Electric Troubleshooter (Line Mechanic)

Under supervision, performs a wide variety of semi-skilled and skilled work in the construction and maintenance of underground and overhead electrical distribution systems; responds to electrical system emergencies and customer trouble calls as necessary to maintain or restore electric utilities services; performs related duties as required.

SUPERVISION EXCERCISED

Receives direction from the Electric Crew Supervisor or designee. Supervision is not exercised by these classifications. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

These functions may not be present in all positions in this class.  When a position is to be filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability. 

• Responds to emergency calls for restoration of interrupted electric service; evaluates emergency action required on site and act to restore service with minimal inconvenience to utilities customers. 
• Installs and maintains the overhead electrical distribution system; climbs and sets poles, installs cross arms, transformers, capacitors, streetlights and other related equipment; strings, dead ends; energizes primary and secondary wires, including service conductors; trims trees. 
• Participates, installs and maintains underground electrical distribution system; installs conduits, cables, pull boxes, vaults, pads, transformers, risers, and related equipment. 
• Conducts the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical substation equipment including substation switching. 
• Installs single and polyphase meter system; operates equipment, boom trucks, bucket trucks, and other related vehicles and power tools. 
• Patrols overhead power lines to detect potential problem areas.
• De-energizes and clears fallen live electric wires from the ground, while protecting property and people.
• Disconnects and reconnects electric service; confers with customers on service interruption and restoration and power quality issues.
• Participates and assists in the training of apprentices and other assigned personnel.
• Positions, establishes and maintains underground electrical distribution system;  installs conduits, cables, pull boxes, vaults, pads, transformers, risers, and related equipment.  
• Patrols overhead power lines to detect potential problem areas.
• Journey level line mechanics participate in the training of apprentices, helpers and other assigned personnel.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience

• Education:    HS/GED. 
• Experience: Journey level status as a line mechanic; (completion of a recognize apprentice program in power line mechanic work is preferred); or two and one-half years’ experience as an Apprentice Line Mechanic, which includes at least six months as a 'hot' apprentice with the City of Azusa Electric Utility.

Licenses or Certification

• Possession of and ability to maintain a valid Class C California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record.
• Incumbents assigned to the Electric Troubleshooter class must obtain Rubber Gloving Certification within six months of appointment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Materials, methods, and equipment used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of overhead and underground distribution systems.
• Tools, equipment, and methods employed in the construction and maintenance of electrical distribution lines.
• Precautions necessary in working with high voltage lines; safety regulations and first aid.
• Precautions necessary in working with high voltage lines.
• Safety regulations and first aid. 
• State of California Electrical Safety Orders and Public Utility Commission General Orders No. 95 & 128. 
• Principles of electrical theory as applied to circuits and wiring systems.

 Ability

• Work with energized lines of 600 volts or less and eventually graduate to working with energized lines over 600 volts. 
• Climb poles and work at heights. 
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions/directions. 
• Observe proper safety precautions and procedures. 
• Perform heavy manual tasks under varied weather conditions. 
• Lift, hoist and move a variety of materials, equipment and supplies. 
• Care for tools and equipment. 
• Perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks required in electrical construction and maintenance. 
• Prepare and maintain simple records, manual and computerized financial reports.
• Work at a considerable distance above the ground among high tension lines. 
• Work independently. 
• Perform complex electrical installation and repair work. 
• Identify system defects and recommend appropriate corrective action.
• Communicate effectively with a variety of personnel. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships. 
• Understand and follow verbal and written directions. 
• Complete job duties while working within the parameters of equipment specifications; must be able to meet all CAL-OSHA requirements associated with the operation of line trucks and bucket trucks.
• Perform mathematical computer use a variety of computer software. 
• Train personnel and review work.

These are position functions which may be changed, deleted, or reassigned to accommodate an individual with a disability.

Environmental Conditions

• Work is performed at assigned locations throughout the City of Azusa. 
• Field work may include exposure to heights, dangerous tools both outside and equipment, high voltage, extreme weather conditions, and hazardous chemicals; inside. 
• Incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends from time-to-time.

 Physical Conditions

• Sufficient physical ability and mobility. 
• Work alone, using arms, hands and legs. 
• Climb poles safely, reach, bend and lift up to 100 pounds. 
• Remove manhole covers weighing up to 800 pounds using a mechanical lever, grip tools and levers.
• Work at heights up to 75 feet and in confined spaces.
• Work in close proximity to energized lines and in underground electrical vaults. 

Some requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS:All applicants are required to submit a complete City application at www.azusaca.gov/jobs. Applications must be accompanied by a resume describing experience, education, and training in relation to the requirements of the position, however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a City employment application. Applications that are submitted without a resume, or have unanswered supplemental questions, may be deemed incomplete. 

Your application must include at least ten years of employment history (assuming you have been employed for ten years). List most recent experience first.  Carefully account for all employment, paid or unpaid.  Provide each change of title or promotion separately. You must also include your reason for leaving each job. A minimum of three professional references must be included in your application (include people who would have knowledge of your professional qualifications). DO NOT list relatives.

Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer): Online applications will be reviewed for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to perform the essential functions of this job. Only those candidates whose applications indicate that they are most qualified will be invited to continue in the recruitment process.

Examination Process 

(Performance Exam): Selected candidates who meet the qualifications will be invited to take a performance exam.  The performance exam will consist of climbing, hoisting and rigging fundamentals. Those who successfully pass the performance exam will be invited to an oral interview.

(Oral Interview): Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a qualification appraisal panel of subject knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidates' qualifications for the job. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligibility list.

Salary : $124,610 - $151,464