Utility Line Worker (Journey Lineman)

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*This position is open to all King County employees and the general public. *

King County Metro Transit’s Facilities Division is hiring for a Utility Line Worker position. Utility Line Workers are equivalent to the industry-standard Journey Lineman position. At King County, we use this gender-neutral job title in alignment with our ACTIVATE values. Utility Line Workers perform journey-level, skilled work in the construction, maintenance, and repair of the high-voltage trolley overhead and underground electrical systems, which are energized during maintenance activities. 

These positions may be required to lead others within the same trade, as well as those working as material workers and/or helpers, on a temporary basis for specific projects or job assignments. These positions directly support the County's interest in ensuring our customers have access to reliable transportation throughout King County.

Why Work for Metro?

*Generous Healthcare Benefits* *Annual Clothing, Equipment, Boot Allowances*

*Paid Vacation, Sick, Holiday Leave* *Work-Life Balance* *Pension Plan*

As the only jurisdiction in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant, diverse community with residents that represent countries from around the world. We are committed to making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion, and belonging in our workplace and workforce, and we encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply.

This recruitment may immediately fill up to two (2) Career Service positions, and may also be used to establish an eligibility pool to fill future Career Service, Term-Limited Temporary, and/or Special Duty Assignment vacancies in this classification and division. Eligibility pools remain valid for 12 months upon creation, or until the pool is exhausted, at the discretion of the hiring authority. 

WHO MAY APPLY
This position is open to current King County employees and the general public, although current members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 77, who are qualified for the position and who apply within the initial five (5) working days of this posting will be given first consideration.

TO APPLY
Required Application Materials:

1. An online King County application, updated with accurate contact information, and relevant work history going back 10 years (or more, if necessary), with all duties, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving explained clearly.  
2. Completed supplemental questions
3. One of the following (must be presented prior to offer of employment if not attached to application materials):

• Certificate of Completion of a recognized Line Worker apprenticeship program encompassing high-voltage utility line work

• Copy of a current Line Worker union card

Applying our ACTIVATE values: being Accountable, Collaborative, Timely, and Impactful; how we Value Employees; staying Accessible; building what’s Trusted; and acting Equitably, is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. As a Utility Line Worker, you will also: 
 

• Install, maintain, and repair intersection tracks, directional, power and induction switches, sectional circuit breakers, crossovers, and other overhead trolley equipment.
• Set and guy all types of poles; assemble and fasten cross-arms, brackets, mast arms and related hardware.
• String wires and cables for electrical power distribution systems and transit power circuits or control circuits.
• Install and maintain overhead trolley lines, and underground distribution; test, troubleshoot and repair defective circuits.
• Splice wire and cable and install conductors in conduit or overhead wiring.
• Trim trees in close proximity to overhead lines.
• Perform inspection, maintenance and service on the rails and switch gears.
• Adhere to safety standards.
• Read and follow blueprints and other design plans.
• Respond to emergency repair calls during non-working hours as necessary.
• Perform the duties of a Line Worker/Cable Splicer as needed.
• May lead others within the trade, material workers, and/or helpers on a temporary basis for specific projects or job assignments.

To be considered eligible for this role, applicants must possess these MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Journey-level Line Worker with some field experience, technical proficiency, and ability to perform assigned duties safely and effectively.

• Demonstrated completion of a recognized Line Worker apprenticeship program encompassing high-voltage utility line work or current Line Worker union card.

• Demonstrated ability to perform work at the journey level with minimal supervision.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a culturally diverse team environment.

• Ability to work safely while performing the duties of the position.

• Skill in operating associated types or power tools, machinery, and equipment.

• Experience demonstrating inclusive and equitable behavior.

• Ability to demonstrate sound judgement and logical problem-solving skills.

• Ability to report for work in person on a regular and consistent basis.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work well in a public environment.

The most competitive applicants will possess these DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Journey-level Line Worker with demonstrated field experience, technical proficiency, and ability to perform assigned duties safely and effectively in accordance with established safety standards and operational procedures.

• Capable of leading multi-disciplinary teams with various skills and abilities.

• Ability to demonstrate sound judgement and logical problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate solutions.

• Ability to remain calm and maintain professionalism in stressful situations.

• Demonstrated understanding of continuous improvement principles and practices, with the ability to identify opportunities, streamline processes, and improve operational efficiencies and effectiveness without jeopardizing safety.

Necessary special requirements:

Class Code / Pay Grade 

8208100 / 35

UNION MEMBERSHIP 

This position is represented by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 77.

SAFETY SENSITIVE

This position is considered safety-sensitive. Applicants for positions defined as safety-sensitive are required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and, subsequent to the commencement of employment, will be subject to random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing in compliance with Federal DOT alcohol and controlled substances testing program protocols.

WORK SCHEDULE
This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and is eligible for overtime pay if scheduled and approved. This position is anticipated to be scheduled 40 hours per week, and may be scheduled on weekends, holidays, and other non-standard workdays. 

The Utility Line Worker positions are scheduled for day, swing, and overnight shifts, typically scheduled five (5) days per week, with two (2) consecutive days off each week. Shift selection is based on seniority, resulting in newly hired employees having a high likelihood of being assigned to non-day shift following training. 

Utility Line Workers are required to work overtime callouts for emergency responses, as needed. In addition, Utility Line Workers must be willing and able to respond to emergencies repair calls during non-working hours as needed. Management reserves the right to assign any shift to meet the needs of the work unit. 

Shift differential is applicable to swing and overnight shifts.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND LOCATION

This position requires the incumbent to report to the workplace in person on a regular and consistent basis, and is therefore not eligible for telework/remote work. This position is vital to ensuring timely and dependable transit services for our customers.

The Utility Line Workers are required to work at heights (including climbing poles), work near high-voltage electricity wires, work near traffic, and lift/move 50 pounds such as tools and equipment. Work is performed outside in all weather conditions. All employees are required to wear Arc Flash protection during all working hours.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications, and for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the application instructions above. Highly competitive applicants may be asked to interview. Formal offers will be finalized after candidates have successfully completed any necessary pre-employment processes, such as drug and alcohol testing, background checks, DOT physicals, and internal record reviews or reference checks. The first six (6) months of employment are served in a probationary capacity to provide an opportunity to confirm whether the position is a good match between the successful candidate’s interests and skills and the ability to perform the requirements of the job.

SAFTEY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR AN EMPLOYEE

KING COUNTY'S VISION, MISSION, AND ACTIVATE VALUES UNITE US

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

 
KING COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYER

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

TO APPLY
If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King County’s vision for unified, equitable, and high-performing government, please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable, ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or you would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, please contact the recruiter listed in this job announcement. 

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