Electric Line Technician

Town of Smithfield; Smithfield (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Smithfield is seeking candidates for an apprentice line worker to support the installation, maintenance, and repair of the town’s electrical distribution system. You will assist in installing poles, stringing lines, and connecting wires under supervision.

This role requires willingness to work outdoors in all weather, climb poles, and operate bucket trucks and other equipment. A high school diploma and electrical training are preferred, with progression through salary grades as you

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with electrical principles training.
• Second-class Power Line Technician Certificate required/advantageous.
• CDL with endorsement preferred for driving utility trucks.
• Ability to climb poles and work on high voltage lines.
• Capable of operating bucket trucks and related equipment.

Responsibilities

• Install and align power line poles; string primary and secondary lines; attach wires.
• Install, repair, and replace cross arms, insulators, circuit breakers, and fuse cutouts.
• Maintain and repair the Town’s street lighting system.
• Drive and operate bucket truck to access high wires.
• Operate backhoes, chipper, and related equipment.
• Make line taps and connect wires; install transformers and capacitors.
• Move wires to new poles; transfer lines and install metering equipment.
• Investigate power failures and perform emergency repairs.
• Assist in tree trimming, chipping and site cleanup.

Skills

Pole climbing

Safety awareness

Outdoor weather work

Truck operation

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Second-class Power Line Technician Certificate

CDL (endorsement preferred)

Tools

Bucket truck operation

Chipper operation

Pole and line installation tools

Job description

GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONING OF WORK:

Performs technical work in the construction, maintenance and repair of electrical power distribution systems.

Employees in this class perform technical work in the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical lines.

• Employees are expected to possess a working knowledge of standardized techniques and practices utilized in power line construction, maintenance, and repair.
• Judgment is required in determining the most appropriate work methods and observing safety standards.
• Work requires frequent on-call and call-back responsibilities.
• The employee is subject to hazards associated with electrical work including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather 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 leadership of an Electric Line Crew Leader and overall supervision of the Electrical Distribution Superintendent and is reviewed in progress and upon completion for conformance to accepted standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:

The employee may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties and other duties which may be assigned by the Town of Smithfield.

• Participates in the installation and alignment of power line poles; stringing primary and secondary lines; attaching wire to insulators and cross arms.
• Participates in installing, repairing, and replacing cross arms, leg supports, insulators, lightning arresters, circuit breakers, and fuse cutouts.
• Participates in the maintenance and repair of the Town’s street lighting system.
• Drives and operates bucket truck equipment to ascend to high wires.
• Operates other equipment such as backhoes, chipper, and related equipment.
• Participates in making line taps and connecting wires.
• Installs transformers, fuse cutouts, and capacitors.
• Transfers wire from condemned defective poles to new poles, installs metering equipment, and transfers lines from old to new poles.
• Investigates complaints regarding power failures and makes the necessary repairs.
• Participates in making emergency repairs during disruptions of service.
• Participates in tree trimming, chipping and clean up.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Participates in tree trimming, chipping and clean up.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge of the standard techniques and practices used in power line construction and maintenance work.
• Considerable knowledge of the use and care of all tools, equipment, and supplies used in power distribution work.
• Considerable knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions involved in power line work.
• Ability to climb poles and work effectively and safely.
• Ability to work on high voltage lines under supervision and to take precautionary measures to avoid accidents.
• Ability to drive and operate utility trucks.
• Ability to operate tree trimming and limb removal equipment.
• Ability to use a variety of hand tools.
• Ability to understand oral and written instructions.
• Ability to use line worker’s tools and equipment in a safe manner.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduation from high school supplemented by training in electrical principles and experience related to electrical distribution system work; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possession of a Second-class Power Line Technician Certificate.

• Possession of a valid commercial North Carolina Driver’s License, CDL endorsement preferred.
• Certification in First Aid to include CPR and AED, beneficial.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to perform the basic life operational functions of climbing (poles), balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, 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.
• Must possess the visual acuity to operate a variety of vehicles and equipment and inspect and assemble small parts.

ADMINISTERING THE APPRENTICE (TRAINEE) PROGRESSION:

Persons not having the Experience or possessing a Second-class Power Line Technician Certificate will be hired as an Apprentice.

• Apprentices will be hired at four (4) salary grades below the class; and
• Advance to the minimum of the salary grade for the class through training and performance evaluations progress over a two-year period.