Line Equipment Operator

Job Description:

Line Equipment Operator

Description

Position Description

Tacoma Power is establishing a civil service list for the Line Equipment Operator classification. We have one immediate opportunity at Tacoma Power, and will also use the list for any vacancies that occur for one year. Line Equipment Operators perform skilled work in the operation of electrical line construction equipment such as line and articulated boom trucks, mobile cranes, tensioners, backhoes, trackhoes, semi-tractors, augers and hydro excavators, ditchers and related attachments. The work also includes stocking equipment with supplies and performing electrical worker duties when required. The ideal candidate prioritizes safety. Work is performed in the proximity of energized, high-voltage power lines.

Responsibilities include:

• Drive and operate line and wire equipment in a safe and efficient manner over the road and at the job site.
• Operate equipment and attachments employed in electrical construction and maintenance.
• Operate equipment attachments in setting and pulling poles, raising and lowering heavy apparatus, moving heavy equipment, stringing electrical lines and digging holes or trenches.
• Stock and maintain proper level of equipment inventory and work order supplies on the vehicle.
• Respond to and provide oil spill containment.
• Inspect vehicle and equipment daily for maintenance; coordinate servicing, replacement or repair with fleet services or tool room.
• Perform electrical worker duties while assisting crew workers in the performance of their duties.
• Serve as safety observer protecting employees and the public from unsafe conditions.
• Monitor truck radio and implement emergency procedures using communication equipment as appropriate.
• Drive and operate tractor-trailers and tankers in a safe and efficient manner over the road and at the job site.

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent and three years' experience in the operation of excavation equipment in the utility or line construction industry.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid Washington State Class A Commercial Driver's License at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter. Tanker and/or hazardous materials endorsement may be required.

First Aid, CPR, flagging, crane certification, forklift certification and pilot escort vehicle operator certification will be required prior to completion of probation with maintenance thereafter.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

A Commitment to Equity & Diversity
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Apply

All interested individuals mustapply online and attach a resume and cover letter that includes major responsibilities and accomplishments related to the position.

Appointment is subject to references, passing a background check and will include a pre-employment medical examination and drug screen.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their supplemental question responses reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts as part of the civil service examination. Applicants who pass the examination will be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration.

This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 483.

New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Outdoor environment; subject to adverse weather conditions and noise
• Subject to working long hours during emergency situations
• An employee in this position may be exposed to energized high voltage lines and equipment, falling objects, and potentially hazardous materials
• Position requires lifting, bending, standing, climbing, pulling, twisting and pushing

Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $62.92

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma
Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 4/30/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$62.92 Hourly