City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Distribution Electrician Helper

Under direct supervision, this position participates in the Austin Energy (AE) Apprenticeship Program and performs apprentice-level lineworker tasks specializing in the Distribution, Network, or Transmission craft.

1. Participates in On-the-Job Training (OJT), attends classroom instruction, and helps maintain records to document progression in the Apprenticeship Program.
2. Climbs utility poles and structures, uses approved hand and powered tools, compression tools, and drives various electric utility vehicles to assist with trouble call response, construction, and maintenance of AE’s electrical transmission, network, or distribution system.
3. Assists with preparing electrical equipment, tools, materials, cables, and conductors for use on AE’s electrical transmission, network, or distribution system.
4. Assists with inventory of vehicles for proper material stock, tools, and equipment.
5. Performs inspections on electric utility vehicles per applicable standards.
6. Responds to on-call, emergency call back, and after hour outages due to weather-related events or system disturbances.
7. Assists with the installation, framing, construction, and maintenance of structures, hardware, and equipment on AE’s overhead and underground electrical distribution system, network distribution system, or transmission system, according to AE’s standards and work practices.
8. Assists with setting up and operating electric utility aerial equipment (i.e. cranes, boom trucks, digger derricks, bucket trucks, etc.) and other equipment (i.e. wire tensioner/puller, cable reel truck, cable trailer, wire trailer, skid-steer loader, bulldozer, backhoe, and forklift).

• Knowledge of AE and COA practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of AE and OSHA safety rules, regulations, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of AE standards and work practices associated with each craft.
• Knowledge of AE, COA, and/or State of Texas requirements for vehicle inspections.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in operating computers and related software applications.
• Skill in setting up and operating electric utility aerial equipment.
• Skill in properly using, inspecting, maintaining, and safely storing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and PPD (Personal Protective Devices).
• Ability to understand oral and written instructions.
• Ability to climb poles and structures to various heights (Distribution and Network – up to 80 ft, Transmission – up to 250 ft), following AE and OSHA guidelines for personal fall arrest systems.
• Ability to climb ladders, work in enclosed spaces, and work as an enclosed space attendant (confined spaces for the Network craft).
• Ability to use necessary air monitoring equipment prior to entering enclosed or confined spaces.
• Ability to apply knowledge and skills obtained from training in the classroom and on the job.
• Ability to read and understand written instructions, technical manuals, blueprints, sketches, and drawings.
• Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards in the COA Driver Safety Program.
• Ability to respond, within defined timeframes, to on-call, emergency call back, and after-hour outages due to weather related events or system disturbances.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and professional working relationships with City employees, customers, and the public.
• Ability to properly inspect and safely use various hand and powered tools, equipment, and materials.
• Ability to perform strenuous work in all types of weather conditions.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions, changes in priorities, and rotating shifts as assigned.
• Ability to lift, carry, and manipulate equipment and supplies weighing more than fifty (50) pounds.

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.