UNDERGROUND DISTRIBUTION CONSTRUCTION MECHANIC 3812 (REV 10/2/25)

About the role

An Underground Distribution Construction Mechanic constructs, maintains, and repairs underground ducts, maintenance holes, and vaults.

Responsibilities

• Constructs, maintains, and repairs underground ducts, maintenance holes, and vaults.
• Utilizes various tools and equipment while working in a confined area of an underground vault.
• Climbs ladders, installs trench shoring, navigates around trench jacks in confined areas, and operates jackhammers and other pneumatic tools.

Requirements

• One year of full-time paid experience as a Maintenance Laborer, Maintenance and Construction Helper, or Electrical Craft Helper with the City of Los Angeles;
• One year full-time paid experience in maintenance and construction work;
• One year of full-time paid experience as a Utility Pre-Craft Trainee with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, with:
• Six months in the Underground Construction Mechanic trade, or working on a district crew in Power Distribution overhead and underground, or with Water Distribution, or
• One year full-time paid experience in maintenance and construction work while in the United States Armed Forces.

Qualifications

To qualify, applicants must submit a "Verification of Work Experience" (VWE) form with the required signatures, verifying their experience in the areas noted above. The VWE form should indicate the type of work performed and the amount of time spent performing such work. Applicants filing under Requirement #3 using City of Los Angeles experience must submit a “Verification of Work Experience” (VWE) form with the required signatures, verifying their experience in the areas noted above. The VWE form should indicate the type of work performed and the amount of time spent performing such work. This form may be obtained on-line at http://per.lacity.org/exams/vwe-sup.pdf. Applicants may attach the completed VWE form to their on-line application at the time of filing, or will have seven (7) calendar days from the on-line submission date to e-mail a copy of their completed VWE form, including the required signatures to: per.appdocs@lacity.org. The subject line of your e-mail must include the exam title, your name and indicate it is a VWE. In the body of your e-mail, you must also include your first and last name, last four digits of your Social Security Number and contact phone number. Applicants who fail to submit their signed VWE form within the time required will not be considered further in this examination and their applications will not be processed.

Skills

Applicants must have a valid Class C driver's license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of appointment. Candidates will not be eligible for appointment to these positions if their DMV record within the last 36 months reflects three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents, or a conviction of a major moving violation such as DUI. A valid Class B driver’s license with a restriction of “Automatic Transmission Only” and a valid medical certificate approved by the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles is required at the time of appointment to a journey-level Underground Distribution Construction Mechanic position.

Benefits

The annual salary is at the start of the pay range and the current salary range is subject to change. Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer. For information regarding reciprocity between the City of Los Angeles departments and LADWP, go to http://per.lacity.org/Reciprocity_CityDepts_and_DWP.pdf.

Pay

Annual salary is $88,092 to $109,432; $92,832 to $115,341; and $123,776 to $130,687.

Schedule

Process notes indicate that all entry-level positions are temporary training positions as defined in Civil Service Commission Rule 5.30. An Underground Distribution Construction Mechanic must successfully complete an extensive on-the-job and classroom training program within twenty-four (24) months in order to receive an appointment to a regular Underground Distribution Construction Mechanic journey-level position.

Selection Process

• Examination Weight: Multiple-Choice Test - 100% Performance Test - Pass/Fail
• The examination will consist of a weighted multiple-choice test and a pass/fail performance test. The examination score will be based entirely on a multiple-choice test.
• In the on-line multiple-choice test, the following competencies may be evaluated: Reading Comprehension; Mathematics; Safety Focus, including knowledge of: basic first aid techniques; safety practices related to construction; traffic control methods for construction activities; and hazards of electrical equipment; Job Knowledge, including knowledge of: materials used in form construction; use and maintenance of a variety of tools, materials and equipment used in a large range of construction activities, such as Portland cement, concrete and cement grout work, asphalt work, excavation and breaking of concrete; methods, procedures, tools, materials, and equipment used in electrical conduit work, and digging, shoring, and cribbing; standard hand signals used in construction work; survey markings and symbols used to locate underground facilities; procedures and equipment used to test explosive gases; and how to read and interpret construction plans and diagrams for maintenance holes, vaults, and conduit lines; Mechanical Aptitude, including knowledge of: the operation and minor maintenance of power tools and hand tools; rigging techniques, including hoisting and proper use of slings, knots, ropes, and cables; and other necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities.