Line Worker

The Position

The purpose of this classification is to operate equipment and perform manual work functions associated with construction, repair and maintenance of electrical power transmission/distribution systems, substations, generators, lines, telecommunications and related equipment.

Duties

Installs, maintains and repairs underground and overhead structures including high mast lighting and street light systems, poles, cables, and related equipment to carry power transmission/distribution lines used to conduct electrical energy between generating stations, substations, and consumers. Runs new underground services; troubleshoots underground power problems; splices underground distribution feeders. Runs new overhead services; assists in erecting poles and adjusting wires. Climbs poles or rides in truck-mounted boom bucket to install equipment, remove defective wiring, transfer wires, or conduct repairs. Installs transformers, insulators, lightning arresters, switches, wire conductors and auxiliary equipment to poles; strings wire conductors between erected poles; adjusts slack in conductors; terminates overhead conductors. Splices, solders, and insulates conductors and related wiring to join sections of power line and to connect transformers and electrical accessories. Opens switches or clamps grounding devices to energized equipment to de-energize lines or accessories. Performs manual work functions associated with construction, maintenance and repair of power transmission/distribution systems including laying/installing pipe, boring under roads/driveways, pouring concrete, trimming tree limbs and bushes, digging holes or trenches, driving ground rods, shoveling materials, lifting/moving heavy materials, flagging traffic, etc. Operates a variety of equipment, machinery and tools used in construction, maintenance and repair of power transmission/distribution systems, which may include a backhoe, trencher, pierce arrow, bucket truck, line truck, boring rig, tension rig, tamp, tractor, phasing stick, voltage ohmmeter, breakers, regulators, hydraulic tools, jackhammer, air compressor, pipe horn, post hole digger, shovel, axe, saw, chain saw, mechanic tools, etc. Maintains adequate supply of equipment, tools, supplies and materials on trucks for use at work sites; transports, loads and unloads various equipment and materials used in projects. Performs general maintenance tasks necessary to keep machinery, equipment and tools in good working condition which may include inspecting equipment, checking fluid levels, replacing fluids, greasing equipment, washing/cleaning equipment, cleaning shop and work areas, etc.; monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety; reports faulty equipment. Utilizes precautionary work methods and safety equipment to ensure safety of work crews and the public. Reads and interprets electrical diagrams and maps. Prepares and/or completes various forms, correspondence, reports, materials requisitions, drawings, and other documents to include written and hands-on tests. Receives various forms, reports, meter readings, electrical diagrams, maps, manuals, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards and/or maintains as appropriate. Communicates with supervisor, employees, Utilities departments, City departments, contractors, other utilities, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. Communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio; provides information; takes and relays messages; responds to requests for service and/or information from employees, officials, the public or other individuals. May be required to work after normal business hours, weekends, holidays in the event of a natural disaster, power outages, down power lines, trees, etc. or any disruption of service to Utilities customers; during periods of severe weather, required to notify immediate supervisor for any instructions. May assist with utility and safety investigations to include setting up and maintaining surveillance equipment. May perform manual tasks associated with the installation and maintenance of the Fiber Optic telecommunications system. Additional functions include performing the duties of supervisor in absence of same, installing, maintaining, and removing decorations and lights during holiday seasons, and providing assistance to other employees or departments as needed. Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Vocational/Technical degree with training emphasis in electrical distribution/transmission systems or related fields; supplemented by three (3) years previous experience and/or training involving electrical distribution/transmission systems; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must pass 3 year Approved Apprentice Program. Must possess and maintain valid Integrated Transmission System Switching School Keyholder Certification. Must possess and maintain valid Flagging Certification. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia Commercial Driver's License (CDL) including appropriate endorsement(s).

Core Competencies & ADA Compliance

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships. Human Interaction: Requires the ability to act as a first-line supervisor, including instructing, reviewing work, maintaining standards, and coordinating activities. Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to overhaul, restore, renovate, construct, and/or rebuild equipment, machinery, or objects, requiring adherence to prescribed standards and specifications. Requires the ability to operate and control the actions of the same equipment, machinery, and/or objects. Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive and/or advisory data and information. Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may include ability to compute discount, interest, and ratios; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures. Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as motivation, incentive, and leadership, and to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to resolve problems. Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving broader aspects of organizational programs and operations, moderately unstable situations, or the direction, control and planning of an entire program or set of programs. ADA COMPLIANCE Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert very heavy physical effort in very heavy work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of heavy objects and materials (up to 100 pounds) and occasionally heavier items (100 pounds or over). Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odors, depths, textures, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require oral communications ability. Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to such adverse environmental conditions as electric currents, high pressure gas & water lines, insects, poisonous plants, animals, dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, vibrations, machinery, or traffic hazards and toxic agents. The City of Albany, Georgia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Albany, Georgia will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.