Apprentice Lineman

NOTICE OF CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION
Notice is hereby given that the Cuyahoga Falls Civil Service Commission will administer an
open-competitive written examination for the following position:

APPRENTICE LINEMAN - ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
CITY OF CUYAHOGA FALLS, OHIO

DATE, TIME & PLACE OF EXAMINATION:  Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium, Cuyahoga-Hopewell Room,  2345 4th St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221.  Registration starts at 5:30 PM.  The written examination will start promptly at 6:00 P.M.  A valid Driver's license or State-issued ID must be presented for identification purposes on the evening of the examination.

JOB SUMMARY:  Under direct supervision as a learner in training, assists another employee of higher classification in the operation, construction, and maintenance of utility facilities, including routine groundwork. Under close supervision with a higher-classified employee, may work on secondary lines.

• Performing groundwork and learning to climb poles and work on energized secondary conductors.
• Anticipating the requirements of linemen working aloft and supplying them with tools and equipment, raising and lowering arms using hand lines.
• Digging holes for poles and anchors; setting anchors and assisting in erecting poles; backfilling and tamping.
• Loading, unloading, moving, and handling poles and other overhead line materials and equipment; placing or storing tools and materials in their proper places.
• Pulling strain on the block and tackle for linemen.
• Installing and removing pole-line equipment, such as crossarms, racks, brackets, and guys.
• Installing and removing, maintaining, and repairing secondary services.
• Operating and cleaning department vehicles, as assigned.
• Reporting all failures on items requiring attention involving vehicles or equipment.
• Assembling, cleaning, and straightening block and tackle; tying knots.
• Engaging in any work of operating power tools, drilling holes in pavement, sidewalks, and driveways of concrete, stone, or brick; filling and grading the same in a neat and orderly manner and a safe, temporary condition; removing and replacing sod and shrubbery.
• Performing routine work as directed, in the shop, such as cleaning insulators, painting street lights and other line equipment, and splicing salvaged wire.
• Learning appropriate traffic control methods.
• Placing, removing, and maintaining barricades, flags, lights, and signals for the protection of traffic and pedestrians.
• Acting as a safety man while linemen are working aloft, directing traffic and pedestrians.
• Making simple customer contacts, such as inquiring whether the lights are on or off.
• Snow removal – Electric utility building walks, drives, and parking lots.
• Holiday decorating – installing and servicing the electrical and associated work normally required.
• Taking calls at a desk occasionally during the regular employees’ absence.
• Knowledge of the application of appropriate hand signals.
• Meets all job safety requirements and standards that pertain to the essential functions of the position.
• Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  Performs other related duties as assigned.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:   The following are examples only and are not intended to be all-inclusive.  

• Computer, calculator, portable or mobile radio.
• Trucks, derricks, winches, bucket trucks, voltmeters, safety grounds, and various hand tools.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Applicant must be a high school graduate or equivalent and at least 18 years old.  Must have physical and mental attributes to climb and work aloft.  Applicant must have the ability to learn the layout, functions, and operations of the electrical equipment involved, including the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Knowledge:  The safe application, use, and care of hoists, block and tackle, and tools used in work; the fundamental principles of line construction and operation of circuits; and the safety, first aid, rescue, and resuscitation practices of the Electrical System.
• Skills:  The use and operation of protective equipment and devices used on or near energized conductors; the practices and procedures for grounding lines and capacitors for the protection of personnel and equipment. 
• Abilities:  Climb and work aloft; work from simple drawings and make simple field sketches; operate two-way radio communication equipment; learn the layout, functions, and operation of the electrical equipment and circuit connections of the transmission and distribution system.

• Applicant must possess a valid State of Ohio driver’s license and the ability to maintain continuing eligibility under the City’s driver eligibility standards.
• Applicant must possess a valid State of Ohio Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or obtain a CDL within a probationary period of one (1) year of employment, or 6 months from the completion of the City's CDL entry-level driver training program.
• Applicant must be a non-smoker and non-tobacco/nicotine user, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, etc., and refrain from using all tobacco/nicotine products for the duration of employment with the City.

EXAMINATION:  Written.  No review will be granted for the written examination.  The passing score for this written examination is 75%.  The eligibility list established for this examination will be in effect for one year.

• 20% extra credit for an applicant who has completed service in the uniformed services, has been honorably discharged or has transferred to the reserve with evidence of satisfactory service, or is a member of the National Guard or a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States who, at the time of the examination, has completed more than 180 days of active duty service under an executive order of the President of the United States or an act of the Congress of the United States; OR
• 15% extra credit for any applicant who is a member in good standing of a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States, including the National Guard.