Electric Lineworker

City of Ames • 50010, IA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Ames Electric Services Department is hiring a Journey Level Lineworker to support the Electric Distribution Division. The position constructs, maintains, and repairs overhead and underground electrical distribution and transmission systems and performs related work as required. The recruitment establishes a Civil Service eligibility list that may remain valid for up to one year after certification and may be used to fill one or more vacancies. The classification requires rotating stand-by status. The role may also serve as acting Electric Line Crew Leader and install, maintain, and repair street, security, and recreational lighting systems.

The position requires completion of a U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship in high-voltage electric transmission and distribution system repair, or commensurate training, by the expected Civil Service Commission approval date of December 17, 2026. Employees must have a valid driver’s license and obtain a Type A commercial driver’s license with required endorsements within one month of employment. After completing probation, a new employee must reside within the specified area within six months; the department head may allow up to six additional months with documentation of a financial commitment to move.

The posted starting rate is $50.41 per hour, approximately $104,852.80 annually. The position offers the opportunity to earn on-call pay and considerable overtime. A comprehensive benefits package is referenced on the City of Ames benefits page. The City participates in the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for eligible employees. Candidates for CDL-required positions are subject to a query in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse as part of the pre-employment background check. The selection process may include evaluation of education and experience, a phone interview, hiring assessment, on-site interview, reference checks, and criminal background and sex offender registry checks.

Requirements

• Complete a U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship in high-voltage electric transmission and distribution system repair, or commensurate training, by the expected Civil Service Commission approval date of December 17, 2026.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Obtain a valid Type A Commercial Driver’s License and any required endorsements within one month of employment.
• Have considerable knowledge of approved methods, materials, and tools used in line construction and maintenance.
• Have considerable knowledge of electrical theory as applied to electrical circuits and wiring systems.
• Have knowledge of first aid, CPR, and safety rules in the adopted safety manual.
• Have considerable skill using electric-trade tools and testing equipment and performing transmission and distribution line construction, maintenance, and repair tasks.
• Be able to understand and follow verbal and written instructions and read and interpret electrical sketches, diagrams, and blueprints.
• Be able to use line tools and testing equipment; climb poles; and work with high-tension wires while observing proper safety precautions.
• Be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, supervisors, and citizens.
• Be able to operate a laptop computer, digger derrick, bucket trucks, pickup trucks, and related equipment.
• Meet the stated residency requirement after the probationary period: reside within the designated area within six months, subject to a possible additional six-month allowance by the department head.
• Meet the physical, vision, and environmental demands described in the posting, including climbing, lifting, and working around electrical hazards and in varied indoor and outdoor conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Applicants with qualifications above the minimum may be given preference.
• A Journey Level Electric Lineworker certification or documentation verifying the certificate may be attached to the application, if applicable.

Responsibilities

• Construct, maintain, and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems, including overhead and underground systems.
• String and pull wires; set poles and anchors; climb poles and transmission towers; and install transformers, crossarms, insulators, primary switches, and other hardware.
• Sag primary and secondary wires; locate trouble in primary and secondary lines; replace fuses; and clear short circuits.
• Build and maintain substations, transformer banks, and transformer platforms.
• Connect, disconnect, and repair service loops; install and connect metering equipment; and trim trees.
• Read and interpret blueprints and maps, use a laptop computer for map information, and prepare reports of activities.
• Operate digger derricks, bucket trucks, pickup trucks, and related equipment.
• Provide continuous feedback to coworkers during work and, as needed, supervise helpers and train apprentices.
• Maintain rotating stand-by status.
• May serve as acting Electric Line Crew Leader.
• May install, maintain, and repair street, security, and recreational lighting systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned and contribute to the City’s shared organizational values and service objectives.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package (details provided through the City of Ames Benefits page).
• Opportunity to earn on-call pay.
• Opportunity to earn considerable overtime.
• Potential eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed