FOREMAN OF LINEMEN

City of Chicago Department of Law; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Chicago invites applications for Foreman of Linemen. Under general supervision, the role supervises a crew installing, repairing, and testing aerial and underground electrical lines and related equipment in a city utility setting.

The position requires journeyman Lineman status or equivalent apprenticeship, strong leadership, safety discipline, and the ability to coordinate with other trades. Work hours are Monday through Friday with day shifts; candidate must have Illinois driver’s

Qualifications

• Successful completion of a US Department of Labor registered Lineman apprenticeship and journeyman status, plus two years journey-level Lineman experience.
• Alternative: Electrician/Wireman apprenticeship with journeyman status plus three years journey-level Lineman experience.
• Eight years journey-level Lineman experience.
• Valid State of Illinois driver's license is required.
• Permanent use of an automobile properly insured for city liability.

Responsibilities

• Prepares work plans detailing job requirements, manpower, and materials used.
• Makes daily work assignments, ensuring efficient use of manpower and resources.
• Ensures jobsites are left safe at end of day.
• Communicates with General Foreman on crew and project issues.
• Inspects work to ensure adherence to plans, standards, and safety procedures.
• Prepares purchase requisitions to order materials and equipment.
• Directs installation of wires, fiber optics, and conduit to power sources.
• Supervises installation of electrical fixtures (poles, lamps, cameras).
• Coordinates with other trades foremen and contractors for timely completion.
• Authorizes completed work ensuring compliance with specs and quality.
• Trains staff in operational and safety procedures.
• Maintains records and prepares work activity reports.
• Participates in installing and connecting lines and cables to power sources.

Skills

Supervisory experience

High voltage knowledge

Blueprint reading

Communication skills

Safety orientation

Education

Lineman apprenticeship

Journeyman status

Electrical power line training

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Job Description - FOREMAN OF LINEMEN (419688)

These positions are open to the public and all current city employees covered under the City’s Collective Bargaining Agreement with the INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS-LOCAL 9 (BARGAINING UNIT 29). Only employees currently in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.

1. Check the box on your profile titled “Currently employed by the City of Chicago”

2. Enter your employee ID (located on your pay stub labeled ‘payee/employee number’)

3. Select your correct bargaining unit

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN A REJECTED BID APPLICATION

Under general supervision, supervises a crew engaged in installing, repairing, and testing aerial and underground electrical wire, fixtures, and related equipment, and performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Prepares work plans detailing job requirements, manpower, and materials used and man hours needed to complete jobs.
• Makes daily work assignments, ensuring the efficient use of manpower and resources.
• Ensures jobsites are left in a safe condition at the end of each workday.
• Communicates with General Foreman on all issues pertaining to the crew and project they are responsible for.
• Inspect work in progress to ensure adherence to installation plans, departmental standards, and safety procedures.
• Prepares purchase requisitions to order materials and equipment needed by staff to complete jobs.
• Directs the installation of wires, fiber optic cables, and conduit pipes to power sources.
• Supervises the assembly and installation of electrical fixtures (e.g., light poles, lamps, traffic signal heads, surveillance cameras).
• Assists in coordinating electrical wiring work with other trades foremen and private contractors to ensure timely completion of work.
• Authorizes completed work ensuring compliance with project specifications and quality standards.
• Trains staff in operational and safety procedures.
• Maintains records and prepares work activity reports.
• Participates in installing and connecting electrical lines, fiber optics, and cables to power sources.

Additional duties may be required for this position

Days:Monday - Friday

Hours:7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training, and Experience

Successful completion of a US Department of Labor registered Lineman apprenticeship training program and journeyman status, plus two (2) years of journey-level Lineman and/or as an electrical power line or telecommunications line installer and repairer work experience.

Should the above criteria not be fulfilled, the following options are available:

Successful completion of a US Department of Labor registered apprenticeship training program as an Electrician/Wireman and have journeyman status, plus three (3) years of journey-level Lineman and/or as an electrical power line or telecommunications line installer and repairer work experience.

Successful completion of an industry or company sponsored apprenticeship training program as a Lineman, PLUS four (4) years of journey-level Lineman and/or as an electrical power line or telecommunications line installer and repairer work experience.

Eight (8) years of journey-level work experience as a Lineman and/or as an electrical power line or telecommunications line installer and repairer.

Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications

• A valid State of Illinois driver’s license is required.
• Must have the permanent use of an automobile that is properly insured, including a clause specifically insuring the City of Chicago from accident liability.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions
• Exposure to fumes or dust
• Exposure to hazardous conditions (e.g., traffic, heavy machinery)
• Work performed above or below ground level
• Work performed using scaffolds and ladders
• Work performed at great heights with the use of safety belts

Equipment

• Hand tools (e.g., sledgehammer, wire strippers, wire cutters, head wrench)
• Power tools (e.g., hydraulic boom, chipping gun, roto-hammer, cutting torch)
• Personal protective equipment (e.g., hard hat, shoes, glasses, gloves, vest, pads)
• Safety devices or equipment (e.g., cones, barricades, metal plates, scaffolding, ropes)
• Electrical testing and monitoring equipment
• Measuring tools (e.g., tape measure, ruler, calipers, measuring wheel)
• Cellular phone

Physical Requirements

• Substantial lifting (up to 50 pounds) is required
• Ability to stand and walk for extended or continuous periods of time
• Ability to quickly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with one's body, arms, and/or legs
• Ability to climb staircases, ladders, and/or step stools
• Ability to operate applicable hand tools, power tools, and equipment
• Ability to tolerate heights while working

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires applicants to successfully pass a written test / skills assessment and complete an interview. Test results will be sent out by the Department of Human Resources after test results have been analyzed and compiled. The interviewed candidate(s) receiving a passing score on the test and possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected. Bidders will be hired in seniority order based on the collective bargaining agreement.

Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following qualifications

• Previous supervisory experience directly related to the duties of this position.
• Previous work experience with high voltage, i.e., (120volts or 240 volts).
• Previous work experience making “Live” circuitry repairs. (HOT)
• Previous work experience with directional drilling/boring.
• Previous work experience with reading and interpreting blueprints and specifications.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Proficiency with computers (PC), tablets (iPad) and cellular phone.

For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:

For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:

Application Evaluation

Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on an eligibility list in lottery order. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

City of Chicago

Job Posting

Sep 24, 2026, 5:00:00 AM | Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External : Oct 9, 2026, 4:59:00 AM