Journeyman Line Worker

Department: Public Utilities - Electric

About the role

The Public Utilities Journey Line Worker performs highly skilled work in the construction, maintenance, and operation of overhead and underground electrical transmission and distribution systems. This position operates a variety of heavy equipment, specialized line equipment, and tools. Takes call and is required to work weekends, nights, and holidays as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Performs construction and maintenance work on overhead electrical transmission and distribution systems, including setting poles and anchors; stringing wire; installing, repairing, or changing transformers, insulators, hardware, and making all connections.
• Operates and maintains capacitor banks and regulator banks.
• Operates and maintains substation breakers, switches, and interrupters.
• Operates and maintains 115 KV transmission system.
• Installs, changes, and repairs street lights.
• Performs construction and maintenance work on underground electrical systems including installation of transformers, vaults, and pedestals; cleaning cable; laying and pulling wire; installing hardware; making connections and backfilling trenches; and removing poles and wires for replacement in overhead systems.
• Performs installation and repair work on customer service connections, including required transformer banks.
• Answers service calls, diagnoses problems, and makes repairs to overhead and underground systems and service connections.
• Trims trees to keep overhead lines clear.
• Operates equipment including: digger/derrick, bucket truck, skid steer, power mole, backhoe, trencher, jackhammer, chainsaws, chipper, and all hotline tools and test equipment.
• Takes oil samples from transformers and other electrical equipment for analysis.
• Checks lines for proper balance.
• Installs single phase and three phase CT meters and checks for accuracy.
• Assists in updating system maps.
• Assists in maintaining substation equipment.
• Removes vegetation at substation and around poles.
• Completes and submits work orders.
• Reconnects power after non-payment shutoffs.
• Cleans and maintains the shop, stocks shelves, and maintains inventory.
• Performs snow removal for utility building and properties.
• Repairs and performs preventative maintenance on heavy equipment, fleet vehicles, gas powered tools, etc., and completes maintenance records.
• Assists in installing seasonal banners, decorative lighting, and holiday decorations.
• Manually starts emergency generator in storms or power outages.
• Available 24/7 for emergency response.
• Attends meetings, training, and education to maintain professional competence.

While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the City.

Requirements

• Valid Minnesota Class A Commercial Driver’s License with air brake endorsement.
• MN Electrical Lineman License required.
• Obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.
• Pole Top and Bucket Rescue Certification.

Qualifications

• AAS or certificate from accredited Line Worker program, and certified journeyman line worker with four years apprenticeship (8000 hours) in electrical line construction, maintenance, and repair.
• Completion of vocational/technical program in electrical line work may substitute for one year of experience, or any combination of education/experience which provides the skills and abilities to perform the job.

Pay

$103,168.00 ($49.60/HR) - $114,483.20 ($55.04/HR)

Schedule

40 hours per week. Open until filled.

Benefits

• Health Insurance – Eligible on the first day of employment. The City offers four health insurance plans and pays 100% of the monthly premium for a single policy, contributing $1,825.00 towards a family plan. The City will contribute $250 quarterly into a Health Savings Account over the first 18 months of employment (total contribution of $1500).
• Vacation – Accumulation rates:
  • 1st through the 5th year: 80 hours per year (3.08 hours per pay period).
  • 6th through the 12th year: 120 hours per year (4.62 hours per pay period).
  • 13th through the 19th year: 160 hours per year (6.15 hours per pay period).
  • 20 years plus: 200 hours per year (7.69 hours per pay period).
• Sick Leave – Earned at 8 hours each month (3.70 hours per pay period). Unused sick leave accumulates to a maximum of 1,120 hours. After 36 months, severance pay is granted for one-half of unused sick leave, not to exceed 560 hours. Additional 960 hours may be accrued for catastrophic illness. Upon termination, 10% of the second sick leave bank is placed in a Post Retirement Account for health costs.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) – Beginning January 1, 2026, employees are eligible for PFML benefits under Minnesota law. The City and employee split the premium (0.395% each). Provides partial wage replacement and job protection for qualifying events.
• Holidays – Paid holidays include: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and one Personal Day.
• Post Retirement Health Care Savings Plan – 50% of accumulated sick leave and all unused vacation are placed in this fund upon leaving employment. The City contributes 50% of health insurance premiums (up to $325/month) for early retirees until age 65 or Medicare eligibility.
• Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) – 6.5% employee contribution, 7.5% City contribution. Vesting requires five years of service.
• Deferred Compensation Program – City matches employee contributions to a 457 plan up to $300 in 2026, $550 in 2027, and $800 in 2028.
• Life Insurance – $20,000 group life insurance plan provided by the employer.
• Voluntary Plans – Dental, Flexible Spending, additional Life Insurance, Cancer, Short Term Disability, and Vision Insurance (premiums paid 100% by employee).