Title: Hydro Stationary Engineer Subforeman/Woman Light
Pollock Pines, CA, US, 95726-1500
Minimum Pay Rate: $71.40 per hour
Maximum Pay Rate: $71.40 per hour
Apply by Date: 05/21/2026
Posting Type: Open
Note: Pay rates for this role are anticipated to increase by 4% by Summer 2026, subject to approval and timing of implementation
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 are seeking a dedicated and experienced Hydro Stationary Engineer Foreman to lead our Power Generation team at the Hydro Generation Operation Facility in Fresh Pond, approximately 60 miles east of Sacramento and 15 miles east of Placerville. In this leadership role, you will leverage technical knowledge and team management skills to ensure the safe and efficient operation of our critical hydroelectric infrastructure.
Your responsibilities will include overseeing large construction projects, directing Hydro Stationary Engineers and Apprentices across a variety of skilled trades such as HVACR, building automation, fire systems, electrical, plumbing, welding, locksmithing, painting, and civil maintenance. Work environments will range from powerhouses and dams to reservoirs and remote locations.
The ideal candidate possesses journey-level experience installing, servicing, and operating equipment in these areas, with particular emphasis on hydroelectric systems. Your expertise will be essential in supporting the safe and reliable operation of SMUD's hydroelectric facilities. You will actively promote safety, provide technical training, coordinate project work, and participate directly in complex maintenance and repair activities-all while fostering a culture of safety, excellence, and continuous improvement.
Purpose
Directs the work of Hydro Stationary Engineers I, II and Apprentice for 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. Provides lead direction and work reviews to assigned staff on specific projects.
Nature and Scope
This is a working foreman position requiring independent problem solving and innovative thinking to improve and enhance systems performance and deliver outstanding customer experience and satisfaction. This job class is required to assign, oversee and perform 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. The Hydro Stationary Engineer Foreman differs from the Hydro Stationary Engineer lI in that it functions in a lead capacity in addition to demonstrating 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.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provides lead direction on specific projects as assigned; organizes and directs work.
- Actively participates in safety programs and insures all work is performed in a safe manner.
- Provides technical and safety on the job training of subordinates; assigns areas of responsibility; oversees and inspects the work of contractors.
- Assists with overseeing apprentice work and documentation of work assignments for the apprentice program.
Independently performs the work of a Journey-level stationary engineer in remote locations and inclement weather. The work is performed in one or more of the specific areas described below:
- HVAC/Refrigeration
- Installs, maintains, repairs, overhauls, rebuilds, and troubleshoot HVACR and other equipment in SMUD buildings or plants. Equipment includes commercial/industrial equipment; Scroll Chiller, Primary/Secondary pumps, hydronic cooling systems, resistant heat/gas fired split systems, package units and heat exchangers. . Stand-alone systems include package air conditioners, heat pumps and ice machines.
- Building Automation Systems
- Installs, programs, operates, troubleshoots, repairs, calibrates and maintains centralized building automation control systems, Trend and data analysis, alarm parameters, system optimizations and scheduling of building HVAC systems access. Stand-alone system controls for remote sites, smart thermostats, portable data collectors and space monitors.
- Fire Systems
- Oversees and performs scheduled maintenance, testing, troubleshooting and repair of building fire monitoring and suppression systems for both CO2 and water mist systems. Performs testing.
- Electrical
- Performs electrical installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair on individual HVAC/Mechanical equipment up to and including 3 phase 480 VAC. Knowledge of and ability to work around transmission, distribution, and generation equipment and voltages. Ability to identify voltages, approach distances and arc flash boundaries. Replacement of motors, relays, switches, circuit boards and small panel transformers. Repair powered gates, install and wire low voltage panels and wiring for building automation controls, doors and locks. Builds and installs HVAC control panels.
- Mechanical/Plumbing
- Install, maintain, troubleshoot, repair and modify air Handlers, supply / return fans, exhaust fans, damper assemblies, actuators, air distribution and heat exchangers. Performs welding and metal fabrication. Installs, maintains, troubleshoots, repairs and modifies indoor and outdoor plumbing systems, sewage lift stations, well pumps, water heaters, domestic water booster pumps, and sewage ejection systems.
- Locksmith
- Installs, troubleshoots, repairs and modifies all doors and locks. Replace cores, track key hierarchy and modify doors to install custom hardware and closures. Install access control hardware. Maintain electric gates, electric and mechanical rollup doors.
Duties and Responsibilities Cont.
- Civil Maintenance/Paint
- Perform building modifications including metal fabrication and sheet metal fabrication / welding, Paints interior/exterior walls of buildings, equipment and other surfaces by brush, roller, or sprayer; operates power tools such as sanders, saws, and paint sprayers associated with operations and maintenance SMUD facilities, equipment, and properties. Maintains, cleans and repairs roofs, vegetation management, dam safety functions, general safety functions, transportation and equipment operation, concrete structural, interior work and hazardous materials management. This work includes maintenance of dams in remote locations and long work hours in the wilderness areas.
- Operates SMUD vehicles and equipment including trucks forklifts, scissor lifts, snow removal equipment, bucket trucks, man lifts, fixed cranes, boats and helicopter rigging.
Required Education
- Equivalent completion of sufficient formal and/or informal education to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the essential functions and duties.
Required Experience Qualifications
- A minimum of four years (4) of experience with SMUD as a Building Maintenance Mechanic or Stationary Engineer at SMUD’s Hydro facilities or comparable experience.
Required Licenses/Certificates
- Applicants must hold a Universal Refrigerant Transition and Recovery certification.
- Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record (not more than two moving violations in the last two years). A Class “A” driver’s license may be required (and in addition, the position may require a hazardous materials and tanker endorsements) within six (6) months of hire.
- Candidates appointed to positions requiring the possession/retention of a Class “A” driver’s license must undergo an initial drug and alcohol screen and submit to random drug and alcohol screens as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
Knowledge Of
Skills To
Desirable Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience leading teams, providing mentorship, and training in skilled trades environments.
- Ability to organize, prioritize, and oversee multiple projects and employees, including coordination with contractors and apprentices.
- Expertise in essential skilled trades (such as HVACR, electrical, plumbing, welding, and automation) within hydroelectric or similarly complex facilities.
- Strong commitment to enforcing and promoting safe work practices, and experience participating in workplace safety programs.
- Proven ability to communicate instructions clearly, provide constructive feedback, and build positive working relationships.
Physical Requirements
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.