Electric Lineworker

Position Overview

The City of Ames Electric Services Department has an exciting opportunity for a Journey Level Lineworker to provide support to the Electric Distribution Division!

The Journey Level Lineworker performs work related to the construction, maintenance, and repair of overhead and underground electrical distribution and transmission systems; performs related work as required.

Constructs, maintains, and repairs electrical distribution and transmission system including stringing and pulling wires, setting poles and anchors, climbing poles and transmission towers, and installing transformers, crossarms, insulators, primary switches, and other hardware; may supervise helpers and train apprentices; provides continuous feedback to co‑workers during performance of all duties; sags primary and secondary wires; locates trouble in primary and secondary lines, replaces fuses, and clears short circuits in lines;

builds and maintains substations, transformer banks, and transformer platforms; connects, disconnects, and repairs service loops; installs and connects metering equipment; trims trees; reads and interprets blueprints and maps; operates laptop computer for map information; prepares reports of activities; operates digger derrick, bucket trucks, pickup trucks, and related equipment. Performs other duties as assigned. Classification requires stand‑by status on a rotating basis.

Education and Experience:

Completion of a US Department of Labor apprenticeship in high‑voltage electric transmission and distribution system repair or commensurate. This requirement must be completed by the date of civil service commission approval of this certified list, which is expected to take place August 28, 2025.

Licenses and Certificates:
Must possess a valid driver’s license; must obtain a valid type A Commercial Driver’s License and any required endorsements within one month of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of approved methods, materials and tools used in line construction and maintenance work; considerable knowledge of the principles of electrical theory as applied to electrical circuits and wiring systems; knowledge of first aid and CPR; knowledge of all safety rules as stated in the adopted safety manual; considerable skill in the use of tools and testing equipment of the electric trade;

skill in all of the tasks involved in electric transmission and distribution line construction, maintenance and repair; ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions; ability to read and interpret electrical sketches, diagrams and blueprints; ability to use line tools and testing equipment; ability to climb poles and work with high‑tension wires exercising proper safety precautions; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, supervisors and citizens;

ability to operate laptop computer, digger derrick, bucket trucks, pickup trucks, and related equipment.

Physical

Activities:

Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, hearing and repetitive motions. Physical characteristics include: sitting 30 % of the time, sitting and using arm/leg controls 20 % of the time, standing (but not walking) 25 % of the time, standing and walking 25 % of the time, frequently lifting objects under 10 pounds; frequently lifting objects from 10 to 25 pounds;

routinely lifting objects from 25 to 50 pounds; and routinely lifting objects over 50 pounds. Vision requirements: minimum standard for use with cars, trucks, forklifts, cranes and high‑lift equipment.

Environmental conditions:

work performed inside or outside and includes being exposed to extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, mechanical or electrical hazards, confined spaces, darkness or poor lighting conditions and oils.

Journey Level Electric Lineworker Rate of Pay: starts at $48.71 hourly; approximately $ annually. (Listed rate does not include the ability to earn considerable on‑call and overtime pay). This position also has the opportunity to earn…