Line Technician

Energize your future by joining our team at Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC)! NOVEC's mission is to create value for its members, employees and communities by providing safe, reliable electricity and quality products at competitive prices.

NOVEC is a locally owned electric distribution system headquartered in Manassas, VA. NOVEC provides reliable electric service to more than 180,000 homes and businesses in Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford counties, the City of Manassas Park, and the Town of Clifton. NOVEC's service reliability is the best in the region with a 99.99% average system reliability.  

As a leader on the high-tech frontier, NOVEC is using proven, cost-effective technology to improve productivity and reliability, reduce expenses, and increase cybersecurity – a national priority. Today’s technology includes what the industry calls "smart grid", as well as fiber optics, and mobile workforce.

OVERVIEW:

Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) is seeking Line Technicians to join the System Construction team!  We have an opening at out Gainesville Technical Center and at our Minnieville Office.

The position is responsible for the construction, operation and maintenance of NOVEC’s transmission and distribution system.  Ensures reliable economical electrical service, efficient service restoration, and the highest level of customer satisfaction in accordance with safety standards, regulatory compliance, and NOVEC policies and procedures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  Other related duties may be assigned. An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and effectively. Reasonable accommodation may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Line Technician 1st Class:

• Perform construction, troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, and service restoration of energized overhead and underground transmission and distribution facilities to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, work and job orders, regulations, applicable codes, and NOVEC standards.
• Perform crew activities to ensure proper, effective, and efficient use of available resources; use and review labor estimates and material requirements to effectively request materials and equipment; and safely complete scheduled and unscheduled customer commitments and work assignments.
• Assist the Lead Line Technician with crew training with a focus on, development and motivation; work assignments; performance management; goals and objectives; compliance with policies and procedures; and adherence to NOVEC safety rules, VOSHA, and any other local, state, or federal regulations.
• Review and analyze timesheets for reporting accuracy of construction units, time, and/or equipment of assigned crew; and assist in developing and maintaining associated labor, capital, and expense budgets. 
• Coordinate with the Lead Line Technician and the System Operations Department in the development and execution of switching orders and advise when changes are required.
• Review construction activities for effectiveness and compliance with NOVEC construction standards and assist with revising and developing changes in design specifications, work processes, policies, and procedures. 

Line Technician 3rd Class:

• Perform construction and maintenance of overhead and underground transmission and distribution facilities to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, work and job orders, regulations, applicable codes, and NOVEC standards.
• Assist in troubleshooting, repair, and service restoration of overhead and underground transmission and distribution facilities under the direction of a Line Technician 1st Class or higher level to develop skills in energized work procedures.
• Perform gloving on energized distribution facilities up to 600 volts when no primary voltage is present or all primary potentials are covered under the direction of a Line Technician 1st Class or higher level in compliance with policies and procedures, NOVEC safety rules, VOSHA and any other local, state or federal regulations.
• Assist with the setting of poles and pulling guy wires at ground level on primary energized lines, using 20k or 40k gloves under the direct supervision of a Line Technician 1st Class or higher.
• Operate backhoe/loader, digger derrick, material and bucket trucks, trailers, and miscellaneous equipment and tools and perform maintenance on all assigned equipment in accordance with NOVEC specifications, operator manuals and other local, state or federal regulations.
• Assist in performing crew activities to ensure proper, effective and efficient use of available resources; and safely complete scheduled and unscheduled customer commitments and work assignments.
• Assist in the execution of switching orders and advise when changes are required.
• Assist in reviewing construction activities for effectiveness and compliance with NOVEC construction standards and assist with revising of and developing changes in design specifications, work processes, policies, and procedures.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

All levels of experience are welcome to apply! Selected candidate will enter apprentice program based on education and experience below:

High School diploma or recognized equivalent is required. Candidates must have a safe driving history.

Line Technician 1st Class:

• Successful completion of a certified Line Technician Training Program is required.
• Four (4) years of experience as an apprentice in an electric utility construction and maintenance environment is required.

Line Technician 3rd Class:

• The completion of basic level electric utility technical training is preferred.
  One (1) year of experience working in an electric utility construction and maintenance environment is preferred.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: 

• Ability to read, interpret, and relate plans, technical drawings, specifications and system maps of electrical distribution and transmission systems.
• Possess and apply strong working knowledge of assigned construction equipment, tools and meter use. 
• Apply ability to climb poles and/or structures on a daily basis using approved procedures and safety measures. 
• Ability to operate backhoes, digger derricks, other equipment and large construction vehicles. 
• Communicate effectively and professionally with all levels of staff and the general public. 
• Apply analytical methodology to problem solving and decision making while relating technical concepts to practical applications. 
• Apply working knowledge of and ability to operate personal computer and related software systems including but not limited to Microsoft Office, WMIS, Lawson and system map software.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Competitive pay
• Premier health benefits, including an onsite wellness center
• Survivor and Disability benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% base salary match and an additional match of your contribution at a rate of 50% up to the first 12%
• Life insurance
• Vacation, Sick and Holiday Leave
• Educational Assistance
• Annual Company Events

If you're ready to take the next step towards advancing your career, apply today! NOVEC is an equal opportunity employer and participates in E-Verify. We do not provide sponsorship for this position.

Compensation for this union-represented position is governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement. New hires may be placed at the appropriate wage step based on their education, certifications, experience, qualifications, and other factors permitted under the contract.