Apprentice/Line/Journey Line Construction Technician

Position Summary

Line Construction Technician positions are responsible and accountable for the construction and maintenance of NPPD's work sites such as new and existing transmission and subtransmission lines and other associated electrical equipment within Operations. Functions include the climbing of wood poles, steel towers, microwave and radio towers up to 300 plus feet to perform construction requirements along with the installation of electrical equipment, assembly of steel structures and towers related to the construction, and modification and maintenance of Operations infrastructure. Responsibilities include frequent travel, overnight stays, and responding to emergencies.

Education, Training and Experience

All Levels: Must be a graduate of an accredited utility line technician school. Line Technician experience with another utility or electrical contractor may be considered an acceptable equivalent to the formal education options outlined.

Journey Line Construction Technician: Must have achieved Line Technician status with NPPD.

Senior Line Construction Technician: Must have achieved Journey Line Technician status with NPPD.

Apprentice Line Construction Technician: Entry level position.

Line Construction Technician: Two years as an Apprentice Line Construction Technician is the normal previous experience requirement (as outlined in the Line Technician Progression Program) for this position.

Journey Line Construction Technician: A total of five years combined experience at the Apprentice and Line Technician levels is the normal minimum experience requirement (as outlined in the Line Technician Progression Program) for progression to this position.

Senior Line Construction Technician: Two years experience as a Journey Technician is preferred.

Licenses and/or Certifications

All Levels: Must maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid certifications, and obtain within 90 days and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

Line and Journey Line Construction Technician: Individuals must obtain within six months and maintain Switchman certification.

Journey/Senior Line Construction Technician: When required by the District, incumbents must obtain and maintain Clearance Holder certification.

Job levels within the Line Construction Technician positions are based on a series of evaluations to determine advancing levels of proficiency and accountability. Advancement from Apprentice to Journey Line Construction Technician follows the Line Technician Progression Program. Senior Line Construction Technician positions are filled using the posting process.

Progression advances as follows:

Apprentice Line Construction Technician - Entry-level position. Assists with responsibilities as defined in principle accountabilities of position.

Line Construction Technician - Requires general competencies. Completes requirements for general construction and maintenance as outlined and performs responsibilities as defined in principle accountabilities. This position assists in making decisions as defined in Decision Making Authority.

Journey Line Construction Technician - Requires general competencies/responsibilities. Completes requirements for specialized Journey level as outlined in the progression program and is responsible for making decisions as defined in Decision Making Authority. Must be able to lead projects as assigned by the Transmission Supervisor.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Lay out Operations work site (for example, new transmission construction) and other work according to drawings and specifications. Follows and adheres to all policies and procedures to ensure the work is completed correctly and safely.

Assemble and erect steel structures, towers, and substation equipment stands using proper rigging and safety procedures required to maintain a safe and secure Operations infrastructure. Repair storm damages on transmission systems, subtransmission and distribution systems on NPPD property, and assist other electric utilities as requested by management to do so.

Install, revamp, and modify switches in proper adjustment on transmission lines and substations within the grid system.

Perform hot line maintenance on transmission lines of substation voltages 34.5 kV to 345 kV using the hot stick method and barehand method with the supervision of a Journey Line Technician or higher. Capable of doing energized live line work using rubber protective equipment while working from an insulated bucket, or of being trained to do this work. Ascend and descend wood poles, steel towers of any height, microwave and radio towers up to 300 plus feet to perform work as required in a safe and productive manner, and supervise less experienced personnel.

Maintain favorable public relations with property owners, other District personnel, business establishments, and customers.

Safety operate and maintain tools and equipment assigned, according to District policies and procedures. Operate and maintain skid loaders, trenchers, mobile and hydraulic aerial equipment, and other heavy equipment associated with construction. Safely plans, organizes, and performs both emergent and scheduled work. Concentrate and be fully aware of responsibilities while on patrol of transmission lines within the grid system.

Supervise crew as necessary in the absence of the Senior Line Technician and/or the Supervisor.

Accountable for other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies