Electrical Lineworkers

About the job

Lineworkers work on or around high voltage wires and equipment. They respond to and correct problems with the electrical distribution system during any hours and after severe weather. Also, they assist in the daily construction and maintenance of the distribution and transmission systems.

What you'll do

• Inspect and test power lines and other equipment using special reading and testing devices.
• Clean, tin, and splice corresponding conductors by twisting ends together or by joining ends with metal clamps and soldering connections.
• Coordinate work assignment preparation and completion with other workers.
• Cut and peel lead sheathing and insulation from defective or newly installed cables and conduits prior to splicing.
• Cut trenches for laying underground cables, using trenchers and cable plows.
• Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.
• Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string it through conduit running through the trenches.
• Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks.
• Replace or straighten damaged poles.
• Trim trees that could be hazardous to the functioning of cables or wires.
• Adhere to safety standards
• Work with customers in the field.

Things you need to know

• Mechanical – Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Customer and Personal Service – Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Physics – Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
• English Language – Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Mathematics – Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Abilities you'll need to have

• Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Monitoring – Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Troubleshooting – Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
• Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Operation Monitoring – Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Complex Problem Solving – Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Speaking – Talking to others to convey information effectively.