About the Department

Performs a variety of duties requiring skilled work in the construction, maintenance, and operation of high voltage electrical power transmission and distribution lines and equipment.  Specific job duties and responsibilities are determined by education/experience upon hiring. Responsibility will gradually increase in accordance with the Apprentice Lineworker pathway.  Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Journey Lineworker.

Full salary ranges for the different apprentice levels are as follows:
Apprentice Lineworker I - $47,590.40 to $71,385.60
Apprentice Lineworker II - $54,662.40 to $81,993.60
Apprentice Lineworker III - $62,899.20 to $94,348.80
Apprentice Lineworker IV - $72,300.80 to $108,451.20

Position Duties

The following duties are those considered most essential to the position. This does not preclude the delegation of other duties considered as necessary by management to successfully complete an assignment or project.

• Assists with the installation, maintenance and repair of low and high voltage transmission and distribution lines.
• Participates in the installation and building of platform structures above the ground level between poles to hold large transformers, replacement of defective poles by transferring wire to new poles alongside the condemned poles and alignment of power line poles, using hand tools, power winch or block, tackle and rigging.
• Responsible for installing, repairing, and replacing cross arms, leg supports, guy cables, insulators, and lightning arresters, using hand tools particular to the trade.
• Performs installation of transformers, fuse cutouts, capacitors, meters, metering equipment and house services.
• Strings primary and secondary lines and attaches wire to insulators and cross arms allowing for proper sag.
• Installs group operated switches and single and three-phase re-closers.
• Participates in maintenance of substation, streetlights, traffic signals, care of materials, tools, and equipment.
• Participates in voltage and amperage tests and in the adjustment and replacement of transformers to regulate power to points of use.
• Assists in investigation of complaints regarding power outages and other complex power problems and makes necessary repairs or adjustments. 
• Assists with substation work as required and makes substation and switching station repairs when needed.
• Coordinates with customer service team on outages, service connection/disconnection, and related service changes.
• Participates in loading and unloading line trucks and drives line truck hauling supplies and equipment.
• Operates chain saws and other mechanical equipment safely and efficiently in the clearance of trees, brush and other vegetation when necessary.
• Operates a bucket truck, trencher, service truck and other equipment in connection with assigned job duties.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.  

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of and ability to follow NESC and OSHA rules/regulations, APPA Safety Manual and Standard Operating Procedures, including use of PPE; knowledge of the techniques, materials and equipment used in the construction, maintenance and repair of electric distribution system; knowledge of proper Lockout/Tagout procedures and effective grounding; ability to work safely around high voltage energized equipment; ability to climb wooden poles and other structures, when necessary, often exceeding 60-100 feet, and work comfortably in a bucket truck from elevated positions for extended periods of time; ability to work in confined spaces to operate and maintain underground switches and cables; ability to diagnose electrical system failures and power outages, including identifying damaged equipment in high-voltage environments; ability to perform demanding physical labor in extreme conditions, including intense heat, cold, rain, snow, and during emergency storm restoration; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town officials, associates, contractors and the general public; ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; ability to follow operational policies and procedures.

High school diploma or GED. Successful completion of an accredited line worker school or six months to four years’ experience in the electric utility line work. Or a combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills to complete the essential functions and job responsibilities of this position. 

Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina. Possession of a commercial driver’s license Class A (CDL) (Apprentice Level II-IV) valid in the State of North Carolina or ability to obtain a Class A (CDL) (Apprentice Level I) within six months of hire depending on the apprentice level. This position is subject to Emergency Call Back during emergency situations and inclement weather.  Must meet a 45-minute response time from employee’s home to Electric Department office.

Other Qualifications

This position’s physical requirements involve heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects, including the human body. Additionally, the following physical abilities may be required: balancing, feeling, hearing, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, reaching, speaking, standing, visual acuity, and/or walking.

Work regularly requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and exposure to vibration, frequently working near moving mechanical parts and traffic, exposure to the risk of electrical shock, and occasionally requires exposure to extreme cold and extreme heat; work is generally in a moderate noise location.

The Town of Huntersville is committed to providing equal opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), gender, national origin, religion, disability, military service or veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by applicable Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town of Huntersville will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with Human Resources staff.