City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Distribution Electrician Troubleshooter

Under minimal supervision and with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, responds to system disturbances and power quality issues on Austin Energy's overhead and underground distribution system.

1. Investigates electrical disturbances and power quality issues, performs emergency electrical system isolation, and restores and/or repairs the overhead and underground electrical distribution system.
2. Responds to on-call, emergency call back, system disturbances, and power quality issues.
3. Acts as a first responder and leads incident and/or system disturbance investigations for electrical hazards on the electrical distribution system and may provide a statement or testimony as electrical Subject Matter Expert (SME) for work performed to AE leadership, AE Safety, Austin Police Department (APD), Austin Fire Department (AFD), and the City of Austin Law Department.
4. Makes scenes safe, where electrical hazards are present, to include de-energizing hazardous electrical lines and equipment, barricading, and communicating safety issues to APD, AFD, EMS, the public, site personnel, and other City of Austin departments.
5. Identifies, documents, and reports compliance issues in accordance with applicable codes, ordinances, and standards; communicates safety issues; and issues electrical hazard forms to notify contractor/person of identified compliance issues.
6. Communicates with System Operations personnel, AE leadership, customers, and the public to detail events and actions taken to investigate and address system and/or power quality disturbances on the electrical distribution system.
7. Creates, submits, and/or executes electrical clearance orders, in coordination with AE System Operations, to de-energize, isolate, and/or restore electrical circuits on the electrical distribution system.
8. Performs on the job training and field performance evaluations of Distribution Electrician Apprentice/Trainees and Distribution Electrician III's for additional job functions required of a DE Troubleshooter.
9. Conducts detailed pre-work/tailgate meetings to ensure all employees on a jobsite have the information, work skills, and tools to complete their work safely.

• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

• Knowledge and skill in electric utility regulations, practices, procedures, and/or requirements outlined in the National Electrical Safety Code® (NESC®), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, NFPA 70® National Electrical Code® (NEC®), and applicable local codes and ordinances.
• Knowledge of AE safety rules, regulations, work practices, task restrictions, standards, and procedures associated with the electrical distribution system, electric system restoration, and high voltages.
• Knowledge of advanced electrical theory and principles related to electricity, magnetism, circuits, and electrical equipment.
• Knowledge of installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical equipment, apparatus, and instruments.
• Knowledge of the equipment and methods used in construction and maintenance of high voltage electric distribution systems.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in handling and prioritizing multiple tasks.
• Skill in operating computers and related software applications.
• Skill in setting up and operating electric utility aerial equipment.
• Skill in preparing, completing, and maintaining clear and concise written and electronic records/reports.
• Skill in estimating time, material, and labor for assigned jobs or tasks.
• Skill in performing various connections, configurations, procedures, and phasing of circuits to transformers, breakers, and disconnects.
• Skill in advanced troubleshooting of electrical systems using various electronic test equipment (i.e. Multi-Range Voltage Detector [MRVD], phasing sticks, rotation meters, Digital Multi-Meters [DMM], and clamp-on amp meters).
• Skill in working on and around energized lines and equipment.
• Skill in effective oral, written, and electronic communications.
• Skill in organizing, inspecting, and safely using hand and powered tools, equipment, and materials to perform installation, maintenance, and repair of the electrical distribution system.
• Skill in operating switching devices and equipment.
• Skill in using, inspecting, maintaining, and safely storing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Personal Protective Devices (PPD).
• Ability to climb poles and structures, following AE guidelines for personal fall arrest systems.
• Ability to climb ladders, work in enclosed spaces, and serve as the enclosed space attendant.
• Ability to read and understand oral, written, and electronic instructions, technical manuals, specifications, blueprints, sketches, diagrams, maps, and drawings.
• Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and professional working relationships with city employees, customers, and the public.
• Ability to properly interpret and follow manufacturers load charts when operating cranes, boom trucks, digger derricks, and bucket trucks.
• Ability to perform strenuous work outdoors in all types of temperature extremes and weather conditions.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions, changes in priorities, and rotating shifts.
• Ability to properly lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus six (6) years of direct experience in the electric utility field as a Distribution Lineworker, two (2) years of which were at a Journey Level.

• Valid Texas Class A Commercial Driver License or ability to acquire license and/or endorsements within ninety (90) days of employment.
• Ability to produce and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• To be considered for employment in this position applicants must comply with Department of Transportation Federal Regulations and the City of Austin Drug Policy.