Power Distribution Line Trainee (Vacancy)

Power Distribution Line Trainee (Vacancy)

Salary

$29.86 - $39.12 Hourly

Location

Varies by position

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-3577-V1

Department

60 Columbus Water & Power

Division

Division of Power

Opening Date

08/05/2026

Closing Date

8/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Definition

Under general supervision, is responsible for learning to install, repair, and replace components of the electrical power distribution system; performs related duties as required.

Examples of Work

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.)

At the Basic 1 level - Performs as a helper, learns safety procedures, and identifies components of the power system:

Drives, operates, and performs preventative maintenance (including fuel and lubricants) on vehicles, including pre-trip inspections; cleans vehicles, equipment, and job site after work has been completed;

Operates equipment used in power distribution work;

Operates mobile devices to enter time, materials, and view GIS mapping data;

Assists in the installation, repair, maintenance, and removal of overhead and underground power lines, street light circuits and electric components; performs safe work practices; performs worker rescues such as pole-top, ladder, aerial lift;

Climbs poles or works in bucket attached to truck-mounted boom to perform work;

At the Basic 2 level - Assists with routine power line duties with guidance:

Troubleshoots cables, transformers, and secondary circuits; identifies and engages in safety procedures while performing switching of energized circuits;

Applies transformer theory, assists with transformer installations and connections; investigates transformer conditions;

Assists with servicing energized lines and components; prepares equipment and organizes materials needed; assists in the installation of connections for power distribution system;

Installs, repairs, and removes poles, towers, and anchors; utilizes tools such as those for crimping, splicing, operating winches, various types of trucks, diggers, pole pullers, and voltage detectors;

Utilizes tools and materials such as load tools, live line tools, hotsticks, circuit-switching tools, cable testing equipment, fault detections, reclosers, fuses, substation breakers, capacitors and lightning arrestors, voltage regulators;

Installs, maintains and repairs streetlight system;

Patrols power lines and street light circuits, looking for potential trouble spots;

At the Intermediate level - Performs routine duties independently; assists with more complex duties with guidance:

Performs heavy energized primary circuit work such as installing in-line switches, large conductor splicing, replacing dead-ends and insulators on heavy corners, breaker insulators, and push-brace installation;

Investigates voltage variations in order to determine power quality problems;

Connects and installs dual voltage transformers with proper secondary voltage connections;

At the Advanced level - Performs complex duties with guidance:

Parallels transformers, utilizes capacitors, replaces lightning arrestors, phases primary circuits, and utilizes voltage regulators;

Attends switching planning meetings and executes switching procedures in the field with proper radio etiquette.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of the twelfth school grade and six (6) months experience assisting in the electrical trade. Substitution: A certificate of high school equivalence (GED) will be accepted in lieu of the twelfth school grade completion. Successful completion of a formal classroom, vocational training program, or apprenticeship training program related to electricity may substitute for the required experience.

By the completion of the probationary period, must possess a valid Class A commercial motor vehicle operators license allowing operation of vehicles with air brakes.

Test/Job Contact Information

Recruitment #: 26-3577-V1

Employment Type: Full-Time (Regular)

Should you have questions regarding this vacancy, please contact:

Garret Chrissley

Columbus Water & Power

Division of Power

37 W. Broad St.

Columbus, Ohio 43215

P: (614) 645-2246

E: ggchrissley@columbus.gov

The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Columbus seeks to promote compensation strategies that maximize the recruitment, performance, development, and retention of quality employees in support of the Citys Covenant and strategic plan. In addition to a competitive pay plan, the City offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes the following:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Short-term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

Specifics about these benefit opportunities and eligibility can be discussed with one of the Citys human resources professionals at the time of your interview or by contacting the Department of Human Resources, Labor Relations Office at (614)645-7206 for further information.

01

Have you included all of your relevant work experience (previous and current)? Resumes will not be accepted as a substitute for completing the application.

• Yes
• No

02

Have you reviewed the Minimum Qualifications for the job that you are applying to ensure that you meet specified requirements?

• Yes
• No

03

Have you attached the documents that provide proof of your license, education (post high school), and/or professional or state certification as you have referenced in your applicant profile? Such documents may include a photocopy or scan of your drivers license, bachelors/masters degree or transcript of completed coursework.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Columbus

Address 77 N. Front Street, Suite 330

Columbus, Ohio, 43215

Phone (614) 645-8301

Website https://www.columbus.gov/Government/Jobs