Hybrid Powerline Tech III at City of Newton, NC

About the Department

Primary Reason Why Classification Exists
To perform skilled manual and technical work in the construction, maintenance, and repair of municipal electrical distribution systems.
 
Distinguishing Features of the Class
This is skilled electrical work as a Third Class lineman in the construction, maintenance, and repair of overhead and underground high voltage electrical distribution systems. An employee in this class functions as an experienced level technician performing routine work independently or providing skilled work as part of a team. Work includes performing the most hazardous tasks in construction and maintenance of the City's electrical distribution systems, substations, and associated equipment. Employees are required to work with energized high voltage electrical wires in adverse weather conditions requiring skill and care to protect the lives of employees and others. Work is performed under the supervision of the Electrical Utility Division Supervisor or other supervisory official and is evaluated on the basis of attainment of specific performance objectives, quantity and quality of work, feedback from crew leaders, compliance with safety regulations, and initiative and dependability.

Position Duties

• Provides semi-skilled level electrical lineman work in the construction, maintenance and repair of electrical distribution and transmission systems including digging holes and setting of poles, anchors and guys, placing of cross arms and insulators, stringing and tapping of wires, and the installation of transformers, service drops, and metering equipment; climbs poles and works with energized high voltage electrical lines if working on overhead lines; works with power lines, replaces capacitor banks, distributes transformers on poles, insulators, and fuses
• Uses hot sticks (insulated poles) when working with live-lines on energized high-voltage electric power lines; tests voltage, tightens nuts and bolts, applies tie wires (twisted lengths of ductile wire which fasten the running cable to its supporting insulators), opens and closes switches, replaces fuses, lays insulating sleeves on wires, and performs various tasks without exposing work crew to electric shock
• Operates backhoe and trencher; operates special purpose line trucks and attached equipment; checks equipment daily to ensure they are operational and equipped to provide service
• Uses wiring diagrams, maps, and SCADA systems to troubleshoot work problems to locate the sources causing power failure; makes defined repairs and restores electrical service in overhead or underground infrastructure
• Installs and maintains streetlights, floodlights, and associated equipment in public areas including underground lines and associated equipment
• Assists with relocating other utilities such as cable, telephone, and fiber optic lines when setting new poles
• Responds to fire alarms, vehicle accidents, and other emergencies to disconnect wires, ; may install meters and metering equipment as required
• Maintains, inspects, tests, repairs and operates all transformers and other electrical equipment if working at substation
• Provides guidance and training to less experienced personnel
• Responds to emergencies when required and subject to call back
• Performs related work as required such as hanging banners or decorations from poles, tree trimming, restocking vehicles with supplies, load and unload materials, and related labor activities

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools and equipment used in electrical construction and maintenance work; knowledge of the principles of electricity as applied to power circuits, wiring diagrams, and energized high voltage equipment
• Knowledge of the operation of aerial devices (bucket truck) as well as other occupational hand and automotive and power equipment
• Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools and equipment used in underground wire/transformer installation
• Knowledge of the occupational safety requirements and state and federal protocols (OSHA) associated with high-voltage electrical work
• Skill in the use of tools, construction equipment and testing equipment used in installation and maintenance of electrical distribution and transmissions, substations, and allied equipment
• Ability to use common hand, electrical, and power work tools and equipment; ability to operate a 2-way radio, bucket truck/pick-up, backhoe, trencher, front end loader, laptop, regulators/controls, testers/relays/switches, meters/metering equipment, and other electrical equipment as may be required
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and subordinates
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and evaluate the work of less skilled personnel
• Ability to climb poles and work at various heights with energized high voltage wires and related equipment as well as work underground in trenches and confined spaces exercising proper safety precautions
• Ability to maintain good physical condition and health and sufficient physical strength and agility to performs heavy manual tasks
• Ability to work under varying weather conditions to include extremes in temperature and/or adverse conditions
• Ability to operate a personal computer and associated software and make calculations for amount of materials required for job assignments
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public
• Ability to work overtime (including weekends and holidays) as required to meet operational needs and travel to varied locations as required

Other Qualifications

Physical Requirements
Work in this position is characterized as heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Employee must be able to stand, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, see clearly, bend body downward and forward, requiring full use of the lower extremities and back muscles, reach with hands and arms, hear, walk, ascend and descend stairs or ladders, climb poles, and work at heights or work underground in confined spaces. Employee must have the stamina to engage in strenuous physical work for extended periods of time. 
 
Education
Graduation from high school or GED equivalency and completion of an Electrical Lineman Career Level III training program by Electricites or by various North Carolina community colleges
 
Experience
At least 5 - 7 years' experience working as a class III lineman with a municipal or private sector company providing energized high voltage above ground and below ground electrical distribution systems
 
Special Requirements

• Valid North Carolina Commercial Driver's licenses (CDL-B) with endorsement for operating a bucket truck
• Certification in CPR & first-aid, Lock-out/Tag-out, confined space/trenching, and other job related certifications as may be required when positions are open for recruitment
• Certification as a Class III lineman