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

DUTIES

ANNUAL SALARY
$88,092 to $109,432; $92,832 to $115,341; and $123,776 to $130,687
 
NOTES:

1. Candidates from the eligible list are normally appointed to vacancies in the lower pay grade positions.
2. Annual salary is at the start of the pay range. The current salary range is subject to change. Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer.
3. For information regarding reciprocity between the City of Los Angeles departments and LADWP, go to .

WHERE TO APPLY & APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications will only be accepted on-line. When you are viewing the on-line job bulletin of your choice, simply scroll to the top of the page and select the "Apply" icon. On-line job bulletins are also available at .
 
NOTE:
 
Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure you have time to resolve any technical issues you may encounter.
 
Applications will only be accepted on-line on the dates listed below: 
 
Filing Period 1: From Friday, October 3, 2025 to Thursday, October 16, 2025

Filing Period 2: From Friday, October 30, 2026 to Thursday, November 12, 2026

The examination may close without prior notice at any time after a sufficient number of applications have been received. Filing periods may change without prior notice or additional dates may be added, as needed, at a later date. For administrative purposes, filing will close periodically and reopen on the dates noted in the “Application Deadline” section of this bulletin.

In accordance with Civil Service Rule 4.2, all applicants who apply may not be tested in this examination. To meet anticipated hiring needs, only a limited number of qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the selection process in the following order: 1) Los Angeles City Promotional applicants who meet the minimum requirements. You must have received a regular appointment to a City position or be on a reserve list to apply for this examination as a promotional candidate; 2) Applicants currently employed by the City of Los Angeles on a part-time or exempt basis who meet the minimum requirements; 3) Remaining applicants who meet the minimum requirements in sufficient numbers to meet hiring needs based on a random sampling of those candidates. Applicants not selected to be tested may re-apply in a subsequent filing period in order to be considered for that period's selection process.

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.

The multiple-choice test will be proctored and administered on-line during a single session. Candidates invited to participate in the on-line multiple-choice test will be able to take the test as instructed from a remote location (i.e., their home) using a computer with a webcam and a reliable internet connection. Candidates will receive an e-mail from the City of Los Angeles outlining the dates and specific steps on how to take the multiple-choice test on-line. Candidates who do not complete and submit the remote proctored multiple-choice test on-line using a computer by the specified date and time as instructed will not be considered further in this examination.

For candidates who apply between OCTOBER 3, 2025 and OCTOBER 16, 2025, it is anticipated that the on-line multiple choice-test will be administered between TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2025 and MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2025.

For candidates who apply between OCTOBER 30, 2026 and NOVEMBER 12, 2026, it is anticipated that the on-line multiple choice-test will be administered between TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2027 and MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2027.

FAQS FOR ON-LINE TESTING
FAQs for on-line testing are available at . Only candidates who demonstrate a hardship may be offered the option to take the multiple-choice test onsite at a City facility.

Candidates must achieve a passing score on the multiple-choice test in order to be invited to the performance test.

Candidates will be notified later by e-mail of the time and location of the performance test, which will be held in Los Angeles. Candidates will need to wear appropriate work attire when reporting for the performance test. Long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and work boots are required.

In the performance test, the following competencies may be evaluated: Job Knowledge, including knowledge of: reading and understanding diagrams and measuring materials accurately; Mechanical Aptitude, including knowledge of portable power and hand tools; Physical Capability, including the ability to: climb, balance, and extend; lift up to 70 pounds unassisted; and demonstrate manual dexterity; and other necessary skills, knowledge and abilities.

Candidates must achieve a final average score of 70% or higher on the multiple-choice test and pass the performance test in order to be placed on the eligible list.

Additional job analysis information can be obtained by going to  and clicking on Competencies under Underground Distribution Construction Mechanic.

SCORE BANDING
The scores in the multiple-choice test will be reported in bands that reflect candidates’ performance in the multiple-choice test. Seniority credit for promotional candidates and veteran credit for open candidates who attain a final passing score will be added to the banded scores of each candidate. The specific range of each band will be determined by Personnel Department staff after the multiple-choice test is administered. Consideration will be given to the number of candidates taking the multiple-choice test and the existing and anticipated number of vacancies, such that there are a sufficient number of eligibles on the list to satisfy current and future vacancies for the next two years. Therefore, the Final General Average for the Underground Distribution Mechanic examination will consist of the banded score after adding seniority credits for promotional candidates or veteran credits for open candidates who attained a final passing score.

NOTES:

1. This examination is based on a validation study, and as provided by Civil Service Commission Rule 4.20, the multiple-choice test will not be subject to candidate review.
2. You may take the Underground Distribution Construction Mechanic multiple-choice test only once every 18 months under this bulletin. If you have taken the Underground Distribution Construction Mechanic multiple-choice test and performance test during an open filing period in the Personnel Department within the last 18 months under this bulletin, you may not file for this examination at this time.
3. Based on City policy, before being hired in one of these positions, you may be required to undergo mandatory drug and alcohol testing prior to and during employment in this class.
4. As a covered entity under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. To request a disability accommodation, please complete the Disability Accommodation Form within 14 calendar days of the submittal of the City application. The Disability Accommodation Form can be obtained at .
5. Applications are accepted subject to review to ensure that minimum qualifications are met. Candidates may be disqualified at any time if it is determined that they do not possess the minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin.
6. In conjunction with Civil Service Rules, applicants who have received a regular appointment to a City position or are on a reserve list will be considered Promotional candidates while all other applicants will be considered Open candidates.
7. The promotional list will ordinarily be used ahead of the open competitive list. However, if open competitive candidates receive a higher score, without military credits, than the highest available promotional candidate, after adding seniority credit at the rate of 0.25 of a point for each year of continuous classified City service, the Civil Service Commission, upon request of the appointing authority, may approve certification of such open competitive candidates ahead of the promotional candidates.
8. Candidates must achieve a final average score of 70% or higher on the multiple-choice test and pass the performance test in order to be placed on the eligible list.
9. Your rank on the eligible list may change as scores of candidates from other administrations of this examination are merged onto one list.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENT(S)/MINIMUM QUALIFICATION(S):

• 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
• or One year full-time paid experience in maintenance and construction work
• or 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
• PROCESS NOTES 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
• Trainees receive extensive classroom training as well as on the job training as an Underground Distribution Construction Mechanic Trainee
• Underground Distribution Construction Mechanic Trainees are required to utilize various tools and equipment while working in a confined area of an underground vault, do heavy manual labor, climb ladders, install trench shoring, navigate around trench jacks in confined areas, and operate jackhammers and other pneumatic tools
• 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
• 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:. 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
• Active United States Military personnel may file for this examination
• However, they cannot be appointed until they have completed their military service and have been discharged with satisfactory performance
• Proof of military service and satisfactory performance must be provided prior to appointment
• Applicants filing under Requirement #4 must submit at the time of filing their application a copy of their DD-214 or a copy of their military identification indicating End of Active Obligated Service (EAOS) date within six months from the application date
• The copy of the DD-214 or military identification with EAOS must be attached to the on-line application BEFORE the application is submitted
• If the copy is attached AFTER the on-line application has been submitted, it will not be available to the City and applicants WILL NOT be credited with having submitted it
• Applicants who fail to submit the DD-214 or military identification with EAOS at the time of filing by attaching it to the on-line application will not be considered further in this examination
• A valid Class C driver's license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is required 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
• See the corresponding “Job Preview” for additional information regarding the duties of an Underground Distribution Construction Mechanic in a trainee and/or journey-level position
• The Job Preview is available on-line at

Work for Warriors is a no-cost employment program of the California Military Department for Service Members, Veterans, and military family members. The Veteran Staffing Consultant for City of Los Angeles is Damon Oliver.