The City of Richmond, Department of Public Utilities, is seeking qualified candidates to fill multiple Power Line Specialist positions in the Electric Utility Division. The Street Lighting Department within the Electric Utility Division is responsible for maintaining and servicing over 32,000 streetlights and more than 310 miles of overhead and underground wiring that directly supply power to the street lighting system. The incumbents in this role will be responsible for the construction, installation, maintenance, and support of the Electric Utility Street Lighting Distribution system and all related infrastructure components. 

This position is considered Essential Personnel, requiring incumbents to work during city closures due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions, or inclement weather. The individual may also be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, or be on-call as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Installing overhead and underground wires and cables.
• Making terminations, installing transformers, and all types of poles.
• Troubleshooting electrical distribution grids and substations.
• Pole climbing.
• Working in confined spaces.

Qualifications, Special Certifications, and Licenses:

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of related OSHA and safety regulations.
  • Demonstrated experience working with high voltage utility systems.
  • Knowledge of electricity, wiring, circuits, transformers, cables, and power lines.
  • Experience maintaining streetlight circuits.
  • Ability to read and understand technical drawings and blueprints.
  • Demonstrated ability to work at significant heights.
  • Demonstrated ability to work safely around low and high voltage wires.
  • Demonstrated ability to make sound judgments while following safety regulations.
  • Demonstrated ability to think critically and decide the best way to address a problem, recognizing issues, proactively troubleshooting identified problems, and understanding the steps required for problem resolutions and workarounds.
  • Effective communication skills.

• Minimum Training and Experience:

  • High School Diploma or GED with specialized vocational training.
  • Requires Journeyman/Lineman card.
  • Two years of experience working with high voltage power lines.
  • An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.

• Licensing, Certifications, and/or Other Special Requirements:

  • A valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.
  • A valid Commonwealth of Virginia Commercial Driver's License with required endorsements must be obtained within 30 days of hire.