Electrical Power Line Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of technological advancements, the focus on Electrical Power Line Technicians is increasingly significant.

As our dependence on reliable electrical power continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can install, repair, and maintain our electrical power systems.

But let’s dig deeper: What’s truly expected from an Electrical Power Line Technician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complexities of electrical power system maintenance,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Electrical Power Line Technician job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Electrical Power Line Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Electrical Power Line Technicians are responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical power systems.

They work with high voltage electricity and are trained to handle dangerous situations.

They work on systems that supply homes, businesses, and communities with electrical power.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Install and repair electrical power systems, including cables, wires, transformers, and circuit breakers
• Inspect and test power lines and auxiliary equipment to locate and identify problems, using reading and testing instruments
• Adhere to safety procedures to prevent accidents and injuries
• Open switches or attach grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines
• Place insulating or fireproofing materials over conductors and joints
• Identify defective sectionalizing devices, circuit breakers, fuses, voltage regulators, transformers, switches, relays, or wiring, using wiring diagrams and electrical-testing instruments
• Work on underground or substation installations
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment and determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed
• Drive work vehicles to job sites
• Respond to emergencies, such as transformer or transmission line failures
• Train apprentice line workers on technical skills and safety procedures

 

Electrical Power Line Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Electrical Power Line Technician to install, repair, and maintain overhead and underground electrical power lines.

Responsibilities include ensuring the flow of electricity without interruption, performing regular maintenance, and responding to emergencies to repair damaged lines.

Our ideal candidate is safety-conscious, physically fit, and has a strong understanding of electrical systems.

Ultimately, the Electrical Power Line Technician ensures the reliable transmission of electricity to homes, businesses, and industries.

 

Responsibilities

• Install and repair electrical power systems, including overhead and underground lines.
• Inspect and test power lines and auxiliary equipment.
• Identify defective devices, voltage regulators, transformers, and switches.
• Perform regular maintenance on electrical equipment.
• Respond to emergencies and repair damaged lines.
• Follow safety procedures and standards to ensure a safe working environment.
• Adhere to local and state regulations for electrical systems.
• Assist with the training and mentoring of junior technicians.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Electrical Power Line Technician or similar role.
• Knowledge of electrical systems and power distribution.
• Physical fitness and ability to work at heights and in adverse weather conditions.
• Completion of a relevant apprenticeship or technical school program.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and standards.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Electrical Power Line Technician
• Work Environment: Field work with exposure to varying weather conditions. The role involves physical labor and may require travel and on-call emergency response.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Electrical Supervisor or Line Foreman.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $56,000 minimum to $98,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Electrical Power Line Technician Do?

Electrical Power Line Technicians, also known as line workers, have a crucial role in ensuring the continuous flow of electricity to homes, businesses, and other facilities.

They are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of high-powered electrical lines and systems, which involves working with both underground and overhead power lines.

They routinely inspect and test power lines, repair damages, replace old lines, and perform upgrades to improve the efficiency of the electrical grid.

These tasks often require climbing utility poles or utilizing bucket trucks to reach high areas.

In case of power outages due to storms or other emergencies, Electrical Power Line Technicians are deployed to identify and fix the issues to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

They also adhere strictly to safety protocols due to the high-risk nature of their job, always ensuring the proper use of protective gear and equipment.

Electrical Power Line Technicians work closely with electrical engineers and other professionals to plan and execute projects and they often need to interpret complex electrical blueprints and diagrams in their work.

Lastly, they also educate clients and the public about power safety to avoid accidents and misuse.

 

Electrical Power Line Technician Qualifications and Skills

Electrical Power Line Technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical power systems.

This role requires a diverse set of technical skills, physical abilities and safety knowledge, such as:

• Technical understanding of electrical power systems to install, troubleshoot and repair power lines and associated equipment.
• Physical strength and stamina to climb poles, lift heavy equipment and work in various weather conditions.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills to quickly identify and rectify faults in the power system, minimizing downtime and ensuring consistent power supply.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure all work is completed accurately, safely and according to regulations.
• Excellent safety consciousness to adhere to all safety procedures and guidelines, reducing risks of accidents and injuries.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with team members, interpret work orders and explain technical issues to non-technical personnel or clients.
• Customer service skills to interact with customers, answer their queries and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces, often under challenging conditions.

 

Electrical Power Line Technician Experience Requirements

Entry-level Electrical Power Line Technicians typically need a high school diploma followed by a 1 to 2-year technical diploma or certificate in electrical technology or a related field.

They should have significant hands-on training, often through internships or apprenticeships under experienced technicians.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience may have worked as helpers or apprentices to experienced linemen, honing their skills in maintaining and repairing the power grid.

They may have also gained experience in identifying defects in power lines, using different types of equipment, and adhering to safety protocols.

Professionals with 3 to 5 years of experience would likely have a solid understanding of electrical systems, transformers, and circuit breakers.

They may have gained significant experience in repairing and installing power lines, both overhead and underground.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have lead teams or supervised projects, ensuring the safety and accuracy of power line installations and repairs.

They would have a deep understanding of electrical distribution systems and possess advanced troubleshooting skills.

They may be ready for a managerial role or a specialized position, such as a Substation Technician or Transmission Line Technician.

In all of these roles, ongoing education and training are important due to the technological advancements in the field.

Furthermore, due to the hazardous nature of the job, experience with safety protocols and regulations is vital.

 

Electrical Power Line Technician Education and Training Requirements

Electrical Power Line Technicians typically need a high school diploma or equivalent as the most basic level of education.

They commonly attend technical schools or community colleges, where they receive training in electronics, electrical circuits, and electrical systems.

Many aspiring technicians also enroll in training programs sponsored by electrical contractors or utility companies.

These programs combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training.

After completing their education, technicians often undergo apprenticeships, which last for several years and provide practical experience and training.

Most states require electrical power line technicians to be licensed.

Licensing requirements vary by state, but generally involve passing a qualifying examination.

Continuing education is also important in this field as technology and regulations evolve.

Technicians may pursue advanced certification or training opportunities to stay updated.

Knowledge of safety protocols, physical fitness, and ability to work in challenging weather conditions are other crucial aspects of this job role.

 

Electrical Power Line Technician Salary Expectations

An Electrical Power Line Technician earns an average salary of $71,030 (USD) per year.

This can vary based on factors such as years of experience, qualifications, and the location of employment.

Larger cities and companies may offer higher compensation for this role.

 

Electrical Power Line Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Electrical Power Line Technician need?

Electrical Power Line Technicians should possess strong physical stamina and hands-on technical skills to handle complex electrical systems.

They should have good problem-solving abilities to address any issues with the power lines and related equipment.

A keen attention to detail and safety-consciousness are also key, as this job involves high-risk tasks.

Strong communication skills are also vital for coordinating with team members and reporting issues.

 

Do Electrical Power Line Technicians need a degree?

Electrical Power Line Technicians don’t necessarily need a degree, but they usually must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Many technicians complete a technical education program or apprenticeship in electrical technology or a similar field.

Most states require licensure or certification, which involves passing a competency examination.

 

What should you look for in an Electrical Power Line Technician resume?

Look for a valid certification or licensure and a strong background in electrical technology on an Electrical Power Line Technician resume.

Relevant experience, particularly in a similar role, is also important.

Additional skills like problem-solving, attention to detail, physical stamina, and a strong understanding of safety regulations should also be highlighted.

 

What qualities make a good Electrical Power Line Technician?

A good Electrical Power Line Technician is safety-conscious, diligent, and has a keen eye for detail.

They should have good physical stamina as the job involves carrying heavy equipment and climbing poles.

Their problem-solving skills should be sharp, as they need to quickly find and fix issues in power lines.

Good team players with strong communication skills are also highly sought after in this role.

 

What are the daily duties of an Electrical Power Line Technician?

The daily duties of an Electrical Power Line Technician include inspecting and maintaining power lines and auxiliary equipment, identifying and repairing faults, installing new lines and cables, and adhering to safety regulations.

They also often work with engineers and ground crew to troubleshoot problems and discuss work plans.

In emergency situations, they may need to respond to and resolve power outages or other immediate issues.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we illuminated the often overlooked yet essential role of an electrical power line technician.

And guess what?

It’s not just about maintaining power lines.

It’s about being the backbone of our energy infrastructure, ensuring the power keeps flowing, one line at a time.

With our comprehensive electrical power line technician job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to electrify your career path.

But why stop there?

Journey further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting high-voltage job listings or energizing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every power line you maintain is a part of the bigger energy grid.

Let’s keep the lights on. Together.

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