Utilities Maintenance Mechanic – Welding

Career Opportunity

The City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) is seeking a skilled professional with strong mechanical and welding skills to repair, maintain, and fabricate construction equipment and tools supporting Water-Gas-Wastewater Operations. This position is responsible for inspecting, operating, and maintaining water and gas distribution valves to ensure safe and reliable operation during emergencies and daily operations. Duties also include welding on gas distribution systems, mechanical units, and various tools and parts, as well as documenting maintenance and inspection activities in compliance with Federal Department of Transportation regulations.

Ideal Candidate

• Strong mechanical skills with experience repairing and servicing small engines, tools, and equipment
  Welding experience, including MIG (Metal Inert Gas), SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), and TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) processes
• Knowledge of safe work practices and procedures, including proper use of PPE in accordance with safety policies and regulations
• Ability to comply with Federal, State, and City safety regulations
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings related to fabrication work, as well as pressure and vacuum gauges
• Ability to fabricate custom parts, tools, and equipment as needed
• Ability to work with hazardous materials, including methane, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and solvents/thinners, following all safety protocols
• Willingness to work emergency call-outs, including occasional weekends and holidays
• Ability to travel to different work locations and work in inclement weather conditions

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

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

• Inspects, repairs and maintains equipment used in performing operation, maintenance and construction activities, including air relief valves, water-gas valves and fire hydrants.
• Troubleshoots electrical/mechanical malfunctions on items such as pumps, motors, compressors and electric lighting circuits/controls via functional test, visual inspection and other tests and checks to identify cause and action needed.
• Visually and mechanically inspects, cleans and orders all parts needed during overhaul.
• Rebuilds and reassembles units and checks operation and tolerances as necessary as units are redone.
• Functionally checks mechanical and/or electrical functions of newly installed units after properly setting controls by cycling equipment through proper sequences while visually/mechanically checking functions.
• Manufactures as necessary such things as plumbing, connectors, feed lines, brackets, shafts, tools, wood blocks, boxes and supports.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License
• Completion of 12th grade and 2 years experience in related shop practices
• Willing to work overtime or on-call 4-8 hours per week for emergency repairs
• Work weekends occasionally
• Work in different locations
• Travel locally and out-of-town to pick up parts and attend training
• Attend meetings during work for work assignments and safety meetings
• Work with dangerous substances such as methane, H2S, thinner
• Provide own safety shoes
• Wear safety gear

For Water-Gas-Wastewater:

• Ability to pass drug test as mandated by the Department of Transportation anti-drug program.
• Must become certified to weld on natural gas lines within the first six months of employment and continue certification yearly.

Great Pay. Excellent Benefits. Apply today!

Deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 (unless extended)

For a complete list of job requirements and to apply go to https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/paloaltoca

EOE/ADA