Electric Line Technician

Town of Smithfield•Smithfield Operations Center, NC

About The Position

Performs technical work in the construction, maintenance, and repair of electrical power distribution systems and lines. Employees are expected to have a working knowledge of standardized power-line construction, maintenance, and repair techniques. The work requires judgment in selecting methods and following safety standards, along with frequent on-call and call-back responsibilities. Work is performed under the leadership of an Electric Line Crew Leader and the overall supervision of the Electrical Distribution Superintendent, with work reviewed during progress and upon completion. The position involves electrical-work hazards and work both indoors and outdoors, including extreme hot and cold weather, heights, noise, vibration, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, confined spaces, poor ventilation, and oils. The employee may perform the listed duties and other duties assigned by the Town of Smithfield. Applicants who lack the required experience or a Second-class Power Line Technician Certificate will be hired as an Apprentice. Apprentices start four salary grades below the class and may advance to the class’s minimum salary grade through training and performance evaluations over a two-year period.

Requirements

Graduation from high school supplemented by training in electrical principles and experience related to electrical distribution system work, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Possession of a Second-class Power Line Technician Certificate.
Possession of a valid commercial North Carolina Driver’s License.
Considerable knowledge of standard techniques and practices used in power-line construction and maintenance.
Considerable knowledge of the use and care of tools, equipment, and supplies used in power-distribution work.
Considerable knowledge of hazards and safety precautions involved in power-line work.
Ability to climb poles and work effectively and safely.
Ability to work on high-voltage lines under supervision and take precautions to avoid accidents.
Ability to drive and operate utility trucks.
Ability to operate tree-trimming and limb-removal equipment.
Ability to use a variety of hand tools and line-worker tools and equipment safely.
Ability to understand oral and written instructions.
Ability to perform the listed basic life operational functions, including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing.
Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 20 pounds constantly.
Visual acuity sufficient to operate vehicles and equipment and inspect and assemble small parts.

Nice To Haves

A CDL endorsement is preferred.
First Aid certification, including CPR and AED, is beneficial.

Responsibilities

Participate in installing and aligning power-line poles, stringing primary and secondary lines, and attaching wire to insulators and cross arms.
Install, repair, and replace cross arms, leg supports, insulators, lightning arresters, circuit breakers, and fuse cutouts.
Maintain and repair the Town’s street-lighting system.
Drive and operate bucket-truck equipment to access high wires.
Operate backhoes, chippers, and related equipment.
Make line taps and connect wires.
Install transformers, fuse cutouts, and capacitors.
Transfer wire from defective poles to new poles, install metering equipment, and transfer lines from old poles to new poles.
Investigate power-failure complaints and make necessary repairs.
Participate in emergency repairs during service disruptions.
Participate in tree trimming, chipping, and cleanup.
Perform related duties as required.