Journeyman Lineman

Summary Description

Under general supervision, performs skilled duties related to the installation and maintenance of electrical power lines and equipment of all voltages for the Electric Division of Ketchikan Public Utilities system.

The line crews are responsible for the distribution and transmission of electric power from the generating stations to the customer. The Journeyman Lineman must perform his/her duties in a manner that reflects positively on the City of Ketchikan and Ketchikan Public Utilities.

• Digs, sets and frames transmission and distribution poles; may be required to make hot sets into voltages up to 115,000 volts; installs transformers and builds transformer banks.
• Strings primary conductors through energized circuits of voltages up to 115,000 volts in overhead and underground construction, operation and maintenance on distribution and transmission lines.
• Transfers conductors, devices, and apparatus of voltages up to 115,000 volts.
• Operates equipment normally associated in the construction and maintenance of transmission and distribution lines, including but not limited to boom trucks, bucket trucks, and backhoes; performs maintenance on transformers and switch gear devices in substations.
• Climbs utility poles and steel structures.
• Installs and maintains 3‑phase transformers.
• Installs and maintains both primary and secondary underground circuits.
• Installs proper grounds while working on de‑energized transmission and distribution circuits.
• Climbs and performs work on wood poles by use of climbing hooks and belts; climbs and performs work on steel, aluminum, and other types of transmission and distribution structures.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Operations, services and activities of an electric utility construction, maintenance, and repair program.
• Modern standards, methods and procedures involved in the maintenance, construction, and repair of electric distribution systems.
• Method and techniques of overhead and underground power line construction and maintenance.
• Basic electric distribution design practices and concepts as they relate to line construction and maintenance.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
• Operational characteristics of a variety of maintenance and repair tools and equipment used in electric distribution systems.
• Basic electrical meter theory, practices and devices.
• Typical control systems and wiring utilized in electrical substation equipment.
• Basic methods and techniques of calibrating a variety of electrical and electronic equipment.
• Operational characteristics of diagnostic equipment tools and devices.
• The operation of transmission and distribution substations and all associated devices.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

• Perform journey level electric distribution system construction, maintenance and repair duties.
• Climb poles and work with energized high tension lines.
• Install, repair, and maintain a variety of overhead and underground distribution/transmission lines and associated facilities.
• Perform accurate load check and calculate proper distribution circuit fusing from the results of load checks.
• Perform phasing and paralleling of both primary transmission and secondary circuits.
• Perform heavy manual labor.
• Install, maintain and repair electric equipment.
• Utilize a variety of specialized tools and equipment in a safe manner.
• Read, interpret and understand electric drawings and maps.
• Identify energized and de‑energized conductors.
• Adhere to established safety rules, regulations and guidelines.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade and successful completion of an indentured apprenticeship program.

Two years of increasingly responsible electric utility maintenance experience.

• Possession of a valid Commercial Drivers License.
• Possession of a State of Alaska Journeyman Lineman Certificate of Fitness.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Forklift Operator certification.

CITY OF KETCHIKAN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER