Distribution Electrician Helper - Network - Austin Energy

City of Austin

11d • Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision, the Distribution Electrician Helper participates in Austin Energy’s Apprenticeship Program and performs apprentice-level lineworker tasks focused on the Distribution, Network, or Transmission craft. The role combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction and involves assisting with construction, maintenance, troubleshooting, and emergency response for Austin Energy’s electrical systems. Work includes climbing poles and structures, preparing equipment and materials, operating or assisting with utility vehicles and equipment, and following Austin Energy and OSHA safety practices. The position is based at 4411-B Meinardus Drive, Austin, Texas, and normally works Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It is designated essential personnel and may require work outside the regular schedule, including during emergencies or severe weather.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
• Valid Texas Class A Commercial Driver’s License, or ability to acquire the license and/or endorsements within 120 days of employment.
• Ability to produce and maintain an acceptable driving record and meet City of Austin Driver Safety Program eligibility standards.
• Knowledge of Austin Energy and City of Austin practices, policies, procedures, safety rules, and craft-specific standards and work practices.
• Ability to climb poles and structures to the heights required for the craft, up to 80 feet for Distribution and Network or 250 feet for Transmission, while following fall-arrest guidelines.
• Ability to climb ladders, work in enclosed spaces, and serve as an enclosed-space attendant; Network craft work may involve confined spaces.
• Ability to use air-monitoring equipment before entering enclosed or confined spaces.
• Ability to understand oral and written instructions and read technical manuals, blueprints, sketches, and drawings.
• Ability to apply knowledge and skills gained through classroom and on-the-job training.
• Ability to properly inspect, use, maintain, and safely store PPE and personal insulating protective devices.
• Ability to operate computers and related software applications and to set up and operate electric utility aerial equipment.
• Ability to inspect and safely use hand and powered tools, equipment, and materials.
• Ability to handle conflict and uncertain situations, manage multiple tasks, and prioritize work.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and professional working relationships with City employees, customers, and the public.
• Ability to respond within defined timeframes to on-call assignments, emergency call backs, and after-hours outages.
• Ability to perform strenuous work in all types of weather and maintain required physical strength, endurance, agility, and functional capacity.
• Ability to lift, carry, and manipulate equipment and supplies weighing more than 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform continuous outdoor activity and frequent sitting, standing, walking, squatting, bending, twisting, climbing, kneeling, crawling, and carrying or lifting materials; tolerate extreme heat, cold, inclement weather, and noise; and wear required PPE.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions, changing priorities, and rotating shifts as assigned.
• Availability to work outside regular hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, on-call assignments, call backs, and additional hours, as operational needs require.

Nice To Haves

• Successful completion of the Austin Energy Climbing School.
• Experience performing apprentice-level underground electrical work.
• Experience communicating effectively verbally and in writing with management and customers.

Responsibilities

• Participate in on-the-job training and classroom instruction, and help maintain records documenting apprenticeship progression.
• Climb utility poles and structures and use approved hand, powered, and compression tools to assist with trouble-call response, construction, and maintenance of electrical systems.
• Drive electric utility vehicles and assist with preparing equipment, tools, materials, cables, and conductors for use on electrical systems.
• Assist with inventorying vehicles to ensure proper stocks of materials, tools, and equipment.
• Inspect electric utility vehicles in accordance with applicable standards.
• Respond to on-call assignments, emergency call backs, and after-hours outages caused by weather events or system disturbances.
• Assist with installation, framing, construction, and maintenance of structures, hardware, and equipment on overhead and underground distribution, network distribution, or transmission systems in accordance with Austin Energy standards and work practices.
• Assist with setting up and operating aerial utility equipment and other equipment, including cranes, boom trucks, digger derricks, bucket trucks, wire tensioners or pullers, cable reel trucks, cable and wire trailers, skid-steer loaders, bulldozers, backhoes, and forklifts.
• Follow applicable safety practices, use and inspect required protective equipment, and perform duties in accordance with Austin Energy and OSHA requirements.
• Maintain driver eligibility and respond to assigned work schedule changes, on-call duties, and emergency operational needs.

Benefits

• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Paid leave time.
• Competitive retirement plan through the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Career development and professional development opportunities.
• Work-life balance programs.
• Wellness programs and mental health support.
• On-site fitness centers.
• Access to public transit and bike-friendly transportation infrastructure.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED