Powerline Worker

VP Facilities; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech Electric Service (VTES) is seeking a Powerline Worker to install, locate, maintain, and repair electric distribution systems across campus. You will use hot line equipment and may lead a crew when the Lead Powerline Worker is absent, with safety at the forefront.

Required: CDL, Journeyman-level distribution knowledge, underground/overhead distribution experience, and ability to work overtime or in storms. Starting salary of $100,000, commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• CDL with endorsements required.
• Journeyman-level knowledge of primary/secondary distribution.
• Underground and overhead distribution knowledge.
• Ability to work in a team and irregular hours.
• CPR, First Aid, lockout/tag-out; fall protection.

Responsibilities

• Install, locate, maintain, and repair electric distribution systems.
• May lead other line crew in absence of Lead Powerline Worker.
• Document work for updating system records.
• Investigate power failures and restore power during emergencies.
• Ensure safety protocols and OSHA rules are followed.

Skills

CDL

Power distribution

Hot line work

Teamwork

Safety procedures

Emergency response

Education

Apprenticeship or equivalent training

Tools

Hot line equipment

Job description

Job Description

Reporting to the Campus/Town Electric Service Manager and under the guidance and/or supervision of the Lead Powerline Worker, the Powerline Worker installs, locates, maintains, and repairs electric utility distribution systems and a variety of other electrical services and equipment; utilizes hot line equipment and tools; does related work as required; may lead other line crew personnel in the absence of the Lead Powerline Worker. All work is developed, installed, repaired, and maintained by Virginia Tech Electric Service (VTES) employees including electrical distribution and transmission systems inclusive of conduits, cables, wires, and related equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, and switches.

Powerline Workers are responsible for maintaining ongoing safety protocols and procedures as well as complying with federal, state, university, and departmental policies, procedures, and regulations. Powerline Workers may also assist town crews as needed and during emergencies.

Required Qualifications

• Must have a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with any required endorsements.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge (at the Journeyman Level) of primary and secondary power distribution.
• Demonstrated detailed knowledge of underground and overhead distribution line construction and maintenance practices.
• Working knowledge and understanding of hot line work.
• Must have the ability to work effectively within a team or small crew organization daily.
• Must be willing and able to work extra and irregular hours as the utility needs may require, and willing to work under unusual or special working conditions such as storms, extreme temperatures, winds, darkness, etc.
• Ability to work independently with all work subject to inspection by supervisor.
• Ability to install and maintain street lights.
• Ability to investigate power failures and restore power during emergencies.
• Ability to document work for updating system records.
• Possess professional demeanor and able/willing to function within a team environment and share knowledge with fellow crew members as appropriate.
• Exceptional attention to safety protocols and OSHA requirements; CPR, First Aid, lockout/tag-out; fall protection.

Preferred Qualifications

• Apprenticeship, or an equivalent level of training, in high voltage electric distribution line construction.
• Demonstrated experience in hot line work, pole climbing, and line construction (12.47 kV) and low voltage electrical distribution facilities.
• Considerable high voltage distribution experience with an electrical utility or electrical contractor.
• Experience in a multi-trade, multi-discipline environment.
• Experience in Substation work

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Starting at $100,000 and commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

September 8, 2026

Additional Information

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

This position has been designated by the university as essential to university operations. As emergency personnel, you will be required to report to work during emergency situations and authorized closings.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Facilities HR at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.