Line Worker

Position

The purpose of this classification is to operate equipment and perform manual work functions associated with construction, repair and maintenance of electrical power transmission/distribution systems, substations, generators, lines, telecommunications and related equipment.

• Installs, maintains and repairs underground and overhead structures, including high mast lighting and street light systems, poles, cables, and related equipment to carry power transmission/distribution lines used to conduct electrical energy between generating stations, substations, and consumers.
• Runs new underground services; troubleshoots underground power problems; splices underground distribution feeders.
• Runs new overhead services; assists in erecting poles and adjusting wires.
• Climbs poles or rides in truck‑mounted boom bucket to install equipment, remove defective wiring, transfer wires, or conduct repairs.
• Installs transformers, insulators, lightning arresters, switches, wire conductors and auxiliary equipment to poles; strings wire conductors between erected poles; adjusts slack in conductors; terminates overhead conductors.
• Splices, solders, and insulates conductors and related wiring to join sections of power line and to connect transformers and electrical accessories.
• Opens switches or clamps grounding devices to energized equipment to de‑energize lines or accessories.
• Performs manual work functions related to construction, maintenance and repair of power transmission/distribution systems (e.g., laying/installing pipe, boring under roads/driveways, pouring concrete, trimming tree limbs and bushes, digging holes or trenches, driving ground rods, shoveling materials, lifting/moving heavy materials, flagging traffic).
• Operates a variety of equipment, machinery and tools used in construction, maintenance and repair of power transmission/distribution systems (e.g., backhoe, trencher, pierce arrow, bucket truck, line truck, boring rig, tension rig, tamp, tractor, phasing stick, voltage ohmmeter, breakers, regulators, hydraulic tools, jackhammer, air compressor, pipe horn, post hole digger, shovel, axe, saw, chain saw, mechanic tools).
• Maintains adequate supply of equipment, tools, supplies and materials on trucks for use at work sites; transports, loads and unloads various equipment and materials used in projects.
• Performs general maintenance tasks necessary to keep machinery, equipment and tools in good working condition (e.g., inspecting equipment, checking fluid levels, replacing fluids, greasing equipment, washing/cleaning equipment, cleaning shop and work areas); monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety; reports faulty equipment.
• Utilizes precautionary work methods and safety equipment to ensure safety of work crews and the public.
• Reads and interprets electrical diagrams and maps.
• Prepares and/or completes various forms, correspondence, reports, materials requisitions, drawings, and other documents to include written and hands‑on tests.
• Receives various forms, reports, meter readings, electrical diagrams, maps, manuals, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards and/or maintains as appropriate.
• Communicates with supervisor, employees, utilities departments, city departments, contractors, other utilities, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Communicates via telephone and/or two‑way radio; provides information; takes and relays messages; responds to requests for service and/or information from employees, officials, the public or other individuals.
• May be required to work after normal business hours, weekends, holidays in the event of a natural disaster, power outages, down power lines, trees, or any disruption of service to utilities customers; during periods of severe weather, required to notify immediate supervisor for any instructions.
• May assist with utility and safety investigations to include setting up and maintaining surveillance equipment.
• May perform manual tasks associated with the installation and maintenance of the fiber optic telecommunications system.