Lineman (High Voltage)

In order to qualify for this position, your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and abilities, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are being considered. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities, as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to submit a thorough resume that directly relates to this position. Applicants must meet the requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations (X-118C).

Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the job elements and screen out listed below. Your resume should demonstrate that you possess these elements and screen out. Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your resume how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the elements and screen out identified below. This job has a screen-out factors which will be used to determine minimum eligibility for this job. Applicants who do not receive a minimum of two points on this screen-out element(s) or who do not score at least half of the total points possible across all elements will be found ineligible. 

The screen-out element for this position is: Ability to do the work of a Lineman without more than normal supervision to include: performing routine installation, maintenance, and repairs on High Voltage electric transmission or distribution lines. Work must reflect experience with wood pole, steel tower lines and maintenance work on energized lines of 12.5 kV or higher, OR have completed formal apprentice program in the electric power line trade (i.e., lineman) approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

In addition to the screen-out element you will be evaluated on the following Job Elements through your resume and responses to the on-line assessment questionnaire:

Element 2: Knowledge of electrical equipment.
Element 3: Theory and Instruments (Electrical, Electronic) Used in Shop and Trade Practices.
Element 4: Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic).
Element 5: Ability To Use Electrical Drawings.
Element 6: Ability to Use and Maintain Hand Tools (Electrical Work).
Element 7: Trouble shooting (electrical).

Physical effort: Work is physically demanding, may require working under stress in hazardous situations, may need to climb poles (average 65 feet, maximum 110 feet) and towers (average 100 feet, maximum 535 feet) in all weather conditions at least 4 to 6 times per day; lifts tools and equipment that weighs about 30-50 pounds; pulls equipment and tools from ground to pole/tower utilizing hoists and rigging; work in awkward positions on equipment, towers, and poles; pulls hoist lines with various loads weighing up to 80 pounds; extends arms frequently overhead and reaching to perform repairs; needs to crouch and kneel for extended periods of time; provide clear, accurate communication, receive verbal directions/ use/hear telephone & warning devices & abnormal noises; able to detect various gases by smell; and have spatial ability/depth perception/night vision/color discrimination/distant binocular acuity of 20/40 or better.

Working Conditions: The Lineman works outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions; and may work for long periods in cold, wet, or icy weather, and high winds.  Work is often performed on steel or wood structures at considerable heights, and on or near energized conductors or equipment.  The employee often works in awkward positions, supported only by a safety belt, or a safety belt and climbers.  In other instances, the Lineman may work on precipitous slopes, and rugged or brushy terrain.  When repairing conductors, the Lineman may ride in a trolley on the conductor, high above the ground.  The Lineman may climb to considerable heights many times a day.  The employee may walk long distances over rugged terrain and work in locations inaccessible to mobile equipment.  The Lineman frequently uses hand tools, such as axes and hot sticks, or power tools such as chain saws, for extended periods of time.  The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels and/or exposure to hazardous substances (i.e., solvents, PCB's, chemicals, etc.) that could, if precautions are not followed, pose a health risk.  Approved respiratory and safety equipment shall be worn when hazardous substances are being handled.  Emergencies, critical system conditions, or outage limitations may require that work be done at night and/or under time restraints.  System priorities may require extended periods of overtime including working weekends. When assigned to a live-line bare hand crew the Lineman may be in continuous travel status.