Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.
 
We are seeking to hire a Power Line Clearance Tree Trimmer in the Transmission and Distribution Operations Division, Power Line Clearance and Landscapes organizational unit, Transmission Right-of-Way (ROW) Maintenance work group. This position is responsible for performing line-clearance tree trimming and removal and inspecting overhead power lines and equipment, primarily on the Transmission ROW in and around Seattle.
 
This is the first level of a two-class series in the Powerline Clearance Tree Trimmer group and serves under the immediate supervision of the Journey-person in Charge (“JIC” – crew lead) and as a Direct Report to the Transmission ROW Maint. Crew Chief. Here is more about what you’ll be doing: 
The Power Line Clearance and Landscapes (PLC&L) organizational unit is a support-service to the Transmission and Distribution Operations Division. Among other things, the PLC&L group is responsible for maintaining stated vegetative clearances off all energized conductors and critical infrastructure. On the Transmission ROW, this body of work is subject to federal oversight by the North American Electrical Reliability Corporation (NERC) as well as internal policies and standards. The goal of the Transmission Power Line Clearance crew is to ensure all applicable policies/standards are continuously met, in a manner which promotes public safety and system reliability for our customer-owners.
Positions in the class primarily perform tree-trimming and removal activities and secondarily inspect overhead power lines, structures and towers in the performance of their duties. The work requires a thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, equipment and tools required for trimming and removing trees within the electrical transmission and distribution system (Utility Arboriculture). Job duties also include cut-stump herbicide application to control re-growth. Judgement is required to select from and apply a variety of guidelines, references and policies that guide the work. Work assignments are carried out independently and as part of a team, after a crew chief sets priority and assigns personnel and equipment. Position requires the ability to operate equipment (trucks) and tow a chipper, and the necessary license endorsements to do so.
Personal contacts include crew members, other employees in the department, representatives of other governmental agencies, property owners and the public to exchange information, coordinate work activities and resolve problems.Required Qualifications: In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has: 

Minimum Qualifications

Requires successful completion of a two-year line clearance apprenticeship program and sufficient experience and/or training with vegetation management to perform the powerline tree-trimming portion of the work.
 
Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Work is performed outdoors in all types of weather.
• Work is performed at varying heights, in and around high voltage and energized equipment, in construction areas, and around moving traffic.
• Work requires prolonged physical exertion and lifting of objects that weigh more than 50 pounds.
• Works around high voltage equipment, at construction sites. May handle toxic or hazardous materials.
• Requires working evenings, weekends, holidays and long hours during emergency and outage situations.

License, Certification and Other Requirements
Current Washington State driver's license and CDL with "A" endorsement. This position will require the driving of city vehicles.
Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Three years of Power Line Clearance tree trimming experience (not inclusive of apprenticeship).
• A current Washington State pesticide applicator’s license, or the ability to obtain on within 60 days of hire.
• Experience working with and knowledge of native and invasive plant material relative to the Pacific Northwest
• Current ISA Certified Arborist certification and Utility Arborist certification, or the ability to acquire them within 90 days of hire. 

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.The full salary range for this position is $53.06 - $53.06 per hour.
 
Application Process
Please submit the following with your online application: 

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement 
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience. 

 
Incomplete applications may not be considered. 
 
Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA , people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
 
Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
 
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.
 
Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.