About This Position
Job Description:
Purpose:
Under minimal supervision, this position performs journeyman level lineworker tasks specializing in the Distribution, Network, or Transmission craft.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Climbs utility poles and structures (steel/wood/fiberglass/concrete), uses approved hand and powered tools, and drives various electric utility vehicles to assist with trouble call response, construction, and maintenance of Austin Energy’s (AE’s) electrical transmission, network, or distribution system.
- Responds to on-call, emergency call back, and after hour outages due to weather related events or system disturbances.
- Determines work requirements for jobs based on reviewing job packets, which include: blueprints (plan and profile views), material list, workorder, and job summary.
- Works on and around high voltage energized lines and equipment, and performs troubleshooting of electrical systems using various test equipment (i.e. Multi-Range Voltage Detector [MRVD], phasing sticks, rotation meters, Digital Multi-Meters [DMM], and clamp-on amp meters).
- Performs pulling, installing, repairing, or moving high voltage wires, cable, and other material on AE’s electrical distribution, network, or transmission system.
- Performs installation, framing, construction, and maintenance of structures, hardware, and equipment on AE’s overhead and underground electrical distribution system, network distribution system, and/or transmission system, according to AE’s standards and work practices.
- Performs set up and operation of electric utility aerial equipment (i.e. cranes, boom trucks, digger derricks, bucket trucks, etc.) and other equipment (i.e. wire tensioner/puller, cable reel truck, cable trailer, wire trailer, skid-steer loader, bulldozer, backhoe, and forklift).
- Operates high-voltage transmission, substation, and/or distribution switching devices and equipment, using proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Personal Protective Devices (PPD), to de-energize and isolate circuits.
- Attends refresher, cyclical, and annual training to keep up with new technology and rescue techniques.
- (Distribution only) Installs and connects single-phase and three-phase electrical services to AE’s residential and commercial customers, and installs and connects overhead and underground transformers, switches, cutouts, etc.
- (Distribution only) Performs cutting, splicing, terminating, and taping of Underground Residential Distribution (URD) and power cable on AE’s electrical system.
- (Network only) Locates faults on AE’s underground network and substation getaways, and installs and connects network transformers and protectors.
- (Network only) Performs cutting, splicing, terminating, and taping of Underground Residential Distribution (URD) and power cable on AE’s electrical system, and builds power cable risers for substation feeder exits.
- (Network only) Installs and services: network vaults and vault equipment, electrical service to downtown residential and commercial customers, and small cell and streetlight equipment.
- (Transmission only) Plans various types of transmission installations and maintenance projects (i.e. structure change outs, pulling in or changing conductors, and pulling in or changing fiber optic cable).
- (Transmission only) Constructs and maintains transmission equipment and structures with circuit voltages of 69kV, 138kV, and 345kV.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Knowledge of AE, COA, and/or State of Texas requirements for vehicle inspections.
- Knowledge of the electrical theory and principles related to electricity, magnetism, circuits, and electrical equipment.
- Knowledge of the hazards involved in working on and around high-voltage energized lines and equipment.
- Knowledge of various transformer connections and the procedures for proper transformer phasing.
- Knowledge of installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical equipment, apparatus, and instruments.
- Skill in planning and organizing personnel and work assignments.
- Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Skill in operating computers and related software applications.
- Skill in setting up and operating electric utility aerial equipment.
- Skill in applying knowledge of AE safety rules, regulations, work practices, standards, and procedures associated with each craft when working on energized electrical systems.
- Skill in using the necessary air monitoring equipment prior to entering enclosed or confined spaces.
- Skill in properly using, inspecting, maintaining, and safely storing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Personal Protective Devices (PPD).
- Skill in performing installation, construction, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems and electrical/electronic instruments.
- Skill in troubleshooting electrical systems using electronic test equipment (i.e. Multi-Range Voltage Detector [MRVD], phasing sticks, rotation meters, Digital Multi-Meters [DMM], and clamp-on amp meters).
- Skill in working on and around high-voltage energized lines and equipment.
- Skill in reading, preparing, interpreting, and modifying blueprints, diagrams, sketches, and drawings.
- Skill in performing all phases of installing, framing, constructing, and maintaining AE’s electric system.
- Ability to understand oral and written instructions.
- Ability to climb poles and structures to various heights (Distribution and Network - up to 80 ft, Transmission - up to 250 ft), following AE guidelines for personal fall arrest systems.
- Ability to climb ladders, work in enclosed spaces, and work as an enclosed space attendant (confined spaces for the Network craft).
- Ability to apply knowledge and skills obtained from training in the classroom and on the job.
- Ability to read and understand written instructions, technical manuals, blueprints, diagrams, sketches, and drawings.
- Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards in the COA Driver Safety Program.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and professional working relationships with City employees, customers, and the public.
- Ability to organize, inspect, and safely use various hand and powered tools, equipment, materials, cables, and conductors.
- Ability to properly interpret and follow manufacturers load charts when operating cranes, boom trucks, digger derricks, and bucket trucks.
- Ability to lead and mentor less tenured DE’s.
- Ability to perform strenuous work in all types of weather conditions.
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions, changes in priorities, and rotating shifts as assigned.
- Ability to lift, carry, and manipulate equipment and supplies weighing more than 50 pounds.
Minimum Qualifications:
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus four (4) years of experience in the electric utility field as a Distribution, Network, or Transmission lineworker.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
- Valid Texas Class A Commercial Driver License or ability to acquire license and/or endorsements within 120 days of employment.
- Ability to produce and maintain an acceptable driving record.
Notes to Candidate:
Temporary position - not accepting applications.
Temporary employees are hired to complete specific short-term or seasonal assignments in accordance with the Temporary Employee Procedure. Temporary employment may not exceed six (6) months without an approved extension. Temporary employees are not assigned a probationary period upon hire with the City.
A temporary employee who is hired into a regular budgeted position must serve a six (6) month probationary period. If the employee has had continuous City employment, they will receive service credit from the date of their initial employment or reemployment once they are hired into the regular position. (City of Austin Personnel Policies, May 1, 2025)
Temporary Employee Transition and Benefits Eligibility
- Eligible for holiday pay if they were scheduled to work on a day that falls on an observed holiday.
- Eligible for sick leave benefits after working one pay period. Sick leave hours are accrued based on the temporary employee's workweek and carries over from year to year up to the maximum accrual amount. If rehired within six months following separation from the City, any prior unused sick time will be reinstated for use.
- Eligible to participate in Medical, Dental, Wellness Employee Assistance, Commuter, and Deferred Compensation programs on the first day of the month following 90 days of employment (Seasonal, intern and temporary employees working less than 30 hours a week are not eligible for employee benefits).
Commercial Driver's License:
This position requires a valid Texas Class A Commercial Driver License or the ability to acquire one within 120 days of employment. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin Driver Safety Standards requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
This position requires a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Applicants must possess and maintain the CDL required for the position in accordance with applicable Texas and federal requirements. Federal eligibility requirements for certain non-domiciled CDLs changed effective March 16, 2026. Applicants holding a non-domiciled CDL should review current Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)requirements and Texas Department of Public Safety CDL License requirements.
Job offer may be contingent on passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening test and thereafter, comply with Department of Transportation, Federal Regulations and the Alcohol and Controlled Substance Testing rules as outlined by the City of Austin Drug and Alcohol Policy for Drivers of Commercial Motor Vehicles.
Fair Labor Standards Act:
This position is considered FLSA non-exempt. Non-exempt employees will be compensated for any additional hours worked when such compensation is required by law.
.
JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM
At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
What Makes the City of Austin Special?
Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
.
EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
