as the performance of semi-skilled general building maintenance work.
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
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.
We recommend you create a SMUD Candidate account through our SMUD Careers page, upload your resume and cover letter to be considered for this and other open position.
As the nation’s sixth-largest, community-owned, not-for-profit electric service, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity to Sacramento County for over 75 years. SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. See a map of our service area.
Read more about SMUD's history
We're proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Happy, satisfied and engaged employees create a workplace that best serves our customers. That's one reason we're also first among all California utilities in customer satisfaction.
Our commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion
We respect, value and celebrate the unique attributes, characteristics and perspectives of each individual. Diversity, equity and inclusion are guiding principles to deliver a culture that reflects the broader values of the community and our customers.