Temporary Electric Utility Assistant I & II

Temporary Electric Utility Assistant I & II

Employer: City & Borough of Sitka Electric Utility

Salary: $20-25 Hourly

Location: Sitka, Alaska

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Primary Purpose of Job & Essential Duties/Responsibilities

The primary purpose of the Temporary Electric Utility Assistant Level I and Level II is to serve as temporary, electric utility support staff. The positions will provide support services for City and Borough of Sitka Electric Utility Department operational and maintenance projects, while developing professional and technical capacity through training, hands-on work experience and quality mentorship. 

The Temporary Electric Utility Assistant (Level I and II) will work and gain experience through work assignments and collaboration with each of the Department’s six subordinate units (Line-worker Unit, Metering Unit, Administrative Unit, Operations Unit, Relay Control Unit, and Mechanical Unit). Work assignments and training objectives will be specifically designed to promote employee exposure to career pathways at the Electric Utility Department and in the energy sector.

Temporary Electric Utility Assistant Level I:

This position is intended to be filled by high school students and/or graduates of a high school curriculum who are in transition to a post-high school education program (i.e. university or trade school).

Temporary Electric Utility Assistant Level II:

This position is intended to be filled by candidates that have completed one satisfactory term in the roles of Temporary Electric Utility Assistant Level I and is currently enrolled in a post-high school education program with a discipline focus related to the electric utility industry. 

Both the Temporary Electric Utility Assistant Level I and Level II positions will directly report to the Electric Utility Director. Employees serving in these positions shall frequently be assigned to work under the direct supervision of other leads and supervisors within the Department.

• Learn and perform entry-level computer-aided drafting support services
• Learn and perform entry-level geographic information system (GIS) data collection, manipulation, and maintenance. 
• Collaborate with and support technical services performed by department units (Operations, Relay Technicians, Mechanics, Metering, Administrative, and line-workers).
• Complete a hands-on project(s) over the assigned term, identified with supervisor support
• Participate in workforce development training
• Other duties will be determined based on Electric Utility Department needs, staff capacity, and interests

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Although no previous experience or knowledge is necessary to apply, CBS is seeking candidates that express interest and potential with the following:

• Hydroelectric and diesel electrical generation, transmission, substations and distribution
• Electrical engineering
• Environmental science
• Computer systems and programs 
• CAD, GIS and/or data management skills
• Mechanical and/or electrical technical skills

Ability to:

• Show up on time and dress appropriately for a work setting (guidance provided)
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions, procedures and policies
• Learn new things and put newly acquired skills and knowledge to use
• Communicate respectfully with other employees
• Apply beginner computer skills and basic typing skills

Minimum Qualifications & Other Job Requirements/Expectations

Temporary Electric Utility Assistant Level I:

• Employees are expected to wear appropriate attire and Personal Protective Equipment (provided), for safety purposes, for the work assigned
• Employees are required to complete assigned safety coursework within the first three weeks of employment 
• Minimum 16 years of age at time of employment
• Desire to learn about energy and/or careers in the energy sector
• Positions available for juniors, seniors and recent high school graduates

Temporary Electric Utility Assistant Level II:

In addition to the minimum qualifications outlined for the Temporary Electric Utility Assistant Level I, the Level II position is expected to meet the following requirements:

• Registration as a student in a college, university, or trade school of recognized standing. (Persons appointed during the summer months must produce evidence of eligibility for such registration in the following enrollment period.)
• Possession of a driver's license issued by the State of Alaska

All Candidates for this position shall have a desire to learn about energy and/or careers in the energy sector 

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Working Conditions:

• Works indoors, within an office setting about 60% of the time
• Works indoors, within a hydroelectric powerplant setting approximately 15% of the time
• Works in the field, outdoors, often in inclement weather with related hazards, about 25% of the time
• Work schedule is anticipated to be Monday - Friday, usually 8AM - 5PM with a lunch break; time off available with prior approval

Specific Physical Requirements:

• While in office setting, may experience long periods of sitting and/or standing
• While in field setting, may experience frequent bending, stooping, kneeling and crouching 
• Frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying up to 50 pounds

Frequent physical movement (walking, standing, sitting, stooping, climbing) throughout the workday depending on operational needs and where working (office or field)

General Physical Requirements:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities which permits the employee to communicate well with others
• Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to operate a keyboard, produce handwritten materials or grasp tools used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of simple electrical machinery
• Sufficient personal mobility which permits the employee to lift, bend, push, pull, climb up and down stairs, ladders, or walk on steep inclines and to quickly move in case of an emergency