Distribution Construction Leader

City of Austin

2d•$38 - $49•Hybrid

About The Position

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country. This position reports to the Program Manager - Distribution Reliability. This hybrid role combines hands-on field inspections of overhead (OH) and underground (UG) electrical distribution facilities with back-office support for electrical distribution projects. The ideal candidate will ensure the safety, reliability, and compliance of utility infrastructure while assisting in design, documentation, and coordination tasks to support engineering operations.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
Five (5) years' experience in routing, design, and construction of an electric utility's transmission system, or in a field related to the job.
Knowledge of electrical construction practices, equipment, and techniques.
Knowledge of Austin Energy ESD ISO 9001.
Knowledge of Austin Energy Safety Policies.
Knowledge of city practice, policy, procedure, statutes, and ordinances
Skill in applying established and standard construction, maintenance techniques.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in using computers, current mapping software, citywide GIS projects, and related software applications.
Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
Ability to lead assigned team(s) involved in distribution construction activities.
Ability to train others.
Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
Ability to implement change and achieve defined goals.
Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees and the public
Valid Texas Driver's License

Nice To Haves

Experience in electrical utility distribution, inspection, construction, or maintenance (experience with OH/UG systems highly desirable).
Knowledge of electrical codes (NEC, NESC), utility standards, and safety practices.
Knowledge of the hazards involved in working on and around high-voltage energized lines and equipment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with GIS, ADMS, OMS, DMS, EMS, Sun-Net iTOA.
Ability to perform strenuous work in all types of weather conditions.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions, changes in priorities, and rotating shifts as assigned.
Ability to lift, carry, and manipulate equipment and supplies weighing more than 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Coordinates and reviews work practices, develop designs and analyze GIS systems and makes recommendations for operations in the distribution construction process.
Provides direct oversight of construction and maintenance activities performed by Austin Energy personnel and contracted staff by reviewing work requests, determining appropriate personnel to complete assigned projects and monitoring the completion and if necessary, perform work assigned.
Establishes and maintains a customer perspective for all services provided to in-house clients by providing updates, reports, presentations and documentation as requested.
Meets deadlines and quality expectations in a cost effective manner by monitors project budget and track expenditures, personnel and materials are available to met work orders.
Alerts supervision to any deviations from the approved cost projections.
Provide assistance in reviewing and updating policies and procedures of assigned area.
Monitor any changes to construction or systems changes in the industry to ensure best practices are applied.
Conduct regular visual and technical inspections of overhead and underground electrical utility facilities, including poles, lines, transformers, cables, conduits, vaults, and related equipment.
Identify defects, damage, corrosion, vegetation encroachment, or hazards; assess structural integrity and compliance with industry standards (e.g., NESC, NEC, utility-specific guidelines).
Perform data collection in the field, including measurements, photography, and documentation of conditions.
Oversee or coordinate minor maintenance, repairs, or new installations during inspections.
Prepare detailed inspection reports, work orders, material lists, and field notes.
Provide technical support to engineering teams, including responding to field crew inquiries, customer escalations, reviewing plans, and recommending solutions for distribution system improvements.
Maintain records, inventory checks, and databases related to utility assets.
Collaborate with contractors, other utilities, and stakeholders on joint projects or issue resolution.
Ensure all facilities meet regulatory requirements, safety protocols, and company standards.
Report non-compliance issues and recommend corrective actions.
Participate in safety audits and emergency response as needed.