Substructure Cement Finisher

Description

If you’re a skilled Cement Finisher who takes pride in high-quality work,

apply today for this rewarding opportunity and work for one of the peninsula's top employers!

The Department
Palo Alto is the only city in California that offers a full array of utility services (electric, gas, water, sewer, fiber) 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 utility service, local decision-making over policies, utility ratemaking, environmental programs, and customized services. Learn more about the City's Utilities Department.

Career Opportunity
The City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) is seeking a skilled Cement Finisher to join our new substructure construction crew supporting electric utility infrastructure. This position is responsible for the repair and replacement of sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and utility trench concrete restoration. The successful candidate possesses exceptional customer service skills and thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal Candidate

• At least two years of experience in asphalt and concrete finishing.
• Solid knowledge of construction basics, concrete volume calculation, and the ability to operate equipment such as Bobcats, dump trucks, and concrete saws.
• Demonstrates a focus on safety while working within a team under the direction of a Lead or Supervisor.
  
• Class B Driver’s License or higher is preferred.

Benefits: Fantastic benefits package! To learn more, click here .
Compensation (SEIU): Comprehensive compensation plan. To learn more, click here .
Work Schedule: 9/80 schedule, Monday through Thursday, 6:30am - 4:00pm and Fridays 6:30am- 3:00pm with every other Friday off

This position is represented by Service Employee International Union (SEIU).

Essential Duties

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

• Knowledge of and ability to perform concrete construction and finish work.
• Ability to do basic calculation of concrete areas and volumes.
• Ability to lift and use 90-lb. Jackhammer
• Ability to operate a dump truck, bobcat with attachments, concrete saw, and mechanical grinders, and related equipment and tools.
• Ability to perform basic calculations of concrete areas and volumes.
• Ability to perform basic plumbing to replace sprinklers and/or irrigation systems.
• Skill in basic carpentry and masonry to restore property damaged during demolition phase.
• Ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include walking, standing or kneeling for extended periods of time and operating assigned equipment and vehicles.
• Ability to communicate with others and to assimilate and understand information, in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.
• Ability to operate assigned equipment.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.

To review full job description, click here.

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:

• High school graduate or GED preferred; and,
• Two years of experience in general construction and maintenance, of which at least one year performing journey-level concrete forming and finishing

Special Requirements:

• Ability to pass drug test as mandated by the Department of Transportation
• Possession of a valid California Class A driver's license at the time of appointment or ability to acquire during the first six months of employment

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

Construction site environment; exposure to dust and noise; lifting, standing, climbing and kneeling; 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 may be 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 (855) 524-5627 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 Bookletfor more details.
Learn more about our Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) between the City and its bargaining units, by clicking HERE.

Closing Date/Time: 5/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific