Career Center

The Lineman performs journey-level installation, maintenance, modification, trouble shooting and repair of the City electrical power distribution and lighting system. The Lineman position requires considerable knowledge of the electric utility’s equipment, facilities, layout and operations, and proficiency in the operation of any of the equipment used by the Department. The Lineman may occasionally direct assigned employees of equal or lower classification and apprentice(s) and work independently in the absence of a supervisor. The Lineman performs duties in accordance with sound safety practices to ensure personal safety and safety of others.

Essential Job Duties

1. Receives work orders and applicable instructions from supervisor along with sufficient and accurate information for the work to be accomplished including appropriate specifications and/or standards. 
2. Reads and interprets electrical schematics and blueprints as required. 
3. Installs temporary and permanent underground and overhead residential and commercial single and three-phase power systems. As appropriate, lay wire, pull and connect wiring as necessary to install and activate watt-hour meters.
4. Installs and activates and/or removes and replaces street and rental light services as required. Sets poles (wood or metal) and install guy anchors. Mounts cross-arms, insulators, connectors and associated hardware. 
5. Investigates, troubleshoots and resolves customer power complaints such as power outages, low or no voltage, radio/TV interference, line arcing and related conditions.
6. Acts in an “On Call” (Standby) status as part of a weekly rotational schedule for responding to after normal working hours electrical emergencies and/or outages. Carries a mobile phone, pager or other communication device, and is able to respond within short notice to de-energize electrical circuits or restore power.
7. Accomplishes load switching on energized power systems as necessary to balance amperage on different lines to direct power around trouble spots and to restore service to customers.
8. Locates and isolates faulted underground power cables using high voltage D.C. generation(e.g. “TDR” unit). Accomplishes required repairs by removing, replacing, energizing and testing for proper function in accordance with established procedures.
9. Installs new and repair existing pad-mount and pole-mount transformers. Installs air, oil and primary switches, high-voltage capacitors and lightning arresters. Takes oil samples from energized and de-energized transformers for PCB testing in accordance with established practices.
10. Locates and marks underground cable locations using high-frequency transmitter and hand-held receiver. Prepares sketches and cable-marking diagrams as necessary to define as-built installations and cable routes.
11. Performs inspection of electrical equipment and power systems installed by contractors and developers. Notes any deficiencies for re-work and accept work installed to standards and specifications.
12. Loads, transports, unloads and operates a variety of vehicles and equipment such as bucket trucks, digger derrick trucks, backhoes, dump trucks, road graders and trenchers to perform any function within the capacity of the machine.
13. Uses a variety of hand tools, equipment, and standard electrical test equipment such as voltmeters, fault locators, hot-line tools, crimpers, pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, pole-climbing equipment, chain saws and hydraulic anchor setters as necessary to accomplish job requirements.
14. Removes tree limbs obstructing power lines and clears grass and brush from around equipment installation. Transports and disposes of debris in accordance with established procedures.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Performs work in accordance with sound safety practices.
2. Responds to all public inquiries in a courteous manner. Provide information within scope of knowledge or refers to a supervisor.
3. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualified Journeyman Lineman is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Due to call out requirement, must live a short distance (within 30 miles) from Blaine.
• Knowledge of the field of assignment and physical ability sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated by example in the above job description.
• Full-scope knowledge of assigned construction and maintenance equipment; operating and repair procedures and methods and facilities and function of areas of assignment.
• Ability to perform complex work requiring analytical ability and judgment regularly and proficiently.
• Ability to work in accordance with specific procedures, established practices under intermittent supervision.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and blueprints.
• Working knowledge of safety hazards and proper safety procedures and cognizance of public safety matters.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing; in clear, concise language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed. Use tact, discretion and courtesy to gain the cooperation of and establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, consultants, vendors, co-workers, other departments, and diverse members of the public.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as a team member.

Licenses/Certificates/Registration

• Possess a valid State of Washington Driver’s License and appropriate insurance at the time of hire for work-related travel and operation of city vehicle. Driving record free of any significant moving violations.
• Valid Washington State Commercial Driver’s License Class A with Tankers (or the ability to obtain one within six months of hire)
• State of Washington Flagger’s Certificate
• First Aid and/or CPR certification
• Valid State of Washington Journeyman Electrical Lineman Certificate
• Desirable — Valid State of Washington Journeyman Electrician License