Y
Line Worker - $34.60 - $47.53, DOE.
Skilled and Trades
Energy-Utility
Electrician
Full Time
Permanent
Full Time
0-1
DOE
Direct Employer
Preston Public Utilities is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time Line Worker. Pay Grade 11: $34.60–$47.53 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience, plus an excellent benefits package including Minnesota PERA, health insurance, and paid time off. This position is eligible for membership in the Preston Public Employees Association.

Performs non-supervisory technical, skilled, and manual work to support the maintenance and repairs of the City’s electrical distribution system. Work is typically performed in a team environment. Serves on call and responds to public works emergencies to include work on holidays, weekends, evenings, and
during the night.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
ª Participates in daily meetings to discuss work assignments, specific tasks and procedures.
ª Performs overhead maintenance tasks with live lines: performs construction and tear down work; repairs/replaces/changes out numerous components such as cross-arms, insulators, transformer, fuses; sets poles with digger truck and strings wires; and controls traffic in work area and promotes safety at work site.
ª Performs installation and maintenance tasks with underground distribution lines: installs high voltage lines using a trencher, plow and shoveling by hand; performs splices and terminations; troubleshoots and repair URD faults; performs clean-up and restores area; and controls traffic in work area and promotes safety at work site.
ª Responds to emergency situations and other call outs during off-hours.
ª Maintains vehicles, tools, and other equipment: inspects personal protective equipment daily and other equipment regularly; follows lock-out/tag-out procedure when needed; and makes repairs and prepares necessary paperwork.
ª Reads metering diagrams, installs meters, installs current and potential transformers and reads electric and water meters.
ª Works with transformers: troubleshoots, installs appropriate mount, and wires transformer banks.
ª Performs routine maintenance and operation of electrical substations
ª Troubleshoots and fixes problems with street lighting.
ª Performs locates using proper equipment and knowledge of City infrastructure.
ª Performs tree trimming by high voltage lines and other areas by operating chainsaws, pruners, and a chipper.
ª Assist with other public work tasks as needed.
ª Takes hourly readings of kilowatts produced or purchased, fuel, and supplies used in the operation; reads meters or charts and completes log sheets.
ª Operates diesel generators on a periodic test basis.
ª Performs running and preventive maintenance on diesel generators; keeps auxiliary batteries at charge; and takes periodic reading to maintain voltage.
ª Responds to water alarm systems; re-starts systems or alerts appropriate personnel.
ª Performs routine maintenance and housekeeping duties in plant such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, painting, and cleaning oil spots.
ª Attends training to keep up-to-date.
ª Maintains generation units: performs a variety of tests, inspections and cleaning for plant components and equipment such as cooling system, heat exchangers, pumps and motors, and fuel supply and injection systems.
ª Monitors electrical loads: takes hourly readings and calculates daily totals; responds to abnormalities; interprets current and historical data to predict system peaks; operates switchgear and monitors high voltage transformers.
ª Operates generation units when directed: prepares engines and performs visual inspections for start-up; starts engines making manual and other adjustments and monitors for normal operation; keeps necessary logs and paperwork; and takes engine off-line or shutdowns when appropriate.
ª Handles the installation of pumps, motors, and engine upgrades.
ª Repairs city vehicles and equipment as needed.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:
ª Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Public Works Director.
ª May perform lead worker duties as directed by Supervisor.
ª Snow plowing/removal and sanding as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:
' Knowledge of City’s distribution and transmission system and applicable procedures and practices regarding line maintenance, installation, and construction.
' Knowledge of PCBs and how to properly handle, store and dispose.
' Knowledge of safe working distances and applicable safety policies and procedures.
' Knowledge of math, sizing different components, transformers, and fuses.
' Knowledge of protective equipment and testing and inspection procedures.
' Skill in operating a variety of specialized tools and equipment.
' Ability to climb wooden poles and perform pole top rescues.
' Ability to read and understand maps and symbols, technical manuals, and other resources.
' Ability to work in adverse conditions and exert moderate to considerable physical effort.
' Ability to regularly work at heights, maintains balance, and perform tasks above head.
' Ability to work around loud noises and be exposed to irritants and fumes such as cable solvent and other hazardous chemicals including paints, glues, and fuels.
' Ability to see and distinguish colors.
' Ability to work safely as a team.
' Ability to recognize and troubleshoot problems within the system and its components.
' Ability to perform CPR and first aid.

Machines, tools and equipment used: Backhoe, aerial bucket truck, digger derrick truck, trenchers, tree chipper, chain saw, saws-all, drill, and numerous other hand and power tools.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
ª Valid MN Class B commercial driver’s license or ability to obtain within 6 months, and a satisfactory driving record.
ª Ability to perform work requiring considerable physical effort.
ª Must maintain certification in CPR.
ª Must comply with City’s reasonable area requirements.
ª Employee shall obtain a Class D water license within two (2) years of beginning employment.

Preferred Qualifications:
ª Completion of vocational line worker program and journeyman’s license or completion of Merchant program.

Working Conditions:
Work involves regular exposure to energized power lines of low to high voltages and routine exposure irritant/fumes, hazardous chemicals, temperature extremes, vibrations, and noise. (During emergency work, weather conditions can be extreme and varied from heat and humidity to cold, from rain to snow,
and from strong winds to thunderstorms). Considerable physical effort is required involving many types of movement such as lifting, bending/stooping, twisting/turning, pushing/pulling, and crouching/kneeling.
Large and fine motor skills are necessary as well as the full range of senses, except taste, are used.
Performs manual digging. Works in confined spaces. Works at heights up to 50 feet in bucket truck and 100+ feet ascending light towers oftentimes with tasks carried out overhead. Position requires weekend work, work beyond normal hours, as well as work during call outs.

Visit https://prestonmn.gov/now-hiring/ for complete job descrption and to fill out application.

Applications accepted until August 28, 2026 or until position is filled.

We are an EOE.

A complete job description and employment application are available at Preston Public Utilities, 210 Fillmore Street West, Preston, MN, or on the City’s website at https://prestonmn.gov/public-utilities/ (OR BY CLICKING ON THE 'APPLY' BUTTON).

Applications will be accepted until August 28, 2026, or until the position is filled.

The City of Preston is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
https://prestonmn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Lineworker-External-Job-Posting.pdf
N
Preston
MN
55965
United States
MN: Rochester