What are the responsibilities and job description for the Power Line Technician position at Inside Higher Ed?
Department
ES EDS-227210
Career Area
Facilities and Skilled Trades
Is this an internal only recruitment?:
No
Posting Open Date
04/14/2026
Application Deadline
04/21/2026
Position Type
Permanent Staff (SHRA)
Position Title
High Voltage Dist Specialist - Contributing
Salary Grade Equivalent
NC13 / GN07
Working Title
Power Line Technician
Position Number
20075381
Vacancy ID
P020931
Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited
Full-Time Permanent
Hours Per Week
40
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday 7:00AM – 3:30PM
On-call Rotation to include nights weekends and holidays.
Position is Emergency Duty (reports to work during a University emergency), Adverse Weather (reports to work during snow, hurricane, etc.) and Communicable Disease Mandatory Primary on-site (reports to work during public health emergencies).
Work Location:
CHAPEL HILL, NC
Position Location:
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$44,653 - $60,000
Pay Band Information
To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.
Be a Tar Heel!:
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit
The primary purpose of Electric Distribution Systems (EDS) is the distribution of electricity to the various buildings on the University campus and to the UNC Hospitals. This is accomplished through a complex system of 12kV underground circuits in duct banks run all over campus, which is controlled and protected by a modern relay and control system. EDS is part of Energy Services.
Position Summary
A SIGN-ON BONUS OF $4460 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE: $2230 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE AND $2230 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE.
Electric Distribution Systems is responsible for the installation, operation and maintenance of all roadways, parking lots and area lighting systems, presently comprised of 3,319 lights. This position serves as the High Voltage Specialist responsible for maintenance, electrical distribution underground/overhead systems, transformers power metering, electric system closed high speed networking, and all smart grid equipment & technologies.
This position also needs to be familiar with the Geographic Information System (GIS), EDS switching procedures, working knowledge from the IBM Maximo system (working management system, and the ability to work with contractors on the EDS system.
Minimum Education And Experience Requirements
High school diploma or equivalency and six months of electrical experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Requires certification(s).
Management Preferences
At least six (6) months experience in high voltage distribution operations or completed an Electrical Line Worker Program at a recognized institution.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Physical Effort: The position primarily performs essential functions outside this involves working within manholes (4′×4′×6′ up to 10′×20′×8′) and indoor/outdoor electrical substations; conditions include: inclement weather when restoring service following interruptions, extremes in temperature/humidity during cold winters and hot summers; occasionally works extended days (up to 24 hours at times) to repair failed equipment and facilities or replace cable.
Operate heavy equipment such as backhoes, truck-mounted hold diggers/cranes; machine shop tools such as saws, drill presses, aerial lift devices (bucket trucks); cable splicing equipment and tools.
Materials used: utility poles, crossarms, insulators and conductors; manholes underground oil or gas switches; pad-mount transformers and switches. Hazardous materials such as solvents, dielectrics, and fumes.
Good depth perception, ability to work on a pole at high levels managing materials such as crossarms; ability to work in close or confined spaces for extended periods of time; ability to make decisions under mental pressure regarding electric service/restoration, exercising safety concern for people and facilities.
Maintain a commercial drivers’ license (CDL) issued by the NC DMW administered by Environment, Health & Safety (EHS).
Participate in the Random Drug Testing Program as part of the Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance for Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL). The program is administered by Environment, Health and Safety (EHS).
This position is Emergency Duty/Severe Weather Essential and Communicable Disease Mandatory. The incumbent must report to work during periods of adverse weather or other University emergency.
This position participates in On-Call Rotation.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Position/Schedule Requirements
Evening work occasionally, Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Night work occasionally, On-call, Overtime occasionally, Valid NC Driver’s License, Weekend work occasionally
Special Instructions
The selected candidate for this position may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Qualified applicants must apply and be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements:
To be eligible for a Sign-on bonus, an individual must not have worked in a probationary, permanent, or time-limited appointment in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including but not limited to the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system in a position subject to the State Human Resources Act.
A newly hired permanent full time or permanent part-time (more than 20 hours a week) employee are eligible for a sign-on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week).
This SHRA Sign-on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the SHRA Sign-on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy.
ES EDS-227210
Career Area
Facilities and Skilled Trades
Is this an internal only recruitment?:
No
Posting Open Date
04/14/2026
Application Deadline
04/21/2026
Position Type
Permanent Staff (SHRA)
Position Title
High Voltage Dist Specialist - Contributing
Salary Grade Equivalent
NC13 / GN07
Working Title
Power Line Technician
Position Number
20075381
Vacancy ID
P020931
Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited
Full-Time Permanent
Hours Per Week
40
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday 7:00AM – 3:30PM
On-call Rotation to include nights weekends and holidays.
Position is Emergency Duty (reports to work during a University emergency), Adverse Weather (reports to work during snow, hurricane, etc.) and Communicable Disease Mandatory Primary on-site (reports to work during public health emergencies).
Work Location:
CHAPEL HILL, NC
Position Location:
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$44,653 - $60,000
Pay Band Information
To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.
Be a Tar Heel!:
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit
The primary purpose of Electric Distribution Systems (EDS) is the distribution of electricity to the various buildings on the University campus and to the UNC Hospitals. This is accomplished through a complex system of 12kV underground circuits in duct banks run all over campus, which is controlled and protected by a modern relay and control system. EDS is part of Energy Services.
Position Summary
A SIGN-ON BONUS OF $4460 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE: $2230 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE AND $2230 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE.
Electric Distribution Systems is responsible for the installation, operation and maintenance of all roadways, parking lots and area lighting systems, presently comprised of 3,319 lights. This position serves as the High Voltage Specialist responsible for maintenance, electrical distribution underground/overhead systems, transformers power metering, electric system closed high speed networking, and all smart grid equipment & technologies.
This position also needs to be familiar with the Geographic Information System (GIS), EDS switching procedures, working knowledge from the IBM Maximo system (working management system, and the ability to work with contractors on the EDS system.
Minimum Education And Experience Requirements
High school diploma or equivalency and six months of electrical experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Requires certification(s).
Management Preferences
At least six (6) months experience in high voltage distribution operations or completed an Electrical Line Worker Program at a recognized institution.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Physical Effort: The position primarily performs essential functions outside this involves working within manholes (4′×4′×6′ up to 10′×20′×8′) and indoor/outdoor electrical substations; conditions include: inclement weather when restoring service following interruptions, extremes in temperature/humidity during cold winters and hot summers; occasionally works extended days (up to 24 hours at times) to repair failed equipment and facilities or replace cable.
Operate heavy equipment such as backhoes, truck-mounted hold diggers/cranes; machine shop tools such as saws, drill presses, aerial lift devices (bucket trucks); cable splicing equipment and tools.
Materials used: utility poles, crossarms, insulators and conductors; manholes underground oil or gas switches; pad-mount transformers and switches. Hazardous materials such as solvents, dielectrics, and fumes.
Good depth perception, ability to work on a pole at high levels managing materials such as crossarms; ability to work in close or confined spaces for extended periods of time; ability to make decisions under mental pressure regarding electric service/restoration, exercising safety concern for people and facilities.
Maintain a commercial drivers’ license (CDL) issued by the NC DMW administered by Environment, Health & Safety (EHS).
Participate in the Random Drug Testing Program as part of the Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance for Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL). The program is administered by Environment, Health and Safety (EHS).
This position is Emergency Duty/Severe Weather Essential and Communicable Disease Mandatory. The incumbent must report to work during periods of adverse weather or other University emergency.
This position participates in On-Call Rotation.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Position/Schedule Requirements
Evening work occasionally, Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Night work occasionally, On-call, Overtime occasionally, Valid NC Driver’s License, Weekend work occasionally
Special Instructions
- ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN-ON BONUS
The selected candidate for this position may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Qualified applicants must apply and be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements:
To be eligible for a Sign-on bonus, an individual must not have worked in a probationary, permanent, or time-limited appointment in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including but not limited to the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system in a position subject to the State Human Resources Act.
A newly hired permanent full time or permanent part-time (more than 20 hours a week) employee are eligible for a sign-on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week).
This SHRA Sign-on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the SHRA Sign-on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy.
Salary : $44,653 - $60,000