Hybrid Apprentice Lineworker at City of Alameda, CA

About the Department

• 9/80 work schedule
• CalPERS Retirement: Classic Members: 2% at 55 formula,  8.868% contribution; New Members 2% @ 62 formula, 8.25% contribution.
• Medical: The City contracts with CalPERS to provide comprehensive health coverage to employees. Multiple HMO and PPO plans available, with a generous City contribution towards medical premiums.
• Dental: Comprehensive dental coverage provided to employees and their eligible dependents.
• Vacation: Starting with 80 hours annually and increasing with years of service.
• Floating Holidays: 5.5 days
• Sick Leave: 96 hours annually; unused sick leave is converted to service credit at retirement.
• Deferred Compensation: Up to 1% 457(b) matching City contribution after 1 year of continuous service.

About Alameda Municipal Power
In 1887, the City of Alameda paid $20,000 for the installations of 13 streetlights and a 90-kW generating station to power them.  And with that, the oldest public electric utility west of the Mississippi was created.

Today, the City of Alameda is still in the power business and still a trendsetter.  Now known as Alameda Municipal Power (AMP), we have survived over a century and a quarter of utility mergers that created behemoths in other places.

AMP has provided safe reliable power at lower rates without sacrificing service to power our community.  We maintain local control so that we can re-invest in the island and provide value to enrich our lives, businesses, and the community.  

We've seen a lot of change in 130 years, but through it all there's been one constant:  We're as committed today to delivering safe and reliable electricity to the residents and businesses of Alameda as we were in 1887.  We'll continue to invest in new and improved ways of doing business to manage costs, improve our service, and improve the environment.

About the Position
This is a dynamic time for electric utilities and AMP's Engineering & Operations Division plays a key role in shaping the design, construction, and operation of the transmission and distribution system.  The Operations Sections include Line, Substations, Metering, and System Control, all working very closely together and interfacing with other areas of the organization to achieve safe and reliable distribution of electricity every day.

As part of the team, you will have the opportunity to help AMP in achieving its goals and vision.

We are looking for a colleague who, under supervision, serves an approved period in the capacity of apprentice to prepare for journey level linework; performs other related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Works with journey level lineworkers in all phases of power line and equipment construction and maintenance.
2. Learns to climb wooden poles (stepped and unstepped) and works thereon and operates specialized vehicular equipment under a journey level lineworker's guidance.
3. Learns good safety practices for people and equipment around high voltage lines, wires, and cables.
4. Performs progressively more difficult work and accepts more responsibility, learning all phases of overhead and underground electrical transmission, distribution and street light system construction and maintenance.
5. Requisitions materials and keeps accurate time and material records.
6. Drives and operates specialized vehicular equipment.

Other Qualifications

Education/Experience
Any combination equivalent to education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
 
Education:  Graduation from high school including one year (two semesters) of algebra with a minimum "C" grade.
 
Experience:  One year experience in construction and maintenance as electrical helper or groundworker.  Electrical construction and maintenance is highly desirable.
 
Knowledge
Some knowledge of the fundamentals and principles of construction and maintenance, methods, tools, equipment, and materials; some knowledge of elementary electricity and mathematics; the use of specialized tools; and safe work practices and procedures.
 
Abilities
Ability to learn the journey level lineworker trade in accordance with accepted industry standards; demonstrate mechanical and electric aptitude; work in high places and confined spaces; operate specialized tools and vehicular equipment; communicate effectively; follow oral and written directions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public; make sound decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job duties.
 
Special Requirements
Willingness and/or ability to respond to after-hours emergency calls as required.  Willingness to attend training away from city property as required.
 
Other Requirements
Must be able to complete a prescribed 8,000 hour apprenticeship program which includes classroom instruction, home study courses, and on the job training.  Must meet standards established by the City and must pass an examination before becoming eligible for appointment to the journey level lineworker classification.

The examination process may include an application and supplemental questionnaire evaluation, a written exam, performance exam, and/or an oral interview. The examination process may test for, but is not limited to, the essential knowledge and abilities listed in the job specification and announcement and will be designed to provide a comprehensive review of each candidate's technical knowledge and overall suitability for the position. Qualified applicants will be notified of the exact date, time, and location of examinations approximately two weeks in advance. If applicants have not received written notice at least one week prior to the test date listed in the flyer, they should contact the City of Alameda Human Resources Department at (510) 747-4900.

Candidates passing all components of the examination process will be placed on an Eligible List. A list of names is certified to the department(s) having vacancies based on the type of examination conducted pursuant to the provision of the City's Civil Service Rules. Final selection will be made from the Eligible List by the Department Head subject to approval by the City Manager. The Department Head may utilize additional selection procedures to make a final hiring decision. Placement on an Eligible List does not guarantee employment. Prior to appointment, a thorough reference check will be conducted which may include a credit check and background. The selection process may be evaluated and revised based on the number of qualified applicants. Federal law requires that prior to employment, you must furnish proof of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States, as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

E-VERIFY: The City of Alameda utilizes the Federal government's E-Verify program and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization, which includes showing a valid United States Social Security card at the time of hire (photocopies not accepted).

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Alameda is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. In compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations, the City of Alameda will employ and promote qualified individuals without regard to disability. The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must do so no later than the final filing date for receipt of applications, otherwise it may not be possible to arrange accommodations for the selection process. Such requests should be addressed to the Human Resources Department | 1-510-747-4900 |[email protected]| 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Rm. 290, Alameda, 94501. Requests can be made via email, phone, or in writing via U.S. mail.

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