Distribution Electrician Troubleshooter

Job Description:

Distribution Electrician Troubleshooter

Description

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. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. 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.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is 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 designed to 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.

Under minimal supervision and with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, responds to system disturbances and power quality issues on Austin Energy's overhead and underground distribution system.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under minimal supervision and with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, responds to system disturbances and power quality issues on Austin Energy's overhead and underground distribution system.

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.

• Investigates electrical disturbances and power quality issues, performs emergency electrical system isolation, and restores and/or repairs the overhead and underground electrical distribution system.
  
• Responds to on-call, emergency call back, system disturbances, and power quality issues.
  
• Acts as a first responder and leads incident and/or system disturbance investigations for electrical hazards on the electrical distribution system and may provide a statement or testimony as electrical Subject Matter Expert (SME) for work performed to AE leadership, AE Safety, Austin Police Department (APD), Austin Fire Department (AFD), and the City of Austin Law Department.
  
• Makes scenes safe, where electrical hazards are present, to include de-energizing hazardous electrical lines and equipment, barricading, and communicating safety issues to APD, AFD, EMS, the public, site personnel, and other City of Austin departments.
  
• Identifies, documents, and reports compliance issues in accordance with applicable codes, ordinances, and standards; communicates safety issues; and issues electrical hazard forms to notify contractor/person of identified compliance issues.
  
• Communicates with System Operations personnel, AE leadership, customers, and the public to detail events and actions taken to investigate and address system and/or power quality disturbances on the electrical distribution system. Creates, submits, and/or executes electrical clearance orders, in coordination with AE System Operations, to de-energize, isolate, and/or restore electrical circuits on the electrical distribution system.
  
• Performs on the job training and field performance evaluations of Distribution Electrician Apprentice/Trainees and Distribution Electrician III's for additional job functions required of a DE Troubleshooter.
  
• Conducts detailed pre-work/tailgate meetings to ensure all employees on a jobsite have the information, work skills, and tools to complete their work safely.
  

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 and skill in electric utility regulations, practices, procedures, and/or requirements outlined in the National Electrical Safety Code® (NESC®), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, NFPA 70® National Electrical Code® (NEC®), and applicable local codes and ordinances.
  
• Knowledge of AE safety rules, regulations, work practices, task restrictions, standards, and procedures associated with the electrical distribution system, electric system restoration, and high voltages.
  
• Knowledge of advanced electrical theory and principles related to electricity, magnetism, circuits, and electrical equipment.
  
• Knowledge of installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical equipment, apparatus, and instruments.
  
• Knowledge of the equipment and methods used in construction and maintenance of high voltage electric distribution systems.
  
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
  
• Skill in handling and prioritizing multiple tasks.
  
• Skill in operating computers and related software applications.
  
• Skill in setting up and operating electric utility aerial equipment.
  
• Skill in preparing, completing, and maintaining clear and concise written and electronic records/reports.
  
• Skill in estimating time, material, and labor for assigned jobs or tasks.
  
• Skill in performing various connections, configurations, procedures, and phasing of circuits to transformers, breakers, and disconnects.
  
• Skill in advanced troubleshooting of electrical systems using various 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 energized lines and equipment.
  
• Skill in effective oral, written, and electronic communications.
  
• Skill in organizing, inspecting, and safely using hand and powered tools, equipment, and materials to perform installation, maintenance, and repair of the electrical distribution system.
  
• Skill in operating switching devices and equipment.
  
• Skill in using, inspecting, maintaining, and safely storing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Personal Protective Devices (PPD).
  
• Ability to climb poles and structures, following AE guidelines for personal fall arrest systems.
  
• Ability to climb ladders, work in enclosed spaces, and serve as the enclosed space attendant.
  
• Ability to read and understand oral, written, and electronic instructions, technical manuals, specifications, blueprints, sketches, diagrams, maps, and drawings.
  
• Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and professional working relationships with city employees, customers, and the public.
  
• Ability to properly interpret and follow manufacturers load charts when operating cranes, boom trucks, digger derricks, and bucket trucks.
  
• Ability to perform strenuous work outdoors in all types of temperature extremes and weather conditions.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions, changes in priorities, and rotating shifts.
  
• Ability to properly lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus six (6) years of direct experience in the electric utility field as a Distribution Lineworker, two (2) years of which were at a Journey Level.

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.
  
• To be considered for employment in this position applicants must comply with Department of Transportation Federal Regulations and the City of Austin Drug Policy.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with construction, maintenance, switching and/or troubleshooting on a distribution electric system.
  
• Experience with the hazards associated with working on energized lines and equipment at distribution primary voltages (7200V - 12,500V).
  
• Experience climbing electric utility wood poles up to 100 feet, while utilizing fall restraint equipment and devices.
  
• Experience with construction of all types of distribution electric transformer installations serving single and three phase loads.
  
• Currently working or have worked as a Journey-Level Lineworker at a distribution electric utility and/or a distribution electric utility contractor within the last two (2) years.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Distribution Electrician Troubleshooter will work under minimal supervision and with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Responds to system disturbances and power quality issues on Austin Energy's (AE) overhead and underground electrical distribution system. This position is responsible for communicating detailed information to internal and external customers.

Acts as a first responder and leads incident and/or system disturbance investigations for electrical hazards on the electrical distribution system and may provide a statement or testimony as electrical Subject Mater Expert (SME) for work performed to AE Leadership, AE Safety, Austin Police Department (APD), Austin Fire Department (AFD), and City of Austin Law Department. Makes scenes safe where electrical hazards are present, including de-energizing hazardous electrical lines and equipment, barricading, and communicating safety issues to APD, AFD, EMS, the public, site personnel and other City of Austin departments.

The Distribution Electrician Troubleshooter may provide leadership to field personnel including work assignments, evaluations, training, and guidance. This position is required to work the following rotating shifts with scheduled days off in-between: 5am-5pm, 5pm-5am, and 6:30am-3pm. The ideal candidate may be classified as a, Journeyman Lineman, Class A Lineman, and/or Journey Level Lineworker.

Location: 4411-B Meinardus Drive, Austin, Texas 78744

Days and Hours: Rotating Shifts: 5:00 am -5:00 pm, 5:00 pm - 5:00 pm and 6:30 am -3:00 pm.

Pay Range: Commensurate

Work Schedule:

• This position is categorized as Essential Personnel with the City of Austin. Essential staff are required to work during emergencies or bad weather if they are scheduled to work and, in some cases, when they are not scheduled. Essential employees ensure the continuance of key operations for the City of Austin.
  
• Work hours may include after hours, holidays, and weekends.
  
• Shifts may change according to departmental needs.
  
• Employee may be required to work additional hours outside of regular work schedule.
  

Working with Austin Energy provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Assessments:
Candidates will be assessed on Technical Skill prior to interviews.

Employment Application:

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
  
• PLEASE NOTE: The City of Austin determines pay by the relevant work experience included in your application. Your employment history should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.
  
• Résumés will not be accepted and statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.
  
• Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.
  

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
  
• If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
  
• This position requires a criminal background investigation.
  

Commercial Driver 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’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) 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.

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. The position requires adherence to all DOT regulations and City of Austin Personnel Policies.

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.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

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.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-09-24