Electric Groundworker-Electric Line Technician IV

City of Kinston; Kinston (NC); On-site; USD 51,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Kinston is seeking candidates for Electric Line Tech roles in its electrical distribution team. Starting salaries vary by certification level and range from uncertified line workers to Journey Line Technician, with opportunities to advance as skills and certifications are obtained.

Positions involve operating line trucks and related equipment, performing installation and repairs on underground and overhead lines, and supporting street light and transformer projects under supervision.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school supplemented by technical training in electrical principles.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina Class B commercial driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Performs technical work in construction, maintenance and repair of underground and overhead lines in the electrical distribution system.
• Operates and maintains line trucks and equipment; assists in installing and connecting underground services and transforming equipment.
• Trims trees and performs line clearance work; responds to service requests and trouble calls.
• Works under supervision with a Crew Leader or Lead Lineman; maintains records of work activities.

Job description

Starting salary will be determined based on the candidate’s certification level:

• Electric Ground Worker (uncertified) $50,980.80
• Electric Line Tech I $56,201.60
• Electric Line Tech II $61,963.20
• Electric Line Tech III $68,328.00
• Journey Line Techn $75,316.80

Performs responsible technical work assisting in the construction, maintenance and repair of underground and overhead lines in the electrical distribution system.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class performs technical work in the installation, maintenance and repair of underground and overhead electrical distribution lines and in tree trimming and related line clearance work. Work is differentiated from advanced and senior levels of line work by the less skilled phases of electrical distribution work. The employee also operates various trucks and equipment such as line trucks, , backhoes, trenchers and bucket trucks. The employee works closely with the Electric Line Crew Leader to repair, splice and maintain electric overhead and underground distribution lines, transformers and services. The employee installs and connects underground services, connects and disconnects services for repair and non-payment, repairs and replaces street lights using an aerial bucket truck, and works in both energized and de-energized environments. The employee is expected to perform basic line tech level work, and, on occasion, performs some skilled electrical distribution work under supervision of the Electric Line Crew Leader. The employee applies standardized techniques and safety standards in daily work operation. Work requires on-call and call‑back responsibilities. The employee is subject to standby and call back work and hazards associated with electrical work including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme temperatures, and exposure to various hazards such as working at heights, loud noises, vibration, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, confined spaces, poor ventilation, and oils. Work is performed under supervision of the Electric Line Crew Leader and is evaluated through periodic conferences, observation of results achieved, and review of records, reports and files.

• Operates and maintains line truck; services truck as needed; checks and keeps equipment in good operating condition and keeps materials stocked; operates trenchers, backhoes, and other light, medium, and heavy equipment.
• Operates the line truck in setting and removing poles, locating underground utilities and positioning hole digging equipment to avoid such obstructions.
• Participates in hanging and connecting transformers.
• Participates with journey level line workers in pulling primary and secondary lines; attaching wire to insulators and cross arms; installing, repairing and replacing cross arms, supports, insulators, lightning arresters, and fuse cutouts; and maintaining and repairing street light system.
• Digs trenches for underground lines and anchors and attaches anchors to support cables.
• Assists in the installation of primary and secondary underground cables; pulls cut‑ins for electrical underground services.
• Assists in installation of sleeves, elbows, and transformers based on job site requirements.
• Works on a service truck with a Crew Leader or Lead Lineman to answer requests and calls for various services such as trouble calls, installing and repairing street lights, etc.; completes work orders.
• Trims or cuts trees; resets circuit breakers; installs and repairs transformers, fuses, poles, cross arms, switches, and lighting arrestors.
• Connects and disconnects single phase and compound electric meters.
• Backs up other staff as needed.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of the operation of the various trucks and equipment necessary to perform line worker tasks.
• Working knowledge of electrical principles and functions.
• Working knowledge of the tools, materials and methods used in power line construction and maintenance.
• Working knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions involved in power line work.
• Skill in maneuvering trucks, equipment, and materials and supplies on the job sites.
• Skill in customer service excellence and teamwork.
• Ability to use power line tools and operate required equipment.
• Ability to understand written and oral instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the public, other employees and supervisors.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records of work activities.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from high school supplemented by technical training in electrical principles and some experience in a skilled trade, preferably electrical; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirement

Possession of a valid North Carolina Class B commercial driver's license.

Possession of or ability to obtain Electricities Line Tech I certification and other training as required by the City.

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing. Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to lift objects. Must possess the visual acuity to operate mobile equipment, monitor work site progress, perform skilled electrical tasks, and inspect and assemble small parts.