Applicants will be rated in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standard for Trades and Labor Occupations. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required, you must meet any screen-out element listed, and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties at the level for which you are applying. Emphasis is placed on how you gained the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time, and the required ability or potential to perform the job. Applicants who do not meet the screen-out element (SOE) will be eliminated from further competition.
The SOE and minimum qualifications for this position is:
- Minimum qualifications for trades and labor positions are determined by evaluation of job elements. You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) (SOE) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all job elements in order to be considered qualified for this position.
- Selective Placement Factor: Incumbent must possess a valid state commercial driver's license (CDL) with class B endorsement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Physical Requirements: Moderately heavy physical effort is exerted as the position works aloft on poles, at ground level, and in ground trenches, or manholes. Work requires carrying tools, bolts, nuts, and equipment weighing up to 75 pounds, heavy lifting, pulling, and carrying of equipment and material weighing up to 40 pounds and occasionally, they lift or pull heavy cables and equipment weighing more than 50 pounds with the help of weight handling equipment or with assistance from other workers. They use block and tackle, pulleys, or other lifting devices. They crouch, stand, kneel, and stoop while installing, repairing, or testing electrical equipment in confined spaces such as enclosed switch gear, or in structures such as overhead bus and conduit assemblies. Workers at the grade 8 level work above ground from aerial bucket trucks and poles, at ground level, and in trenches, or manholes. Work requires bending, stooping, climbing, and standing for long periods while installing, repairing, and testing electrical equipment in manholes and on overhead distribution lines.
Working Conditions: Works outside most of the time, subject to extremes of weather conditions and works with energized high voltage lines and requires work in underground facilities. Subject to death or injury by contact with high voltage lines, broken bones from falls, strains from awkward positions and less serious cuts and bruises when handling tools and materials. Lineman is called in at night and/or weekends during severe thunderstorms, heavy winds, or to perform duty in a hazardous location and must make the correct repairs before throwing in the final switch.