First Class Lineworker

The South Hadley Electric Light Department (SHELD), a municipal electric utility company with 8,000 customers and over a century of service to the people of South Hadley, is seeking a qualified First Class Lineworker who will be responsible for constructing, building, and maintaining all phases of overhead and underground high-voltage electrical distribution systems to provide safe, continuous distribution service to the customers of the Department.

Position Responsibilities: Lineworker uses and applies practical knowledge gained through four years progressive experience: one year as an Apprentice Lineworker, one year as a Third-Class Lineworker, two years as a Second-Class Lineworker.  Responsibilities also include:

1. Performs, under limited supervision, all work related to the construction, operation, and maintenance of the distribution electric system.
2. Responsible for maintaining work performance and safe work practices for self and others working under this direction.
3. Performs necessary work required for service restoration under storm or emergency conditions.
4. Maintain records, logs, and work reports of daily and off-hour work.
5. Performs switching operations under general supervision.
6. Locates, diagnoses, and repairs faults conditions on the electric distribution system.
7. Performs construction work in accordance with safe procedures and from work orders and drawings.
8. Serves on after-hours On Call and during emergency restoration.
9. Perform routine maintenance on Department vehicles and equipment as directed.
10. Work on fiber optic project and plant construction as directed.
11. Perform all other ancillary assignments or duties as directed by supervisor.

Physical and Mental Requirements: First Class Lineworker must be able to: work easily and skillfully with hands; climb and maintain balance on ladders, utility poles and in other elevated positions; see well (naturally or with correction) and to distinguish colors; reach for and handle and grasp wires and hand tools; and coordinate the use of eyes and hands or fingers. Must have ability to work in extreme weather conditions (hot and cold), to work effectively and safely under pressure and in stressful situations. Must be available for emergency call-in which can be any time of day, any day of the year. The Electrical Lineworker - Job Task Analysis – Physical Demands Checklist details specific requirements.

1. Requires the ability to lift seventy-five (75) pounds and carry fifty (50) pounds unrestricted while walking and standing.
2. Must be able to operate heavy equipment, operate trucks, specialized line/utility equipment, and climb poles.
3. Requires ability to work in confined spaces for extended periods of time.
4. Must be able to climb, walk, and work from ladders or other aerial equipment at various heights and on uneven and slippery surfaces while performing manual/physically demanding work while handling dangerous equipment or material.
5. Requires good balance to climb and perform repairs.
6. Requires the ability to perform shift work and be available for regular “on-call” assignments.
7. Must not be color blind.
8. Requires the ability to work at all heights up to 65’, which may include the use of a bucket truck or require pole climbing.
9. Trimming trees that may have the potential to or currently have an adverse effect on electrical operations.

Reporting Relationships: The First Class Lineworker reports directly to the Chief Lineworker or Operations Manager.

Qualifications: Education: Four-year high school diploma or equivalent. Must possess a Class-B or Class-A CDL Massachusetts motor vehicle operator's license. Must obtain a Massachusetts 1B Hoisting license within 120 days of employment.

Must live within a reasonable driving distance and be able to report to work within 30 minutes as defined in the Union contract.

Related Experience: Four years progressive experience: one year as an Apprentice Lineworker, one year as a Third- Class Lineworker, two years as a Second-Class Lineworker, and upon review by the Operations Manager.

Job Knowledge/Skills Required:

1. Install, remove, inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain all overhead and underground Department electrical distribution components and equipment.
2. Position requires incumbent to drive commercial vehicles, pass and maintain a Department of Transportation (DOT) Random drug/alcohol testing is required.
3. Position requires the incumbent to speak, write, spell, understand and communicate in English.
4. Position requires the incumbent to perform arithmetical operations rapidly and accurately.
5. Position requires the incumbent to possess knowledge of safety rules/codes and work practices. Familiarity with OSHA 1910.269 requirements, National Electrical Safety Code, APPA Safety Manual, National Electrical Code sections pertaining to utility work.
6. Position requires the incumbent to possess an understanding that safety comes before everything else.
7. Position requires the incumbent to display an excellent attitude, conduct, work ethic, and work habits.
8. Position requires the incumbent to communicate in a professional and courteous manner with customers as a public relations representative of the Department.
9. Proven experience working as part of a team and track record of supporting strategic company initiatives.

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits including a Massachusetts Public Employee Pension Plan.

Qualified candidates can apply for this position by submitting a cover letter and resume via email to kmendoza@sheld.org , Kim Mendoza at South Hadley Electric Light Department. A complete Job Description with the Job Task Analysis can be obtained by emailing Kim.

Pay Rate is according to the current IBEW 455 contract dated  7/1/2025 - $56.93/hr