Overhead Line Crews

About the role

The Overhead Power Line Crew plays a critical role in delivering safe, reliable electric service to customers through the construction, maintenance, and restoration of overhead distribution infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities:

• Construct, maintain, and repair overhead distribution electrical systems.
• Install poles, crossarms, conductors, guy wires, transformers, switches, and other distribution equipment.
• Operate aerial devices, digger derricks, bucket trucks, and other line construction equipment.
• Read and interpret staking sheets, construction drawings, maps, and work orders.
• Perform switching operations and assist with outage restoration activities.
• Conduct pre-job briefings and participate in daily safety meetings.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, company safety policies, and customer requirements.
• Inspect equipment and tools to ensure safe operating condition.
• Assist with storm restoration and emergency response efforts, including travel when required.
• Communicate effectively with crew members, supervisors, and customers.
• Complete required documentation, vehicle inspections, and work reports.
• Maintain a professional and customer-focused attitude while representing the company.

Qualifications

• Apprentice Lineman: High school diploma or GED required. Valid driver's license required. CDL Class A preferred or ability to obtain. Ability to work at heights and in all weather conditions. Completion of line school preferred.
• Journeyman Lineman: Journeyman Lineman certification or equivalent documented experience. Minimum 4-5 years of overhead distribution line experience. CDL Class A required. Experience with energized and de-energized line work. Strong knowledge of overhead distribution construction standards and utility safety practices.
• Working Foreman / Crew Lead: Journeyman Lineman qualification required. Minimum of 8 years of overhead distribution line experience. Demonstrated leadership experience directing line crews. Ability to coordinate daily work plans, resources, and customer requirements. Experience mentoring apprentices and enforcing safety expectations.
• General Foreman: Journeyman Lineman qualification required. Minimum of 10+ years of overhead distribution line construction and maintenance experience. Minimum of 3-5 years of leadership experience managing multiple line crews, foremen, and large-scale utility projects. Strong working knowledge of overhead distribution construction standards, utility specifications, customer requirements, and safety regulations. Proven ability to oversee project execution, manpower planning, scheduling, equipment allocation, and resource management. Experience coordinating with customers, project managers, utility representatives, and subcontractors to ensure project success. Demonstrated leadership in driving safety performance, quality control, productivity, and compliance across multiple crews and job sites. Experience leading storm restoration efforts, emergency response operations, and large-scale outage recovery activities. Strong communication, organizational, problem-solving, and team development skills with a focus on mentoring foremen and crew leadership personnel.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of overhead distribution systems, equipment, and work methods.
• Strong commitment to safety and safe work practices.
• Ability to read and interpret construction prints and staking sheets.
• Skilled in operating utility construction equipment.
• Effective verbal communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical distribution system issues.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.

Work Environment

• Extensive outdoor work in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and wind.
• Frequent travel to project sites.
• Emergency and storm restoration work may require extended hours, weekends, holidays, and overnight travel.
• Exposure to energized electrical equipment and construction-related hazards.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to climb poles and work at elevated heights.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including fall protection equipment.
• Capacity to work extended shifts during emergency restoration events.