Utility Line Worker (Journey Lineman)
King County, WA
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
King County Metro Transit is hiring a Utility Line Worker to perform skilled journey-level work in the construction, maintenance, and repair of high-voltage trolley systems. The role may involve leading others on specific projects and requires a valid Line Worker apprenticeship or union card, with strong safety and teamwork skills.
The position is based in King County and participates in a comprehensive benefits package.
Qualifications
- Journey-level Line Worker with apprenticeship or IBEW Local 77 card.
- Ability to work safely and with minimal supervision.
- Ability to lead teams temporarily on projects when required.
- Ability to communicate effectively in public environments.
Responsibilities
- Install, maintain, and repair intersection tracks, switches, circuit breakers, crossovers, and other trolley equipment.
- Set and guy poles; assemble cross-arms and related hardware.
- String wires for power and control circuits and distribute power.
- Install overhead trolley lines and underground distribution; test and repair circuits.
- Splice wire and install conductors in conduit or overhead wiring.
- Read blueprints and follow design plans; perform emergency repairs when needed.
- May lead others within the trade on a temporary basis for projects.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Learn how Metro connects you with what matters
King County Metro Transit’s Facilities Division is hiring for a Utility Line Worker position. Utility Line Workers are equivalent to the industry-standard Journey Lineman position. At King County, we use this gender-neutral job title in alignment with our ACTIVATE values. Utility Line Workers perform journey-level, skilled work in the construction, maintenance, and repair of the high-voltage trolley overhead and underground electrical systems, which are energized during maintenance activities. These positions may be required to lead others within the same trade, as well as those working as material workers and/or helpers, on a temporary basis for specific projects or job assignments. These positions directly support the County’s interest in ensuring our customers have access to reliable transportation throughout King County.
- Generous Healthcare Benefits* *Annual Clothing, Equipment, Boot Allowances*
- Paid Vacation, Sick, Holiday Leave* *Work-Life Balance* *Pension Plan
This recruitment may immediately fill up to two (2) Career Service positions, and may also be used to establish an eligibility pool to fill future Career Service, Term-Limited Temporary, and/or Special Duty Assignment vacancies in this classification and division. Eligibility pools remain valid for 12 months upon creation, or until the pool is exhausted, at the discretion of the hiring authority.
This position is open to current King County employees and the general public, although current members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 77, who are qualified for the position and who apply within the initial five (5) working days of this posting will be given first consideration.
- Install, maintain, and repair intersection tracks, directional, power and induction switches, sectional circuit breakers, crossovers, and other overhead trolley equipment.
- Set and guy all types of poles; assemble and fasten cross-arms, brackets, mast arms and related hardware.
- String wires and cables for electrical power distribution systems and transit power circuits or control circuits.
- Install and maintain overhead trolley lines, and underground distribution; test, troubleshoot and repair defective circuits.
- Splice wire and cable and install conductors in conduit or overhead wiring.
- Trim trees in close proximity to overhead lines.
- Perform inspection, maintenance and service on the rails and switch gears.
- Adhere to safety standards.
- Read and follow blueprints and other design plans.
- Respond to emergency repair calls during non-working hours as necessary.
- Perform the duties of a Line Worker/Cable Splicer as needed.
- May lead others within the trade, material workers, and/or helpers on a temporary basis for specific projects or job assignments.
To be considered eligible for this role, applicants must possess these MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Journey-level Line Worker with some field experience, technical proficiency, and ability to perform assigned duties safely and effectively.
- Demonstrated completion of a recognized Line Worker apprenticeship program encompassing high-voltage utility line work or current Line Worker union card.
- Demonstrated ability to perform work at the journey level with minimal supervision.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a culturally diverse team environment.
- Ability to work safely while performing the duties of the position.
- Skill in operating associated types or power tools, machinery, and equipment.
- Experience demonstrating inclusive and equitable behavior.
- Ability to demonstrate sound judgement and logical problem-solving skills.
- Ability to report for work in person on a regular and consistent basis.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work well in a public environment.
The Most Competitive Applicants Will Possess These DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Journey-level Line Worker with demonstrated field experience, technical proficiency, and ability to perform assigned duties safely and effectively in accordance with established safety standards and operational procedures.
- Capable of leading multi-disciplinary teams with various skills and abilities.
- Ability to demonstrate sound judgement and logical problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate solutions.
- Ability to remain calm and maintain professionalism in stressful situations.
- Demonstrated understanding of continuous improvement principles and practices, with the ability to identify opportunities, streamline processes, and improve operational efficiencies and effectiveness without jeopardizing safety.
- Valid Washington State driver license with an acceptable driving history. Out-of-state candidates must obtain valid Washington State driver license within 30 days of hire.
- Completion of a recognized Line Worker apprenticeship, or a current Line Worker union card.
Class Code / Pay Grade: 8208100 / 35
This position is represented by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 77.
This position is considered safety-sensitive. Applicants for positions defined as safety-sensitive are required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and, subsequent to the commencement of employment, will be subject to random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing in compliance with Federal DOT alcohol and controlled substances testing program protocols.
This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and is eligible for overtime pay if scheduled and approved. This position is anticipated to be scheduled 40 hours per week, and may be scheduled on weekends, holidays, and other non-standard workdays. The Utility Line Worker positions are scheduled for day, swing, and overnight shifts, typically scheduled five (5) days per week, with two (2) consecutive days off each week. Shift selection is based on seniority, resulting in newly hired employees having a high likelihood of being assigned to non-day shift following training. Utility Line Workers are required to work overtime callouts for emergency responses, as needed. In addition, Utility Line Workers must be willing and able to respond to emergencies repair calls during non-working hours as needed. Management reserves the right to assign any shift to meet the needs of the work unit. Shift differential is applicable to swing and overnight shifts.
This position requires the incumbent to report to the workplace in person on a regular and consistent basis, and is therefore not eligible for telework/remote work. This position is vital to ensuring timely and dependable transit services for our customers. The Utility Line Workers are required to work at heights (including climbing poles), work near high-voltage electricity wires, work near traffic, and lift/move 50 pounds such as tools and equipment. Work is performed outside in all weather conditions. All employees are required to wear Arc Flash protection during all working hours.
Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications, and for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the application instructions above. Highly competitive applicants may be asked to interview. Formal offers will be finalized after candidates have successfully completed any necessary pre-employment processes, such as drug and alcohol testing, background checks, DOT physicals, and internal record reviews or reference checks. The first six (6) months of employment are served in a probationary capacity to provide an opportunity to confirm whether the position is a good match between the successful candidate’s interests and skills and the ability to perform the requirements of the job.
- Responsible for understanding the Metro Transit Safety Policy and their role in safety.
- Report all safety concerns.
- Follow safety practices and procedures as necessary to maintain a safe work environment and in conformance with applicable regulations, policies, and training.
- Report safety and security concerns and ideas to supervisors or anonymously through data collection system.
King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite activity centers
- Employee Giving Program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
Erica Minshull, Talent Advisor for King County Metro Transit
Erica.Minshull@KingCounty.gov or 206-477-6059
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