Electric Line Worker Apprentice

City of Kirkwood; Kirkwood (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Kirkwood offers a five-year training position leading to qualification as a journeyman line worker. Training includes academic and field work in overhead and underground distribution and transmission lines, street lighting, signals, and substation equipment.

Under the Working Line Foreman, you will perform essential duties such as digging, framing, setting poles, installing equipment, every day maintenance, meter work, and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent required.
• CDL A license is required.
• Ability to climb poles and handle equipment safely.
• Basic knowledge of electrical distribution principles.

Responsibilities

• Digs pole and anchor holes manually or with equipment.
• Frames poles and attaches ground wires.
• Sets poles, anchors, and guy wires.
• Operates winch line for equipment installation.
• Works on energized lines under supervision and safety rules.
• Maintains underground and overhead lines and meters.
• Reads meters and assists crewmembers as needed.
• Participates in safety and training meetings.

Skills

Climb poles

Basic electricity knowledge

Safety awareness

Read meters

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CDL A license

Tools

Hand tools

Power equipment

Job description

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

This is a five-year training position leading to qualification as a journeyman line worker. The successful candidate will undergo academic and field training in all the phases of line work including but not limited to: constructing, maintaining and repairing overhead and underground electric distribution and transmission lines; installing, maintaining and repairing overhead and underground street lighting and street lighting control circuits; constructing, maintaining and repairing traffic signal and substation equipment and related duties as required.

SUPERVISION:

Under the direct supervision of the Working Line Foreman.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Digs pole and anchor holes manually or with mechanical equipment.
2. Frames poles and attaches ground wires on the ground.
3. Frames erected poles and attaches guy wires.
4. Set poles, anchors, guys, and ground rods.
5. Operates a winch line for installation of equipment.
6. Performs other emergency or operations duties as requested and assigned.
7. Hang transformers, reclosers, and other equipment on erected poles.
8. Makes connections of meter hook ups, transformers, and other line equipment.
9. Strings and ties in overhead conductor.
10. Lays and makes connections of underground cables.
11. Prepares terminations and installs transformers for new underground installations.
12. Operates underground trenching equipment.
13. Operates and works from bucket truck.
14. Is familiar with and operates all special line equipment.
15. Works on energized lines without supervision.
16. Installs capacitors, voltage regulators, instrument transformers, and other special line equipment.
17. Installs and maintains substation equipment.

B. OTHER FUNCTIONS:

1. Cuts and cleans rights of way, using power equipment as necessary.
2. Operates vehicular equipment required by work responsibilities and radio equipment in accordance with FCC regulations.
3. Read meters, as assigned.
4. Assists other crewmembers as requested and directed.
5. Builds and installs weather head meter hook ups.
6. Installs meters, as assigned.
7. Answers trouble calls, as assigned
8. Provides training and/or assistance for other personnel, as assigned.
9. Patrols lines as assigned, reporting problems and correcting those, which can be repaired.
10. Cuts and trims trees to keep primary, secondary, and service lines clear; cleans up and removes branches and brush.
11. Obtains permission of property owner to trim trees away from lines.
12. Complies with all traffic laws, safety rules and regulations, and safe driving practices in operation of motor vehicles assigned to him/her, ensuring at all times the safety of vehicle occupants, vehicle and its load.
13. Attends and participates in safety and training meetings.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be in good physical condition, able to climb poles, lift lines and handle equipment.
• Should have knowledge of basic electricity and electrical distribution principles, have the ability to splice or replace broken wires and cables, be able to replace broken insulators or other equipment, and have the aptitude to perform all tasks in a safe and efficient manner.
• Should be able to demonstrate skill in using hand tools, power equipment, and other types of equipment.
• Must possess a valid CDL A license.
• Must be able to pass any and all pre-employment physical ability tests.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening test.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
• Evidence of growth in abilities and skills in former responsibilities and potential for growth in this position is necessary.

E. MENTAL EFFORT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires strong concentration for periods of up to thirty (30) minutes, but such periods can be balanced by less demanding duties.
• Work of position is generally varied and employee has sufficient time to complete most tasks without a feeling of pressure.
• Work is often performed in awkward or uncomfortable positions involving stooping, bending, reaching, and the handling of tools or materials of sufficient weight to cause additional physical stress.
• Requires considerable heavy physical effort; lifting of heavy weights of up to 100 pounds, moving materials is a regular part of the job.
• Work is primarily outside. The employee is required to work outside in inclement weather only to restore electrical service. Work involves frequent risk of accident from improperly handled equipment of from electrical shock because of work near or on power lines or equipment.

NOTE: This Job Description is not intended to limit the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. The employee may be required to perform other duties as assigned for the effective operation of the department.