ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION MECHANIC (3879) (REVISED 5/21/26)

Electric Distribution Mechanic

An entry-level Electric Distribution Mechanic works as a trainee under close supervision of journey-level workers. Trainees receive extensive classroom training as well as on the job training as a cable splicer and as a line mechanic. Electric Distribution Mechanic trainees assist in the construction, maintenance and repair of overhead electric power sub-transmission and distribution lines and equipment; constructs high-voltage distribution pole lines; makes construction changes to existing lines and equipment; repairs power lines and line equipment; repairs and reroutes services; sets poles; installs transformer racks; hangs and installs transformers and switches of various types and sizes; installs overhead street lights and guy wires; makes repairs to energized lines; performs limited line clearance tree trimming; installs watt-hour meters; uses appropriate live line tools to install and remove approved protective covering on energized distribution and sub-transmission circuits of 7.5kV and above; and climbs poles.

Electric Distribution Mechanic trainees assist in the construction, maintenance, and repair of underground electric power, transmission, sub-transmission, and distribution cable work. Performs work activities in connection with underground cable installation and removal; pulls cables and service lines through sub-structures, vaults, duct lines, up poles and walls, over roofs of buildings and to customers' service panels; performs rigging operations of cable pulling equipment; installs and removes transformers and related equipment in vaults and sub-structures; splices energized and de-energized low-voltage cables, splices high voltage de-energized cables; maintains gas and oil filled cable and equipment; installs watt hour meters; and climbs poles as related to underground work.

A journey-level Electric Distribution Mechanic performs skilled mechanical and electrical work in connection with the construction, maintenance, and repair of energized and/or de-energized overhead and underground electric transmission, subtransmission, distribution, communication, and utilitarian street light lines, cables, and equipment; and may work as a mentor over a group of skilled craft workers.

Requirements/Minimum Qualifications

1. Completion of an apprenticeship program sanctioned by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) national organization in conjunction with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), and possession of a valid journey-level line worker card issued by IBEW; or 2. A pole climbing proficiency certificate issued by an accredited lineman's college or by the Department of Water and Power, Power System Safety and Training, or completion of a recognized Advanced Training Pole Climbing program while in the United States military; and one of the following: a. Six months of full-time paid experience assisting or working on an overhead and/or underground Electrical Distribution or Transmission Construction, Maintenance, or Electric Trouble crew and assisting with and/or performing high-voltage line work in and on high-voltage power poles, transmission towers, and underground electric substructures. Six months experience must be specific to assisting with and/or performing work at voltages of 4.16-kV and above; or b. Six months of full-time experience performing electrical work on equipment and circuits in the maintenance or construction of electrical distribution systems while in the United States military; or c. Eighteen months of full-time paid experience performing line clearance tree trimming; or d. Eighteen months of full-time paid training and experience chipping around energized 4.8-kV and 34.5-kV electrical conduit systems; or 3. Certificate of completion of the Electrical Lineman Program from Northwest Lineman College; or 4. Certificate of completion of the Powerline Mechanic-Trainee Program from the Los Angeles Trade Technical College.

Where To Apply & Application Deadline

Applications will only be accepted on-line. When you are viewing the on-line bulletin of your choice, simply scroll to the top of the page and select the "Apply" icon. Entry-level applicants who are applying under Requirement #2, #3, or #4 may access the on-line job bulletin at This bulletin is only for candidates who will not be submitting their journey-level line worker card at the time of filing.

Note: Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure you have time to resolve any technical issues you may encounter if you apply on-line. Application deadline: This examination may close without prior notice at any time after a sufficient number of applications have been received. For administrative purposes, filing may close periodically and reopen the following day.

Selection Process

After meeting minimum qualifications, candidates filing under Requirement #2, #3, or #4 will be scheduled for the following two tests and candidates filing under Requirement #1 will be scheduled for the Performance Test only: Examination Weight: Multiple-Choice Test - Qualifying Performance Test - 100%. In the qualifying multiple-choice test, candidates may be examined for knowledge of basic physical principles related to the operation of mechanical devices; the proper use and care of portable power and hand tools; basic safety principles and procedures, including first aid and safe work practices for electrical craft work and work in confined spaces; basic arithmetic; and the ability to read sufficiently to understand reference guides, maps, scales, dials, digital readings and measures; and other necessary skills, knowledge and abilities. The qualifying multiple-choice test will be proctored and administered on-line during a single session. Candidates invited to participate in the on-line multiple-choice test will be able to take the test from a remote location (i.e., their home) using a computer with a webcam and a reliable internet connection. Candidates who do not complete and submit the remote proctored multiple-choice test on-line using a computer by the specified date and time will not be considered further in this examination.

For candidates who apply between NOVEMBER 19, 2025 and MAY 24, 2026, it is anticipated that the on-line multiple-choice test will be administered between JULY 28, 2026 to AUGUST 3, 2026 For candidates who apply between MAY 25, 2026 and NOVEMBER 27, 2026, it is anticipated that the on-line multiple-choice test will be administered between JANUARY 26, 2027 to FEBRUARY 1, 2027. FAQs for on-line testing are available at . Candidates who do not have the required equipment may have the option to take the multiple-choice test onsite at a City facility.

The passing score for the qualifying multiple-choice test will be determined by Personnel Department staff after the multiple-choice test is administered. Consideration will be given to the number of candidates taking the test and the existing and anticipated number of vacancies, such that there are a sufficient number of eligibles on the list to satisfy current and future vacancies for the next two years. Therefore, the passing score for the qualifying multiple-choice test may be set either at above or below 70%. For candidates filing under Requirement #2, #3, or #4, only those who receive a passing score on the qualifying multiple-choice test will be scheduled for the performance test. The Performance Test will consist of a series of tasks in which candidates may be examined for: knowledge of portable power and hand tools; physical agility sufficient to climb, balance, and extend; manual dexterity; safety procedures and precautions; and the ability to: lift up to 70 pounds unassisted; measure materials accurately; follow oral and written instructions; read and understand diagrams; communicate orally in a clear and concise manner; and other necessary skills, knowledge and abilities. Candidates will need to wear appropriate work attire when reporting for the performance test. Long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and lineman boots are required. Climbing equipment such as gaff pole climbers, body belt, fall restraint system, and body harness will be provided. You may use your own personal gaff pole climbers and body belt if your equipment meets DWP safety standards and passes inspection by the test raters. All climbing equipment shall be maintained in good serviceable condition that meets Power Distribution Business Unit Safety Rule standards.

For candidates who apply between NOVEMBER 19, 2025 and MAY 24, 2026, it is anticipated that the performance test will be administered in OCTOBER 2026. For candidates who apply between MAY 25, 2026 and NOVEMBER 27, 2026, it is anticipated that the performance test will be administered in APRIL 2027.