Utility Laborer

The Position

Applications will ONLY be accepted for a 24-hour period starting Thursday, June 11th at 4:30 p.m. and concluding at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 12th

East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) is recruiting Utility Laborers (ULs).

Under Supervision, ULs Work As Crew Members Performing Physically Demanding Outdoor Work Assisting Journey And Sub-journey Level Workers In The Installation, Repair, And Maintenance Of Underground Pipelines, Valves, Meters, Hydrants, And Other Related Facilities. Additional Tasks Include

• Using a variety of common hand tools and power tools
• Digging and shoveling dirt, sand, and gravel
• Operating large, heavy tools and equipment
• Placing appropriate safety signs and directing traffic at work sites
• Performing other related work as required
  
  

ULs work in both the Distribution Maintenance and Construction (DMC) and the Pipeline Construction Divisions (PCD) of the Operations and Maintenance Department. Assignments may be made anywhere in EBMUDs service area and may include job site reporting.

Although no experience is required, the selection process is very competitive. Desirable qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, and a minimum one year of experience performing outdoor manual labor using construction tools and equipment.

The Ideal Candidate Will Be Prepared To

• Report on time and be ready to work
• Work cooperatively as a team member
• Understand and follow verbal instructions and directions
• Learn and apply required areas of knowledge
• Build on foundational knowledge as required for promotion
• Use tools and equipment properly, safely and effectively
• Read and understand written training materials
• Use basic arithmetic up to and including fractions, decimals and percentages
• Demonstrate mechanical and spatial ability
  
  

The salary range is $7,429 per month increasing to $7,800, $8,190 and $8,599 after 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively.

Every employee adds value to the EBMUD team as they are committed to responsible stewardship of our resources. The employee standard is to act with integrity, treat others with respect, and value a teamwork culture while fulfilling EBMUD's mission to provide reliable, high-quality water and wastewater services at fair rates.

EBMUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, marital or registered domestic partnership status, age for individuals age forty or older, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental or physical), medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veterans status, family or medical leave status, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical condition), pregnancy disability leave status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and other categories protected by federal, state and/or local laws.

Requirements

• Completion of the eighth grade.
• Possession of the physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the job, including:
• Lifting and carrying tools and equipment weighing up to 90 pounds
• Working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
• Working paid overtime on an extended shift or off-hours as needed
• Possession of a valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. DMV reports will be reviewed during the exam process. Applicants who do not have a satisfactory driving record by Friday, July 10, 2026 will be disqualified from the selection process.
  
  

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. To be considered under the “equivalent combination of education and experience” provision, it is your responsibility to include in your application materials written evidence of employment performed at the level of the typical duties of this position and/or coursework in subject areas directly related to this position. For more information, see our FAQ page at http://www.ebmud.com/jobs/job-resources/job-faqs-frequently-asked-questions/.

The Selection Process

• Submit a completed EBMUD application and the required supplemental question responses by 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2026.
• Candidates must achieve a passing score on each test part in order to advance to the next step in the selection process.
• Application materials will be reviewed and those applicants meeting the minimum requirements will be invited to an in-person written test scheduled for July 10-12, 2026. A photo ID is required to be admitted to the written test.
• The written test subject areas will include reading comprehension, math, mechanical ability, safety and tools, equipment and materials.
• Those candidates scoring highest on the written test will be invited to a qualifying physical abilities test tentatively scheduled for mid-August. The physical abilities test will measure your ability to perform the duties of a Utility Laborer. The specific test stations will measure the following:
• strength to carry materials, tools, or equipment weighing up to 90 pounds, distances up to 30 feet
• hand-eye coordination sufficient to use tools in both hands at the same time in order to increase efficiency
• skill to use tools and equipment efficiently utilizing proper technique and without injury
  
  

The test stations are: (1) lift and carry cement bags and a mechanical split T; (2) maneuver a pavement breaker; (3) assemble equipment; (4) lift and carry meter boxes; and (5) shoveling. Each test is rated on a pass/fail basis. Candidates must pass all the test stations in order to be placed on the hiring list.

• Successful candidates will be placed on the hiring list and invited to participate in a hiring interview panel. These interviews determine candidates’ final rank and hiring order to fill the current vacancies, as well as others occurring over the next 12 to 24 months.
• The probation period for this position is 6 months. For those holding civil service status the probation period is 6 months.
• All employment offers are conditional, pending the results of a Live Scan background screening. All selected finalists must participate in the Live Scan background screening process to remain in consideration for EBMUD employment.
  
  

Supplemental Information

As the first step in the selection process, responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted online with the regular EBMUD application.

Our Excellent Benefits Package Includes

• 12 days paid vacation; 16 holidays; 13 days paid sick leave;
• Family health insurance (choice of Kaiser fully paid or Sutter Health Plus or Anthem Blue Cross 85% paid);
• Fully paid family dental and vision care plans;life insurance; long-term disability insurance;
• EBMUD Retirement Plan (reciprocal with CalPERS);
• $1,000/yr. contributed to flexible spending account or cash;
• $145/mo. public transit subsidy;
• 401(k) and 457(b) tax-deferred retirement plans; Roth 401(k);
• $3,500/yr. tuition reimbursement;
• And opportunities for professional growth including training and career development.
  
  

01

Do you have a valid California driver's license?

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

If yes, what is your CA driver’s license number?

03

Do you have a valid out-of-state license? (If you have a valid out-of-state license, you may still apply; however, a valid California driver's license will be required prior to appointment)

• Yes
• No
  
  

04

If yes, what is your out-of-state driver’s license number?

05

Do you have a satisfactory driving record? (Since 1996 EBMUD has applied the following standards in determining the definition of an unsatisfactory driving record to disqualify applicants for job classes requiring a Class A or Class B commercial driver's license and for those whose primary function involves driving: Two convictions for driving under the influence appearing on a current DMV report OR 5 or more points appearing on a current DMV report).Note: EBMUD will obtain and review driving records at a later time during the selection process.

• Yes
• No
• Required Question