ORGANIZATION AND AREA INFORMATION: Nestled in the central part of Southeastern Arizona’s Gila Valley, the City of Safford is a thriving rural Arizona City. With a population of just over ten thousand, it is the largest municipality in Graham County. Incorporated as a town in 1901 and becoming a city in 1955, Safford has become the major hub for Southeastern Arizona. The City of Safford as an organization has multiple different departments and over 230 staff members including full time employees, seasonal employees, volunteer firefighters and councilmembers to staff all the different positions at the City. The City also provides all utilities for its residents and other residents in surrounding areas. In addition to the major utilities of gas, water, electric, sewer, and sanitation, the City has a landfill and airport that service the county.
SUMMARY: Under general direction, performs journey level installation, construction maintenance and repair of City electrical transmission, distribution and underground systems and structures.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISITICS: This is the middle level of a three-tier job group. It is distinguished from the next higher job class by the lack of additional technical knowledge gained through additional years of experience. This position reports to the Electric Division Manager.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
- Performs live line maintenance using rubber gloves on energized 12,470/7,200-volt lines along with hotsticks when needed. Maintains substations and all equipment inside. Maintains and repairs 69 KV transmission system when needed. Maintains and builds distribution systems and structures, including overhead and underground primary and secondary lines, transformers, capacitators and line poles, etc.
- Sets, frames and constructs overhead and underground lines in accordance with RUS specifications, including but not limited to underground vaults, conduit and similar distribution system components; prepares and sets line poles and guy wires; installs, removes, repairs or replaces damaged or decayed poles, conductors, transformers, capacitators, switches and other related equipment.
- Assists, directs and guides Apprentice Line Worker training for proper procedures and construction standards.
- Ensure department vehicles are stocked with needed tools, equipment and supplies. Obtains parts from the warehouse as needed. Assists warehouse personnel to maintain electric inventory levels.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards and requirements from OSHA, American Public Power Association and the Utility; assure personal, worker and public safety; assure the safety and protection of the electrical transmission and distribution system.
- Trims trees from energized wires, repairs City street and security lights as required.
- Responds to emergency and after hour situations and subject to on-call status.
- Assists Utilities Electrician and other Departments when needed.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Experience, Certifications and Licenses:
- High School diploma or equivalent GED certificate, or equivalent experience.
- Completion of electric apprentice program from a qualified school or organization.
- Pole Top Rescue Certificate and bucket truck rescue certified.
- Must have a valid State of Arizona Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Class A CDL (air brakes included) permit with tanker endorsement within the first 6 months from hire date. Must have a valid Class A CDL with tanker endorsement within 12 months from date of hire.
Substance Abuse Testing:
- This position is considered a safety sensitive position and is subject to new hire and random drug and alcohol testing as outlined in the Alcohol & Substance Abuse policy listed in the Human Resources Personnel Manual.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
- Knowledge of practices, methods, tools and materials used in the electrical trade including distribution, transmission systems and substations.
- Knowledge of construction and functions of a variety of electrical equipment used in power generation, transmission and distribution.
- Knowledge of electrical theory related to electrical circuits and wiring systems and overall electrical distribution.
- Knowledge of connections, phasing, transformer circuitry, metering, fusing, amperage capacities, lightning protection, switching procedures and system ties.
- Knowledge of high voltage rubber gloving techniques including cover-up methods.
- Knowledge of safe work practices, including hazards and safety precautions and procedures related to working around high voltages.
- Knowledge of safe working practices while operating arial equipment including bucket and boom trucks.
- Skill in installing, repairing and maintaining electrical systems and equipment.
- Skill in inspecting facilities for electrical needs and fire, safety and health hazards.
- Skill in operating a variety of specialized electrical testing, hand and power tools.
- Skill in working from blueprints, shop drawings and sketches.
- Skill in understanding and following oral and written directions.
- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Work is performed in internal and external environments with exposure to inclement weather, and varying temperatures, subject to noise from equipment operation and electrical power supply and high voltage.
- Subject to standing for extended periods of time, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, kneeling, running, and lifting heavy objects up to 50 pounds.
- Subject to reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.
- Subject to hazardous chemicals including battery acid, chlorine, acetone, and PCB’s, working around and with machinery having moving parts, working at heights on ladders or scaffolding.
- Subject to working at heights up to 85 feet and with energized lines carrying 120V to 69KV.
EOE
