Electric Lineworker

City of Ames; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Ames seeks a Journey Level Lineworker to construct, maintain, and repair overhead and underground distribution systems. You will climb, install transformers, and work with a team to ensure safe, reliable service.

Responsibilities include interpreting blueprints, operating field tech tools, and mentoring apprentices as needed. A valid CDL and Driver's license are required for employment.

Qualifications

• Completion of a US Department of Labor apprenticeship in high voltage electric transmission and distribution.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and obtain a valid type A CDL within one month of employment.

Responsibilities

• Construct, maintain, and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems; string wires and set poles.
• Climb poles and transmission towers; install transformers, crossarms, insulators, and primary switches.
• Supervise helpers and train apprentices; diagnose issues and perform safety flagging as needed.
• Read and interpret blueprints and maps; operate laptop for map information and reports.

Skills

High voltage systems

Blueprint reading

Safety procedures

Teamwork

Education

US Department of Labor apprenticeship in high voltage electric transmission and distribution

Job description

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.

The City of Ames is conducting a recruitment to establish a Civil Service eligibility list for this classification. The list will be valid for up to one year from the date of certification by the Ames Civil Service Commission and may be used to fill one or more vacancies in this classification. In addition, City of Ames Civil Service employees who have previously held Civil Service status in this classification and are interested in voluntarily demoting or laterally transferring into the current vacancy must submit their application by the deadline.

Rate of Pay

Journey Level Electric Lineworker Rate of Pay: starts at $50.41 hourly; approximately $104,852.80 annually. This position also has the opportunity to earn on call pay and considerable overtime.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package can be viewed at: City of Ames Benefits

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualified employer. For more information, please visit: PSLF Program.

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.

Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data‑driven decisions; committing to diversity, equity and inclusion; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respecting one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.

Other Job Functions

May serve as acting Electric Line Crew Leader; installs, maintains, and repairs street, security and recreational lighting systems.

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 December 17, 2026.

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 the tools and testing equipment of the electric trade; considerable 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.

Required Physical Activities

Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

General Physical Characteristics

The work involves sitting 30 percent of the time; sitting and using arm/leg controls 20 percent of the time; standing (but not walking) 25 percent of the time; standing and walking 25 percent 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

The minimum standard for use with those who operate cars, trucks, forklifts, cranes, and high lift equipment.

Environmental Conditions

The work is 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.

Examples of Equipment Used on the Job

Digger derrick, bucket trucks, pickup trucks, and related equipment; two‑way radio; telephone; hot sticks; pole handling equipment; wire handling equipment; climbing belts and hooks; street maps; a variety of printed materials; a variety of measurement tools and diagnostic equipment; laptop computer; a variety of general purpose hand tools, power tools, and maintenance equipment; a variety of safety equipment and clothing.

Residency Requirement

The required residence area is the area bordered by the Boone and Story County lines on the north and south, State Highway 65 on the east; and on the west, County Road R27 north of Boone, and the Des Moines River south of Highway 30 to the Boone Countyline. Communities intersected by the borderlines, and Zearing, shall be considered within the area. The permitted residency area is that area inside the borderlines. The area adjacent to but outside the borderlines is not included. After completing his/her probationary period, a new employee shall, within six (6) months, reside within the residency area. The department head may allow an employee up to an additional six (6) months if the employee provides documentation of financial commitment to move within the residence area.

FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

The City of Ames participates in the United States Department of Transportation Federal motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, which provides information on drug and alcohol‑related violations for commercial drivers license (CDL) drivers. Candidates selected for employment for positions with a requirement to possess a CDL will be subject to a query within the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse as part of the pre‑employment background check process. For additional information please contact Human Resources at 515-239-5199.

Selection Process

The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience; phone interview; hiring assessment; on‑site interview, which will include a manager meeting and tour; and completion of reference checks and a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.

Veteran’s Preference Points

The City of Ames provides Veteran's Preference Points for Civil Service positions. A copy of your DD214 and, if applicable, proof of disability, must be attached with your application (or faxed to 515-239-5297) prior to the close date of the posting in order to receive Veteran's Preference Points.

Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.

Depending on the number of qualified candidates, the City may forego phone interviews.