Troubleshooter

PG&E - Santa Cruz, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Santa Cruz, CA

Utilities

About the position

The workers of Electric Transmission and Distribution ensure the delivery of safe and reliable electric service to our customers. Electric T&D is responsible for every aspect of PG&E's electric distribution and transmission operations, including planning, engineering, maintenance and construction, asset management, business planning, restoration and emergency response. This job posting will be utilized to fill open Troubleshooter positions within all regions of our service territory. Open positions are predominantly in the Bay Area and Central Valley, however additional locations could become available at any time based on changing business needs. Please note that Transmission T-200 positions require a 2-year commitment to the Transmission Department per Letter Agreement 22-18 and positions in Antioch, Concord, Livermore, San Rafael and Santa Cruz require a 1-year commitment per Letter Agreement 24-05. All Troubleshooter classifications and the associated line of progression are represented by IBEW Local 1245. If hired into a headquarters that requires a CA Commercial Driver's License Class A permit, the position would be a DOT (Department of Transportation) covered classification and you will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol screening. This position may be subject to Joint Apprentice Training Committee (JATC) review and approval. Provisional hires will be required to participate in targeted training to achieve journey-level knowledge of the role and responsibilities. Our Troubleshooters perform alone any work that does not exceed an employee's ability or the available tools and equipment, in connection with providing, maintaining, and restoring overhead and underground electrical service to customers. They have the expertise and ability to analyze equipment, troubleshoot quickly and restore services promptly. They are responsible for restoring electric service to commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential customers. They are expected to test, frame, and set poles; climb poles, work in confined spaces; splice and terminate cables. Work is predominantly outdoors and in all weather conditions. Troubleshooters must be able to drive safely, work extended hours and wear company provided Personal Protective Equipment. PG&E is providing the hourly rate that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This position is subject to collectively bargained hourly wage rates and increases. The starting wage rate for this position is $72.50 per hour. This wage rate is specific to the locality of the job. The wage rate is based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, collective bargaining agreements, and internal equity.

Responsibilities

• Service and repair customer's service equipment while ensuring that the customer's needs and expectation are met and communicating with customers effectively.
• Troubleshoot problems and determine extent of repairs needed for electric power lines, connectors, meters, substation switching, streetlights while taking voltage readings and working with hand and power tools.
• Work with live circuits while in aerial lifts, climbing poles, in trenches, manholes, and/or confined spaces.
• May operate aerial lift on trouble truck, hydraulic equipment, and drive company car to designated job site review work assignments using computerized Field Automation System [FAS].
• Support and maintain a working relationship with other departments which include, Distribution Operators, Service Operators, Engineering, Estimating and Construction to improve processes and ensure a high level of customer service.
• Working knowledge of applicable safety rules, programs and safe work practices.
• Completes substation reads and status reports.
• Installs services, all types of meters, and installs and programs controllers and other devices.
• Operates SCADA controlled equipment.
• Patrols, switches, restores service on no light and no power calls.
• Performs equipment programming.
• Replaces line and equipment fuses.
• Adjusts, tests, or changes external settings on automatic line equipment: Regulators, Recloses, or Capacitors.
• Operates and maintains substations, unattended substations, and previously manned substations.
• Performs analysis of Power Quality tests.
• Performs analysis of R.T.V.I. investigations.
• May be required to collect deposits and bills.
• In trouble and emergency work involving immediate hazard to life or property, may be required to work alone to cut circuits of over 600 volts in the clear.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High School diploma or GED
• Must possess a valid California Class C Drivers License by first day of employment
• CA CDL Class A Permit, or equivalent, may be required for certain headquarters based on operational need
• Ability to wear company provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Ability to lift and carry up to 100 pounds
• Ability to work and drive in all types of weather and road conditions
• Capable to work extended hours, nights, weekends and holidays
• Ability to work shift schedule
• Completion of a federal or state sanctioned lineworker apprenticeship with approved supporting documentation and/or union or union-affiliated sponsored lineworker apprenticeship
• Two (2) years work experience as a Journey level Lineworker
• Must live within 30 minutes of respective headquarters to meet requirements for emergency work
• If hired as Provisional, must complete the provisional training plan within one year from hire date

Nice-to-haves

• One (1) year work experience as a Troubleshooter for an electric utility
• Two (2) years work experience of PG&E Journey level lineworker experience
• CA CDL Class A Permit, or equivalent, based on operational need