Journeyman Lineman

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To participate as a member of a crew responsible for the performance of a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks relative to the construction, maintenance, and repair of electrical distribution/transmission lines.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a full journey level class within the lineman division. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Apprentice Lineman by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including setting poles, stringing wire, and hanging and installing transformers. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class are normally filled by advancement from the Apprentice level or when from the outside, have prior Journeyman level experience.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Electric Distribution Superintendent or Lineman Foreman.

Exercises supervision over other Journeyman or Apprentice level lineman as assigned by Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS - Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

1. Perform a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks associated with the construction, maintenance, and repair of electrical distribution/transmission lines including digging holes, setting poles, installing pole cross arms and fixtures, stringing wire, installing transformers and meter equipment.
2. Respond to service calls concerning power outages and electrical problems; investigate complaints, arrange for planned outages, and identify locations of underground facilities.
3. Perform regular testing of equipment and machinery to maintain quality assurance and high performance.
4. Perform a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks associated with the construction, maintenance, and repair of streetlights.
5. Operate line truck, bucket truck, backhoe, trencher, hydraulic digger derrick, pole auger and other equipment needed for maintaining and repairing electrical distribution/transmission lines.

Marginal Functions:

1. Estimate time, materials, and equipment required for job assigned; requisition materials as required.
2. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge of:

Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive electrical distribution program.

Modern and complex principles and practices of electrical distribution.

Methods, materials, techniques and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of electrical 

distribution/transmission lines.

Recent developments, current literature and sources of information regarding electrical distribution.

Operational characteristics of equipment and tools used in the area of work assigned.

Safe handling of traffic in a construction zone.

Basic mathematical calculations.

Basic principles and procedures of record keeping.

Occupational hazards and safety practices.

Pertinent Federal, State and Local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

Learn to perform unskilled and semi-skilled construction, maintenance, and repair tasks related to electrical

distribution/transmission lines.

Operate a variety of vehicular and stationary mechanical equipment in a safe and effective manner.

Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.

Follow all safety rules and regulations of the Electric Utility Department.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with those contacted in the course of work.

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which 

may include the following:

• Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Lifting and/or carrying moderate to heavy objects
• Performing heavy manual labor
• Operating a forklift
• Traveling to various work locations
• Climbing ladders and electrical poles
• Conducting inspections
• Bending, stooping or kneeling for extended periods of time

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

• Making observations
• Communicating with others
• Evaluating status of vehicles and equipment
• Operating assigned equipment and vehicles
• Answering questions
• Speaking in a clear and audible voice
• Traveling to various work locations
• Evaluating the performance of mechanical and electrical machinery and hand tools

Maintain mental capacity that permits:

• Making sound decisions and using good judgement
• Communicating clearly
• Responding to questions
• Estimating time and materials needed for projects

Ability to:

• Determining when hazardous situations exist
• Thinking clearly in emergency situations

Effectively handle a work environment and conditions that involve:

• Working alone and working closely with others
• Field and warehouse work
• Exposure to high dosage of electricity
• Irregular work hours
• Working with the public

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Three years of increasingly responsible experience working in the construction, maintenance, and repair of electrical distribution/transmission lines.

Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate

Possession of an appropriate, accredited valid Journeyman Lineman Certificate.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid State of Kansas Commercial Drivers License

with an air brake rider (trailer).

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid C.P.R. Certificate.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid First Aid Certificate.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions:

Work primarily in a field environment; travel from site to site; inclement weather conditions; noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases; exposure to high voltage, electrical energy, radiant energy; work at heights in a bucket, on scaffolding and/or ladders.

Physical Conditions:

Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing and sitting for prolonged periods of time; ability to distinguish color; general manual dexterity; heavy or moderate lifting and carrying; bending stooping, kneeling, crawling; climbing with both legs and arms; operating motorized equipment and vehicles.