Utility Laborer

East Bay Municipal Utility District • Oakland, CA

11h • Onsite

About The Position

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, and 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. 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, and demonstrate mechanical and spatial ability.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• The probation period for this position 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.
• As the first step in the selection process, responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted online with the regular EBMUD application.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or equivalent
• A minimum one year of experience performing outdoor manual labor using construction tools and equipment

Responsibilities

• Assisting journey and sub-journey level workers in the installation, repair, and maintenance of underground pipelines, valves, meters, hydrants, and other related facilities.
• 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.
• Reporting on time and being ready to work.
• Working cooperatively as a team member.
• Understanding and following verbal instructions and directions.
• Learning and applying required areas of knowledge.
• Building on foundational knowledge as required for promotion.
• Using tools and equipment properly, safely and effectively.
• Reading and understanding written training materials.
• Using basic arithmetic up to and including fractions, decimals and percentages.
• Demonstrating mechanical and spatial ability.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED