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Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Job Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Examples

These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.

Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $39K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $54K
Median Salary: $75K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $94K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $108K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

Adhere to safety practices and procedures, such as checking equipment regularly and erecting barriers around work areas.

Drive vehicles equipped with tools and materials to job sites.

Open switches or attach grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.

Climb poles or use truck-mounted buckets to access equipment.

Install, maintain, and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems, including conduits, cables, wires, and related equipment, such as transformers, circuit breakers, and switches.

Coordinate work assignment preparation and completion with other workers.

Inspect and test power lines and auxiliary equipment to locate and identify problems, using reading and testing instruments.

Replace or straighten damaged poles.

String wire conductors and cables between poles, towers, trenches, pylons, and buildings, setting lines in place and using winches to adjust tension.

Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.

Dig holes, using augers, and set poles, using cranes and power equipment.

Travel in trucks, helicopters, and airplanes to inspect lines for freedom from obstruction and adequacy of insulation.

Identify defective sectionalizing devices, circuit breakers, fuses, voltage regulators, transformers, switches, relays, or wiring, using wiring diagrams and electrical-testing instruments.

Install watt-hour meters and connect service drops between power lines and consumers' facilities.

Test conductors, according to electrical diagrams and specifications, to identify corresponding conductors and to prevent incorrect connections.

Place insulating or fireproofing materials over conductors and joints.

Splice or solder cables together or to overhead transmission lines, customer service lines, or street light lines, using hand tools, epoxies, or specialized equipment.

Trim trees that could be hazardous to the functioning of cables or wires.

Clean, tin, and splice corresponding conductors by twisting ends together or by joining ends with metal clamps and soldering connections.

Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks.

Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string it through conduit running through the trenches.

Cut trenches for laying underground cables, using trenchers and cable plows.

Cut and peel lead sheathing and insulation from defective or newly installed cables and conduits prior to splicing.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Computer aided design CAD software
Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
Data base user interface and query software
Data entry software
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Inventory management software
Inventory management software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Batteries and generators and kinetic power transmission
Portable generators
Communications Devices and Accessories
Two way radios
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Laser printers
Construction and maintenance support equipment
Ladders
Electrical equipment and components and supplies
Load break tools
Electrical wire and cable and harness
Reel jacks
Explosive materials
Flares
Fire protection
Fire blankets
Hand tools
Torque wrenches
Hardware
Cant hooks
Heavy construction machinery and equipment
Backhoes
Hydraulic machinery and equipment
Hydraulic cutters
Industrial process machinery and equipment and supplies
Robotic arms
Industrial pumps and compressors
Air compressors
Janitorial equipment
Power washers
Marine transport
Boats
Material handling machinery and equipment
Truck-mounted cranes
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Charge-actuated spiking tools
Metal cutting machinery and accessories
Insulated cable cutters
Motor vehicles
Dump trucks
Personal safety and protection
Asbestos gloves
Pneumatic machinery and equipment
Ground rod drivers
Portable Structure Building Components
Gin poles
Public safety and control
Arrow boards
Raw materials processing machinery
Power borers
Security surveillance and detection
Toxic gas detectors
Vehicle bodies and trailers
Power reel trailers
Welding and soldering and brazing machinery and accessories and supplies
Welding tools
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Building and Construction
72%
Importance

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

English Language
68%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Education and Training
67%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Public Safety and Security
67%
Importance

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Transportation
67%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Mechanical
66%
Importance

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Customer and Personal Service
63%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Design
60%
Importance

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Engineering and Technology
58%
Importance

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Mathematics
57%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Top 10 Skills
Active Listening
68%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Troubleshooting
68%
Importance

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Monitoring
65%
Importance

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Operation and Control
65%
Importance

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Operations Monitoring
65%
Importance

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Complex Problem Solving
63%
Importance

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Coordination
63%
Importance

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Critical Thinking
63%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Judgment and Decision Making
63%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Quality Control Analysis
63%
Importance

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Top 10 Abilities
Arm-Hand Steadiness
80%
Importance

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Multilimb Coordination
80%
Importance

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

Near Vision
80%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Problem Sensitivity
80%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Control Precision
75%
Importance

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Deductive Reasoning
75%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Finger Dexterity
73%
Importance

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Information Ordering
73%
Importance

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Manual Dexterity
73%
Importance

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Oral Comprehension
73%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Top 10 Work Activities
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
94%
Importance

Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Performing General Physical Activities
92%
Importance

Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Handling and Moving Objects
89%
Importance

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Controlling Machines and Processes
88%
Importance

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
88%
Importance

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Getting Information
86%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
86%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
82%
Importance

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
77%
Importance

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
75%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Detailed Work Activities

Monitor work areas or procedures to ensure compliance with safety procedures.

Drive trucks or other vehicles to or at work sites.

Control power supply connections.

Climb equipment or structures to access work areas.

Assemble electrical components, subsystems, or systems.

Repair electrical circuits or wiring.

Inspect electrical or electronic systems for defects.

Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.

Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.

Align equipment or machinery.

Run wiring to connect equipment.

Assemble mechanical components or machine parts.

Dig holes or trenches.

Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.

Travel to work sites to perform installation, repair or maintenance work.

Install metering equipment.

Connect electrical components or equipment.

Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.

Install insulation in equipment or structures.

Solder parts or connections between parts.

Cut materials according to specifications or needs.

Lay cables to connect equipment.

Work Context
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Work With Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

Frequency of Decision Making

How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

Education
Majors
Major
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers
Interests
Realistic
100%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Investigative
62%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Conventional
58%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Artistic
34%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Enterprising
24%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Social
15%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
90%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Integrity
86%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Dependability
85%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Self Control
85%
Importance

Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Cooperation
84%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Persistence
83%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Stress Tolerance
82%
Importance

Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Initiative
81%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Achievement/Effort
80%
Importance

Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Adaptability/Flexibility
79%
Importance

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Work Values
Support
91%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Independence
67%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Working Conditions
62%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Relationships
53%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Achievement
43%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Recognition
34%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.