Hybrid Pre-Apprentice Lineworker at City of Seattle, WA

About the Department

Seattle City Light is seeking qualified individuals to train and work in our Pre-Apprentice Lineworker (PAL) Program. The PAL Program is a paid, six-month probationary training position designed to help individuals gain the necessary skills to become successful Lineworker Apprentices. The work activities include working outside with experienced electrical Lineworkers on established work crews.
 
Lineworkers are critical to providing electric power to City Light's more than 360,000 residential, business, and industrial customers. At City Light, apprentices are an important part of our highly skilled team.

Lineworker Pre-Apprentices serve a six-month probationary period during their 1040 hours of training. To proceed to the Lineworker Apprenticeship Program, each Pre-Apprentice must successfully attain the final program standards, including: physical capacity requirements, obtaining a Commercial Drivers License (CDL), passing working skills requirements and climbing training by the conclusion of the full six months (1040 hours) of training. Failure to meet the standards within the 1040 hours will result in removal from the PAL Program and prevent progression into the Lineworker Apprenticeship.

Those who successfully complete the PAL Program will advance to the Lineworker Apprentice Program and serve the standard one-year probationary period as a Lineworker Apprentice. Apprentices enter the 3 ½ Year/7,000 hour Lineworker Apprenticeship Program and learn to work with high voltage electricity providing service to customers in the Seattle distribution area.

All Lineworker Apprentices are required to adhere to the Standards of Apprenticeship as well as the City of Seattle Personnel Rules and any other applicable policies and procedures. Lineworker Apprentices will receive on-the-job training to perform progressively more difficult, physically demanding, and complex work assignments including (but not limited to): carrying materials and equipment weighing 50 pounds or more; pushing, pulling and rigging large and heavy equipment and materials from positions at heights, on the ground, underground, on ladders, on steel structures, and in confined spaces in proximity to energized lines and equipment and in adverse weather conditions. In addition to the on-the-job training activities, Lineworker Apprentices will be required to successfully complete a minimum 144 hours per year of evening academic training. Upon satisfactory completion of their apprenticeship program and subject to passing journey-level examination, Lineworker Apprentices can advance to the job title of Journey-level Lineworker.
 
Apprentice training standards are carefully overseen by the Joint Apprenticeship Training Council and the PAL Program is approved by and accredited through the State of Washington. Individuals hired as Lineworker Pre-Apprentice, Lineworker Apprentice and Journey-level Lineworker at City Light are required to join the bargaining unit IBEW, Local 77 immediately upon hire.

https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers/apprenticeships/hiring-process

Position Duties

• Repairs or replaces defective high voltage conductors, insulators and related hardware.
• Repairs or replaces all overhead and non-network underground transformers.
• Inspects and installs underground vaults, conduit and duct runs; installs new cable and equipment.
• Installs streetlight standards, fixtures, relays.
• Strings wire and cables for electrical power transmission, distribution or traffic light circuits.
• Inspects and troubleshoots electrical systems and equipment to repair malfunctions and restore electrical power.
• Inspects and repairs overhead distribution lines, towers, switches, and utility poles and structures.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High School graduate or HS equivalency, or Vocational School or Associates Degree graduate. Have a minimum of 1 year of HS or 1 quarter of post HS algebra, geometry or trigonometry with a minimum grade of 70% (or ”C- Average”) or successful completion of the Basic Electricity Applied Math (BEAM) class.

Experience: None required.
 
Certification/License: Valid Washington State Driver's License. As part of the PAL program, workers will undergo commercial driver's training and must obtain a Washington State Class 'A' Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A).

Other Qualifications

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The full salary range for this position is hourly rate $50.28 - 50.28.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications.  Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with theSeattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance,SMC 14.17and theCity of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance withSMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: www.seattle.gov/city-light.