Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers year-round recreation opportunities, diverse cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe neighborhoods, and a high-achieving school district.

The City of Ames is conducting a recruitment to establish a Civil Service eligibility list for three (3) positions within the Electric Distribution services division. We are looking for candidates to fill either two (2) Electric Lineworker and one (1) Apprentice Electric Lineworker: or, One (1) Electric Lineworker and two (2) Apprentice Electric Lineworker positions. The list will be valid for up to one year from the date of certification by the Ames Civil Service Commission and may be used to fill one or more vacancies in either classification. In addition, City of Ames Civil Service employees who have previously held Civil Service status in this classification and are interested in voluntarily demoting or laterally transferring into the current vacancy must submit their application by the deadline.

Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the written exam which will be held at 5:30 p.m. local time on December 22, 2022 in the city of Ames.

Both positions are full time (40 hours per week) and benefit eligible as well as have the opportunity to earn on call pay and considerable overtime. The very comprehensive benefits package offered for either position are as follows: Medical, dental, vision, life and long term disability insurance; Flexible spending account (FSA) for both health care and dependent care; Retirement plan options - deferred compensation, 401a defined compensation plan, and IPERS which may include employer contributions; Vacation Pay, Sick Leave, Holiday Pay and Longevity Pay; Leaves of Absence; Employee development and Educational Assistance Programs; and Employee Assistance Programs.

SALARY as of July 1, 2022:

Electric Lineworker-starts at $43.93 hourly; approximately $91,375.40 annually(does not include the ability to earn considerable on call and overtime pay)

Apprentice Electric Lineworker -$23.36 to $39.53 hourly. Rate of pay will be determined by prior apprenticeship hours worked(does not include the ability to earn considerable on call and overtime pay).

Candidates meeting minimum qualifications for either position will be invited to participate in a written exam.

Candidates scoring an average of 70% or greater on the written exam will be invited to continue in the hiring process.

To learn more about this great career opportunity with the City of Ames, please view this video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bVOXySgsC8

E-Verify Process:

The City of Ames participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with the City of Ames must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity on their first day of employment. Please be prepared to provide required documents on your first day of employment. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 515-239-5199 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at: http://www.uscis.gov.

NOTE: Applicants with disabilities may submit requests for ADA testing or interview accommodations to the Human Resources Department prior to the test or interview.

The City of Ames is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Human Resources Department at 515-239-5199.

Examples of Essential Job Functions:

ELECTRIC LINEWORKER:

Constructs, maintains, and repairs electrical distribution and transmission system including stringing and pulling wires, setting poles and anchors, climbing poles and transmission towers, and installing transformers, crossarms, insulators, primary switches, and other hardware; may supervise helpers and train apprentices; provides continuous feedback to co-workers during performance of all duties; sags primary and secondary wires; locates trouble in primary and secondary lines, replaces fuses, and clears short circuits in lines; builds and maintains substations, transformer banks, and transformer platforms; connects, disconnects, and repairs service loops; installs and connects metering equipment; trims trees; reads and interprets blueprints and maps; operates laptop computer for map information; prepares reports of activities; operates digger derrick, bucket trucks, pickup trucks, and related equipment. Performs other duties as assigned. Classification requires stand-by status on a rotating basis.

Other Job Functions: May serve as acting Line Crew Leader; installs, maintains, and repairs street, security and recreational lighting systems. May operate underground cable locator to identify cable locations and/or underground faults; inspects trenches and underground conduit installation.

APPRENTICE ELECTRIC LINEWORKER:
Assists a journey level lineworker with the construction, maintenance, and repairs of overhead and underground electrical distribution and transmission systems including stringing and pulling wires, setting poles and anchors, and installing transformers, crossarms, insulators, primary switches, and other hardware. Will learn to sag primary and secondary wires; locate trouble in primary and secondary lines, replace fuses, and clear short circuits in lines; build and maintain substations, transformer banks, and transformer platforms; connect, disconnect and repair service loops; install and connect metering equipment; trim trees; read and interpret blueprints and maps; operate laptop computer for map information; prepare reports of activities; will assist with service calls concerning power outages and electrical problems; will also learn to operate and maintain digger derrick and bucket trucks, pickup trucks, hand tools and other related specialized and safety equipment. Will receive training both in books/classroom skills and on the job skills. As experience/knowledge is obtained, may exercise more independence in accomplishing routine job tasks under close supervision. The apprentice will be required to start the lineworker apprenticeship training program and continue on the apprenticeship schedule until reaching the journey lineworker level.

Other Job Functions: Install, maintain and repair street, security, and recreational lighting systems. Perform other duties as assigned. Must continue to pass ongoing

Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; committing to diversity, equity and inclusion; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respecting one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.

Education and Experience:
ELECTRIC LINEWORKER Completion of a US Department of Labor apprenticeship in high voltage electric transmission and distribution system repair or commensurate.

APRRENTICE LINEWORKER: High school diploma or equivalent. Must be able to complete necessary requirements of a 4-year apprenticeship program. MUST INCLUDE SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS IF CANDIDATE HAS ATTENED TRADE SCHOOL. Preference may be given to candidates that have attended the Pre-Apprentice Electric Lineworker school.

Licenses and Certificates: Must possess a valid driver's license; must obtain a valid type A Iowa Commercial Driver's License and any required endorsements within one month of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- LINEWORKER:
Considerable knowledge of approved methods, materials, and tools used in line construction and maintenance work; considerable knowledge of the principles of electrical theory as applied to electrical circuits and wiring systems; knowledge of first aid and CPR; knowledge of all safety rules as stated in the adopted safety manual.

Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions; ability to read and interpret electrical sketches, diagrams, and blueprints; ability to use line tools and testing equipment; ability to climb poles and work with high tension wires exercising proper safety precautions; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, supervisors, and citizens; ability to operate laptop computer, digger derrick, bucket trucks, pickup trucks, and related equipment.

Knowledge, Skills. and Abilities - APPRENTICE LINEWORKER
Basic knowledge of materials, tools and equipment used in power line construction, repair and maintenance; knowledge of electricity as applied to distribution systems is preferred. Basic knowledge of electricity. Basic knowledge of occupational hazards and proper safety precautions of the line repairer trade/profession; knowledge of first aid and CPR; knowledge of all safety rules as stated in the adopted safety manual.

Ability to learn to climb poles with a climbing belt and hooks and perform strenuous duties in all kinds of weather. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions quickly and accurately, and under adverse conditions; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, supervisors, and citizens.

Required Physical Activities: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

General Physical Characteristics: The work involves sitting 30 percent of the time; sitting and using arm/leg controls 20 percent of the time; standing (but not walking) 25 percent of the time; standing and walking 25 percent of the time; frequently lifting objects under 10 pounds; frequently lifting objects from 10 to 25 pounds: routinely lifting objects from 25 to 50 pounds; and routinely lifting objects over 50 pounds.

Vision Requirements: The minimum standard for use with those who operate cars, trucks, forklifts, cranes, and high lift equipment.

Environmental Conditions: The work is performed inside or outside and includes being exposed to extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, mechanical or electrical hazards, confined spaces, darkness or poor lighting conditions, and oils.

Examples of Equipment Used on the Job: Digger derrick, bucket trucks, pickup trucks, and related equipment; two-way radio; telephone; hot sticks; pole handling equipment; wire handling equipment; climbing belts and hooks; street maps; a variety of printed materials; a variety of measurement tools and diagnostic equipment; laptop computer; a variety of general purpose hand tools, power tools, and maintenance equipment; utility location devices; a variety of safety equipment and clothing.

Residency Requirement: The required residence area is the area bordered by the Boone and Story County lines on the north and south, State Highway 65 on the east; and on the west, County Road R27 north of Boone, and the Des Moines River south of Highway 30 to the Boone County line. Communities intersected by the borderlines, and Zearing, shall be considered within the area. The permitted residency area is that area inside the borderlines. The area adjacent to but outside the borderlines is not included. After completing his/her probationary period, a new employee shall, within six (6) months, reside within the residency area. The department head may allow an employee up to an additional six (6) months if the employee provides documentation of financial commitment to move within the residence area. For further details of what area this includes, please view the Ames Employee Residency Map link here: MAP.

FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse:

The City of Ames participates in the United States Department of Transportation Federal motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, which provides information on drug and alcohol-related violations for commercial drivers license (CDL) drivers. Candidates selected for employment for positions with a requirement to possess a CDL will be subject to a query within the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse as part of the pre-employment background check process. For additional information please contact Human Resources at 515-239-5199 .