What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utility Service Technician - Distribution position at Nebraska Public Power District?
Utility Service Technician - Distribution
Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has an immediate opening for a Utility Service Technician - Distribution located at South Sioux City Office in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Position closes May 8, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.
This position will report to the Distribution Supervisor.
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
Pay Grade - 10 Hourly
Typical Pay Grade Starting Salary Range: $28.75 - $35.94
Travel Required: Up to 25% (With no or minimal overnight stays, less than 3 per month, typically within state of Nebraska) Travel required may fluctuate by business need. This is an estimate and will be discussed further with candidates that receive an interview.
Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary and an excellent benefits package including medical and dental insurance, 401K retirement plan, paid holidays, paid vacation, paid medical, training opportunities and more.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at Nebraska Public Power District.
Nebraska Public Power District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer who values the contributions of its diverse work force. We are only legally able to hire persons who are 1) a United States citizen or national, 2) a lawful permanent resident of the United States, or 3) an alien legally authorized to work in the United States.
Benefits
Customers around the state know what to expect from NPPD — quality, reliability and performance excellence. Our values also extend to the way we take care of our employees and their families. We remain on the leading edge by providing competitive benefits that respond to the diverse lifestyles of our people in an ever-changing world.
Salary
Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary with opportunities for growth. In addition to the base salary listed in posting, NPPD employees may also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program (AIP) that may supplement total compensation at a level above and beyond the stated salary range.
Retirement Savings
NPPD employees may participate in two retirement plan options – a 401(k) plan and a 457(b) plan. Both plans allow for pre-tax or Roth contributions. After the first six months of employment, the 401(k) plan includes a generous matching contribution from NPPD. The five-year vesting period begins on an employee’s hire date. Our retired employees are eligible for retiree healthcare benefits as well as a life benefit paid out to designated beneficiaries upon their passing.
Health & Wellness
At NPPD, we care about the health and wellness of our employees. We offer new teammates two competitive hospital / medical plan options to fit their lifestyle and family needs. We also make an annual contribution to employee Health Savings Accounts, which can be used to offset out-of-pocket expenses. Employees and their spouse are invited to participate in a variety of wellness initiatives offered throughout the year as a way to enhance their wellness, reduce health risks and promote healthy lifestyles.
Other Benefits
Employees earn vacation on a schedule commensurate with their years of service. We also offer paid holidays as well as personal and family medical leave, including birth mother recovery leave and parental child bonding leave. All full-time employees receive a life insurance policy equivalent to two times the participant's annual salary at no cost to the employee. NPPD also offers dental and vision insurance as well as personal accident, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, pre-paid legal/identity theft, and short-and long-term disability insurance plans. Additional benefits include college tuition reimbursement, relocation assistance and complimentary access to an Employee Assistance Program.
Salary : $29 - $36
