Powerline Technician Apprentice – Job Description

General Statement of Duties

An employee in this position performs responsible semi-skilled and skilled work in assisting with the installation, replacement, repair and maintenance of electric distribution lines and appurtenances.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class performs a variety of work assisting with servicing the electric distribution system needs and responding to customer requests. Work involves direct customer service, underground and overhead electric distribution lines, and service and meter installations, tree trimming and other line clearance work. Work also includes considerable assistance with the construction and maintenance work in installing and repairing electric distribution and service lines, meters, excavating to proper depth and related tasks. Employees are subject to working long hours in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, vibration, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and oils. Employees are also subject to call-back work. Work is performed under the supervision of the Electric Supervisor and other skilled employees and is evaluated through observation and review of records for adherence to standard trade and safety practices, as well as customer satisfaction. Participates as part of a crew to construct, repair and maintain electric distribution and service lines.

Additional Job Duties

This employee performs any other tasks essential to the Electric Division and /or City needs, deemed necessary by supervision, in a professional manner.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This employee shows considerable ability to learn the tools, materials and equipment used in the installation, replacement, maintenance and repair of electric distribution utility lines. Considerable ability to recognize the hazards associated with working around heavy equipment, in trenches, electrical overhead and underground lines and other associated work hazards and the associated safety precautions. As well as, the ability to understand and implement a variety of maintenance and manual methods and tasks involved in assisting with the installation, maintenance, repair, location, and replacement of electric utility lines. This employee has the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public. This employee must have the capability to learn recognize abnormal operating conditions and mitigate the related hazards, along with the ability to learn to read utility maps and operation and service manuals and to understand and follow oral and written instructions. This employee should have remedial computer skills.

Physical Requirements

This employee must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. As well as possess the visual acuity to inspect fusions joints, read utility maps and diagrams, read measurement devices, and prepare records and calculations.

This employee must also be able to perform heavy duty work on a consistent basis. Employee is subject to random drug testing and must meet the manufacturer’s weight requirements for climbing gear and bucket truck operations.

Desirable Education and Experience

An employee in this class should be a high school graduate and be familiar with work performed in related construction or maintenance fields, including some familiarity in heavy equipment operation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of a valid driver’s license is required.

Starting Pay: $21.81/hour