Utility Service Technician - Distribution

Position Summary

Work meter orders as required by billing office to set and remove meters and perform collection duties which includes disconnects for non-payment. Investigate and report irregularities regarding electric service and metering equipment. Perform tasks related to the daily operation of the distribution system.

Education, Training and Experience

Associate's degree in Electrical, Electromechanical, or related field and two years’ experience as a commercial or residential electrician, or two years underground locating experience OR High school diploma/GED and four years’ experience as a commercial or residential electrician or four years underground locating experience

Incumbent must successfully complete the following courses/programs: NPPD's Meter Reader training, open book Safety Exam, Meter Theory and Application, Basic Electricity and certified in substation entry. These courses will be completed within 12 months from the date of hire. 

Incumbent will receive on-the-job training in setting and removing meters as well as locating underground primary, secondary, and services including telecom communication cable.

Incumbent must be able to observe line technicians do hot-work. Will attend NPPD's Hot Line Training class as an observer. Incumbent will not be expected to do complete actual hands-on work. Pass and maintain Operator's Certification on bucket truck and digger-derrick operation. Obtain certification in Bucket Truck Rescue, First Aid, and CPR.

Licenses and/or Certifications

Valid Nebraska driver’s license required.  Must obtain class A CDL at a local school offering the necessary courses at the next available session, and then maintain CDL going forward. NPPD will pay the cost to obtain the CDL license.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Follow and adhere to all policies and procedures to ensure that work is completed correctly and safely.  Accurately and timely record keeping such as material, time, procurement, and equipment documents.  Issue and return stores materials as necessary dependent on location.

Perform required underground locates on primary cables, secondary cables, underground services, and telecom communication cables utilizing available equipment provided by the District.  Perform these duties following Nebraska 811 requirements.

Set and remove self-contained meters.  Terminate residential meters at the service point and secondary connection.  Read meters as per meter orders and check for current diversion.  Disconnect customers for non-payment, Cut Non-Pay (CNP).  Discuss problems with customers, troubleshoot residential service-related problems, perform repairs as necessary, and provide answers or direct customer to proper District representative.

Maintain a professional image of the District at all times, especially in those situations where incumbent is required to go on personal property for District needs. This includes but is not limited to covering body piercing/marks, maintaining personal hygiene such as facial/hair lengths/personal grooming and presenting the District uniform in a clean and professional manner.

Limitations: Working in the vicinity of energized conductors greater than 600V, unless locating UG, is prohibited. No tree trimming near energized conductors in excess of 600 volts. May disconnect primary circuit with insulated fiberglass stick to protect property and the general public. A Line Technician will be summoned to test and re-energize the circuit. May open and close cutouts on transformer mountings with verbal approval of a Distribution Supervisor. This approval will be situation dependent and not an overall blanket approval for the UST.

Assist Line crews by locating that need to be addressed to maintain system reliability by performing line patrols, as requested.  Perform street light patrol, street light repair, and street light map updates as needed. Assist Area Storekeeper with inventory control, issuing and returning material, as requested.

Accountable for other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies