Journeyman Lineman

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Journeyman Lineman is responsible for the performance of various physical tasks involving the construction, maintenance, and repair of electric utility facilities and equipment. This role is critical to ensuring the reliable distribution of electricity and requires adherence to strict safety protocols.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Adhere to safety practices and procedures, such as checking equipment regularly and erect barriers around work areas.
• Test conductors according to electrical diagrams and specifications to identify corresponding conductors and prevent incorrect connections.
• Open switches or attach grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.
• Climb poles or use truck-mounted buckets to access equipment.
• Drive vehicles equipped with tools and materials to job sites.
• Operate equipment such as bucket trucks, line trucks, trenchers, backhoes, underground locators, and various power and hand tools.
• Construct, maintain, and repair electric utility facilities, including meters, poles, towers, and cables.
• Read and interpret electrical prints, maps, and schematics.
• Responsible for the preventative maintenance program for department equipment and tools.
• Perform duties of the City/Board’s electrical inspector, including trench inspections and utility installation within subdivisions.
• Conduct electric utility locates as required by Miss Utility.
• Maintain records for substations, including pole and substation inspections.
• Clear vegetation in right-of-ways and substation areas, and coordinate the tree trimming program.
• Enforce safety rules and ensure proper clearance and grounding for crew protection.
• Respond to customer calls within thirty minutes.
• Perform clerical work incidental to the job and train staff personnel.
• Check electric meters for proper functioning, tampering, or other operational problems.
• Connect and disconnect meters as directed.
• Install, maintain, and repair streetlights.
• Troubleshoot electrical system problems.
• Deal courteously and diplomatically with the general public.
• Assist the Water/Wastewater Department as needed.
• Assist in handling multiple priorities and projects.
• Assist in the preparation of material specifications as required.
• Maintain a high level of safety acumen and knowledge of traffic laws for motorized vehicles.
• Stock trucks and warehouse/yard with deliveries of poles, transformers, and metered equipment.
• Perform small maintenance on trucks, such as fix leaks.
• Abide by all Safety rules and Incident Investigations outlined in the BPW Safety Procedures and/or the safety procedures outlined in the Individual Departmental Manual.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Extensive knowledge and experience with the National Electrical Safety Code.
• Skills in troubleshooting, operations monitoring, and critical thinking.
• High level of safety awareness and adherence to safety procedures.
• Ability to operate vehicles and equipment such as bucket trucks, line trucks, trenchers, backhoes, and underground locators.
• Employee must use reasonable care, judgment, and application of their knowledge in the performance of their duties.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of a lineman apprenticeship program and/or formal training in the area of specialty.
• Valid Class A or Class B CDL Delaware driver’s license with a good driving record.
• CPR and First Aid certifications preferred.
• Ability to complete NIMS 100 and  700 training within a year of start date.
• Other certifications as required after hire.
• Extensive experience and knowledge in electric distribution and transmission.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is predominantly outdoors, subject to varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions.
• The position involves significant physical exertion, including lifting heavy objects and operating machinery.
• Exposure to electrical and other safety hazards is common, necessitating strict adherence to safety protocols.
• Operation of specialized equipment like bucket trucks and meter testing devices is required.
• Work may include night shifts or extended hours to accommodate specific projects.
• Moderate interaction with the public requires courteous communication and professionalism.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift, push, carry, and/or pull loads of 80-100 lbs.
• Must be able to frequently stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, crouch, and crawl.
• Must have the physical ability to climb poles, work at heights, and operate heavy machinery.
• Requires fine motor skills and the ability to operate complex machinery and equipment.
• Availability to work during emergencies, which may include extended hours in difficult conditions.