Utility Service Technician - Distribution

Nebraska Public Power District•Kearney, NE

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you hard-working and eager to make a meaningful impact in the ever-emerging energy industry? Come join us! By joining the Nebraska Public Power District team, you’re becoming part of a close-knit community that embodies the values and traditions of the state. More than generating and delivering power, we empower our employees to thrive both personally and professionally. With safety at the helm, we have created a supportive and inclusive work environment that fosters innovation and growth. Here, you’re not just an employee; you're a valued member of a family that respects and supports each other. Our power grid has been consistently ranked one of the most reliable and resilient, but our reputation for excellence extends beyond our customer service to our employee satisfaction. Many of our team members have built lifelong careers here, advancing through the ranks thanks to our robust training programs and opportunities for professional development. With us, you’ll find a place where your efforts are recognized and rewarded, where you’re making a deep impact on the communities around you, and where you can truly power a career that you can be proud of.

Requirements

Associate's degree in Electrical, Electromechanical, or related field and two years’ experience as a commercial or residential electrician, or two years underground locating experience OR High school diploma/GED and four years’ experience as a commercial or residential electrician or four years underground locating experience
Incumbent must successfully complete the following courses/programs: NPPD's Meter Reader training, open book Safety Exam, Meter Theory and Application, Basic Electricity and certified in substation entry. These courses will be completed within 12 months from the date of hire.
Incumbent will receive on-the-job training in setting and removing meters as well as locating underground primary, secondary, and services including telecom communication cable.
Incumbent must be able to observe line technicians do hot-work. Will attend NPPD's Hot Line Training class as an observer. Incumbent will not be expected to do complete actual hands-on work.
Pass and maintain Operator's Certification on bucket truck and digger-derrick operation.
Obtain certification in Bucket Truck Rescue, First Aid, and CPR.
Valid Nebraska driver’s license required.
Must obtain class A CDL at a local school offering the necessary courses at the next available session, and then maintain CDL going forward.
Customer Focus
Employees & Teamwork/Diversity & Inclusion
Integrity/Excellence
Public Service/Environmental Stewardship
Safety

Nice To Haves

NPPD will pay the cost to obtain the CDL license.

Responsibilities

Work meter orders as required by billing office to set and remove meters and perform collection duties which includes disconnects for non-payment.
Investigate and report irregularities regarding electric service and metering equipment.
Perform tasks related to the daily operation of the distribution system.
Follow and adhere to all policies and procedures to ensure that work is completed correctly and safely.
Accurately and timely record keeping such as material, time, procurement, and equipment documents.
Issue and return stores materials as necessary dependent on location.
Perform required underground locates on primary cables, secondary cables, underground services, and telecom communication cables utilizing available equipment provided by the District. Perform these duties following Nebraska 811 requirements.
Set and remove self-contained meters.
Terminate residential meters at the service point and secondary connection.
Read meters as per meter orders and check for current diversion.
Disconnect customers for non-payment, Cut Non-Pay (CNP).
Discuss problems with customers, troubleshoot residential service-related problems, perform repairs as necessary, and provide answers or direct customer to proper District representative.
Maintain a professional image of the District at all times, especially in those situations where incumbent is required to go on personal property for District needs. This includes but is not limited to covering body piercing/marks, maintaining personal hygiene such as facial/hair lengths/personal grooming and presenting the District uniform in a clean and professional manner.
May disconnect primary circuit with insulated fiberglass stick to protect property and the general public. A Line Technician will be summoned to test and re-energize the circuit.
May open and close cutouts on transformer mountings with verbal approval of a Distribution Supervisor. This approval will be situation dependent and not an overall blanket approval for the UST.
Assist Line crews by locating that need to be addressed to maintain system reliability by performing line patrols, as requested.
Perform street light patrol, street light repair, and street light map updates as needed.
Assist Area Storekeeper with inventory control, issuing and returning material, as requested.
Accountable for other duties as assigned.