Job description Powerline Technician in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region

Find out what work is like for a powerline technician in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Electrical power line and cable workers (NOC 72203).

Electrical power line and cable workers

Description

Electrical power line and cable workers construct, maintain and repair overhead and underground electrical power transmission and distribution systems. They are employed by electric power generation, transmission and distribution companies, electrical contractors and public utility commissions. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Work week duration

Electrical power line and cable workers usually work between 35 to 40 hours per week.
Between 35 to 40 hours

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Electrical power line and cable workers have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • Install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems including overhead and underground power lines and cables, insulators, conductors, lightning arrestors, switches, transformers and other associated equipment
  • Erect and maintain steel, wood or concrete poles, towers and guy wires
  • Splice, solder and insulate conductors and related wiring to connect power distribution and transmission networks using splicing tools, related electrical equipment and tools
  • Inspect and test overhead and underground power lines and cables and auxiliary equipment using electrical test equipment
  • Climb ladders or operate hydraulic buckets when working aloft on poles and towers, or work in confined spaces such as trenches and tunnels to install power lines and cables and associated equipment
  • Install and maintain street lighting systems
  • Communicate with other workers to coordinate the preparation and completion of work assignments.

Physical demands Help - Physical Demands

  • Standing
  • Handling material manually
  • Climbing

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Workplaces and employers

Here are the typical workplaces where Electrical power line and cable workers are employed and some of their main characteristics:

  • Electrical contractors
  • Public utility services
  • Electric power generation, transmission and distribution companies

Work environment Help - Physical Work Environment

  • Hazardous conditions
  • Standard safety equipment
  • Outside, exposed to weather
  • High places
  • Extreme temperatures
  • Hazardous equipment, machinery, tools
  • Sound and noise
  • Skin injury
  • Specialized safety equipment
  • In an open vehicle or equipment

Physical proximity from others Help - Physical proximity from others

  • Somewhat close (e.g. share office)

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 72203), and a list of similar occupations:

  • apprentice lineman/woman - electric power systems
  • cable installer - electrical power
  • cable splicer - electrical power
  • construction lineman/woman - electrical power line
  • power lineman/woman
  • power line patroller
  • powerline technician

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Electrical power line and cable workers in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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