Utility Service Technician - Distribution

Kearney, NE – Kearney Operations Center

About the role

Work meter orders as required by the billing office to set and remove meters and perform collection duties, including disconnects for non-payment. Investigate and report irregularities regarding electric service and metering equipment. Perform tasks related to the daily operation of the distribution system.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Electrical, Electromechanical, or related field and two years’ experience as a commercial or residential electrician, or two years underground locating experience OR High school diploma/GED and four years’ experience as a commercial or residential electrician or four years underground locating experience.
• Valid Nebraska driver’s license required. Must obtain Class A CDL at a local school at the next available session and maintain it thereafter; NPPD will cover the cost.
• Must successfully complete the following courses/programs within 12 months of hire:
  • NPPD’s Meter Reader training
  • Open book Safety Exam
  • Meter Theory and Application
  • Basic Electricity
  • Certified in substation entry
• On-the-job training in setting and removing meters, locating underground primary, secondary, and services (including telecom communication cable), and observing line technicians performing hot-work.
• Must pass and maintain Operator’s Certification on bucket truck and digger-derrick operation.
• Obtain certification in Bucket Truck Rescue, First Aid, and CPR.

Responsibilities

• Follow and adhere to all policies and procedures to ensure work is completed correctly and safely.
• Accurately and timely record keeping, including material, time, procurement, and equipment documents.
• Issue and return stores materials as necessary.
• Perform required underground locates on primary cables, secondary cables, underground services, and telecom communication cables following Nebraska 811 requirements.
• Set and remove self-contained meters; terminate residential meters at the service point and secondary connection.
• Read meters as per meter orders and check for current diversion.
• Disconnect customers for non-payment (Cut Non-Pay).
• Discuss problems with customers, troubleshoot residential service-related issues, perform repairs as necessary, and direct customers to the proper District representative.
• Maintain a professional image of the District at all times, including personal appearance and uniform presentation.
• Assist Line crews by performing line patrols to maintain system reliability.
• Perform street light patrol, repair, and map updates as needed.
• Assist Area Storekeeper with inventory control, issuing, and returning material.
• Accountable for other duties as assigned.

Limitations: Working in the vicinity of energized conductors greater than 600V (unless locating underground) is prohibited. No tree trimming near energized conductors in excess of 600 volts. May disconnect primary circuit with an insulated fiberglass stick to protect property and the public; a Line Technician will be summoned to test and re-energize the circuit. May open and close cutouts on transformer mountings with verbal approval of a Distribution Supervisor (situation-dependent).

Core Competencies

• Customer Focus
• Employees & Teamwork/Diversity & Inclusion
• Integrity/Excellence
• Public Service/Environmental Stewardship
• Safety

Pay

Hourly starting salary range: $29.61 – $37.01 (Pay Grade 10). Eligible for Annual Incentive Program (AIP) that may supplement total compensation.

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance
• 401K retirement plan
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Paid medical leave
• Training opportunities

Schedule

Travel required: Up to 25% (typically within Nebraska, with minimal overnight stays—less than 3 per month).