Communications Tower and Line Worker

The Communications Tower and Line Worker (CTLW) works under the direction of a Communications Tower and Line Supervisor or user agency personnel and are characterized by their work at heights on steel communications towers. This classification installs, alters, maintains, and repairs communication antennas. They will regularly lift tools, supplies, and equipment exceeding 50 pounds, climb steel towers up to 200 feet tall, use lineman gaffs to climb utility poles, and perform tasks that require lifting, reaching, pulling, and bending. The CTLW will install, alter, maintain, and repair communications antennas, including microwave dish antennas with radomes and associated antenna feeds; fabricate and assemble cable raceway and antenna mounting hardware; perform structural maintenance of tall steel towers and occasionally erect monopoles; install, maintain and repair telephone poles, crossarms, pole fixtures, and guy wires; and trim trees around the communication sites, equipment and communication lines. The CTLW will perform rigging and lifting using utility line trucks and equipment; operate a forklift and other material-handling equipment; operate utility line truck booms, attachments and winches for aerial access, auguring, lifting, and pole setting; drive automotive equipment, including vehicles exceeding 26,000 pounds GVWR, to and from work sites; and tow trailers and pole dollies as required.

The CTLW will possess knowledge of the protocols, procedures, techniques and equipment used to install, alter, maintain and repair communications antennas, and copper and fiber-optic lines, cables and related accessories. They will have the knowledge to exercise safe work practices in rigging, working at heights on microwave communications towers and utility poles, and in manholes and other below-grade confined spaces. They will possess a high degree of attention to detail and safety procedures to prevent injury to themselves and others. They will possess knowledge and experience in customer services; interpersonal skills; decision making; organization awareness; problem solving; oral communication; and ability to troubleshoot issues.

Three (3) years of experience in the installation, alteration, maintenance and repair of outside overhead communications or power lines and equipment. One (1) year must have been at the journey-level.

This classification requires completion of at least three (3) years in a recognized telephone or power line worker apprentice training program, a current and valid OSHA approved Competent Climber / Rescuer Certification, and a valid class B driver’s license. Physical dexterity, color perception, and visual acuity are required to perform essential job-related functions effectively and safely. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. The Competent Climber / Rescuer Certification and class B driver’s license are required and may not be substituted with additional experience