Lineman

To safely construct and maintain the District's overhead and underground electrical system in a manner that ensures economical use of personnel, vehicles, equipment and materials. Perform activities associated with the operation of the system to facilitate accomplishment of the District's mission.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Install, remove, inspect and maintain overhead and underground lines and equipment.
• Perform switching operations on lines and equipment.
• Perform duties associated with restoration of electric service.
• Operate equipment such as line trucks, aerial lift trucks, pulling equipment and backhoes.
• Perform work with a high level of accuracy and professionalism.
• Must have the ability to work as a member of a team.
• Responsible for use, care and security of tools, vehicles, equipment and materials utilized.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Perform tree trimming, tree removals, brushing and clearing.
• Complete paperwork associated with job functions in a neat and timely manner.
• Perform work as required to install, remove, inspect and seal electrical meters.
• Report any hazards or damage observed to District lines, poles, facilities, transformers etc.
• Train Apprentice Linemen and other personnel in job-related operations.
• Perform hazardous waste spill control and cleanup.
• Inspect work done by contractors on District lines, equipment and facilities.
• Locate underground facilities and cable faults.
• Perform substation operation, construction and maintenance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB STANDARDS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of electricity as related to transformer connections, current, voltage, equipment loading and the operation of the system.
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills to perform live line maintenance on all District-supplied voltages.
• Demonstrated ability to operate construction and maintenance vehicles and equipment.
• Demonstrate a high level of cooperation within the work group and with other departments required.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, good work ethic and promptness in work arrival and in accomplishing all tasks.

• Must have a working knowledge of and ability to use the required tools of the trade.
• Must have the ability to train others in necessary job skills.
• Must have the ability to work from maps, blueprints, specifications and sketches and comprehend and carry out work instructions.
• Must have the ability to communicate clear and concise verbal and/or written instructions and information to crew members, dispatchers, supervisors, customers and others.
• Must have the ability to plan and organize work, work without close supervision and make decisions compatible with prior instructions.
• Must have the ability to remain calm under pressure and to be courteous at all times.
• Must develop a working knowledge of District recordkeeping methods and procedures such as time sheets, work orders etc.
• Must develop a thorough knowledge of the District's accident prevention procedures and tools and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Math, reading and writing skills as related to job functions are required.
• Must be familiar with and able to use test equipment for the electric system operations.
• Understand and comply with OSHA 1910.269 and WAC 296-45.

Education, Experience and Training:

• Must be a Journeyman Lineman.
• Completion of a 3-year apprentice lineman program or District approved equivalent required.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Other Requirements:

• Pass a District physical examination and be able to perform essential job functions.
• Must have, or obtain within six months of employment or assignment to this position, a valid Washington State-approved Industrial First Aid card and Washington State Flagging and Traffic Control card.
• Must have, or obtain within six months of employment or assignment to this position, a valid Washington State driver's license with Commercial Class A and air brake endorsements, and Tank Vehicle Endorsement N. Employees moving from out of state must obtain a Washington State license in accordance with Washington State law.
• Must have a safe driving record.
• Must have and properly maintain the necessary lineman tools and associated clothing, boots, gloves, etc.
• Must wear and utilize personal protective equipment as required.
• Must work emergency and prearranged overtime.
• Must live within the established residency boundaries.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The job functions will be performed in indoor and outdoor environments, subject to adverse weather conditions and noise.
• Some job functions will be done in areas covered by brush and trees or in trenches and where footing is poor and the ground uneven and/or water soaked.
• The job functions require working with persons who exhibit many types of personalities and behaviors.
• Job functions on and around mechanized equipment will present the need for alertness and safety awareness.
• Job functions will require work on ladders, structures and equipment.
• The job functions require work on energized high voltage conductors and equipment utilizing District-approved live line and safety procedures.
• May encounter the need to work with hazardous materials.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The work requires the ability to lift and carry up to 100 pounds. Materials, equipment etc. will be lifted to and from trucks, equipment, warehouse shelves and the ground.
• The work requires the ability to operate tools, equipment, vehicles and machinery.
• The work requires the ability to climb poles, structures and ladders; to climb on, off and around trucks and other equipment and to work in elevated positions up to 150 feet.
• The work requires the ability to observe system condition from a long distance; work in limited light and differentiate among colors.
• The work requires the ability to answer questions and communicate with coworkers, customers and others in person and on telephones and mobile radios.
• The work requires the ability to see and hear in order to detect problems and ensure the safety of employees and others in response to exposure to the hazards associated with this position.
• The work requires physical strength and agility necessary to perform heavy manual labor.
• Work activities involve combinations of walking, kneeling, pushing, pulling, climbing, bending, lifting, carrying and standing for extended periods.

EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLES:

• Must be able to operate line vehicles such as line trucks, pickups, aerial lift trucks, backhoes and off-road vehicles.
• Must be able to operate pulling equipment, splicing presses, air and hydraulic tools, etc.
• Future work practices may necessitate the use of different equipment, vehicles and tools.