Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Aerial Lineman

🎯 Role Definition

The Aerial Lineman installs, inspects, maintains and repairs overhead electrical distribution and transmission systems. Working primarily from aerial devices (bucket trucks) and occasionally climbing poles, the Aerial Lineman performs energized and de-energized work on conductors, transformers, switches and other overhead equipment, following all safety protocols, company policies, and regulatory standards to ensure reliable power delivery and rapid storm restoration.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Apprentice Lineman / Line Apprenticeship Program
Groundman / Line Helper
Utility Construction Laborer or Electrical Technician

Advancement To:

Journeyman / Senior Aerial Lineman
Crew Leader / Foreman (Overhead Crew Supervisor)
Line Superintendent or Operations Supervisor
Construction Manager or Safety/Training Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Transmission Lineman
Substation Technician
Fiber Optic Splicer / Communications Technician
Forestry/Right-of-Way Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Install, inspect and maintain overhead distribution and transmission lines using aerial lifts, bucket trucks and pole climbing techniques, ensuring conductors, crossarms, insulators, transformers and hardware are installed to specification and code.
Perform energized (live-line) and de-energized work as qualified, using insulated tools, hot sticks, rubber gloves and associated personal protective equipment in accordance with NFPA 70E, NESC and company procedures.
String conductors and shield wires, tension and sag lines correctly, and ensure phasing and clearances meet engineering and safety standards during new construction and rebuilds.
Remove and replace damaged poles, crossarms and pole-mounted equipment by rigging, setting anchors and using digger derricks or other equipment as required.
Troubleshoot system faults, locate outages and isolate trouble sections using test equipment, phasing meters and visual inspection to restore service safely and efficiently.
Install, test and maintain pole-mounted transformers, reclosers, capacitors and sectionalizers; perform wiring, grounding and fuse changes according to electrical schematics and utility standards.
Operate bucket trucks, digger derricks, cranes and other line vehicles safely; perform daily vehicle and equipment inspections and report mechanical deficiencies promptly.
Execute storm restoration and emergency response duties, including rapid mobilization, hazard assessment, and coordinated crew deployment to restore power under adverse weather and hazardous conditions.
Perform splicing and termination of overhead conductors and overhead-to-underground transitions; ensure mechanical and electrical integrity of splices with proper connectors and torque.
Apply rigging and hoisting techniques to lift transformers, poles and line equipment; design and implement safe rigging plans and ensure tag lines, slings and blocks are rated and used correctly.
Install and maintain overhead communication and fiber attachments, coordinating with telecommunications contractors and ensuring separation of facilities according to joint-ownership agreements.
Ground and bond equipment and circuits during maintenance and emergency work; establish and test temporary grounding systems to protect crews and public safety.
Read and interpret construction drawings, single-line diagrams, staking sheets, and utility maps; coordinate field changes with engineers and foremen to maintain system integrity.
Perform switch operations, sectionalizing and reconfiguration of distribution circuits under supervision or as certified, following switching orders and lockout/tagout procedures.
Mentor, train and supervise apprentice linemen and groundmen on proper linework techniques, safety protocols, equipment use and company policies.
Complete accurate crew logs, outage reports, inspection checklists and maintenance records; document work performed and materials used for compliance and billing.
Adhere to and promote all safety programs, attend mandatory safety meetings, participate in job hazard analyses (JHAs), and report and investigate near-misses and incidents.
Participate in preventive maintenance programs including distribution pole inspections, hot stick inspections, vegetation management coordination and testing of protective devices.
Coordinate traffic control and public safety measures at work sites, communicate with customers and the public regarding planned outages and restoration timelines.
Use handheld devices and company software to receive work orders, update job status, and access maps/plans; ensure accurate timekeeping and material inventory tracking.
Assist in periodic equipment maintenance, including lubricating aerial devices, testing fall protection gear, inspecting insulating gloves and maintaining hand tools to safe standards.
Comply with environmental and right-of-way regulations during construction and restoration activities to minimize impact and ensure regulatory compliance.

Secondary Functions

Support preventative maintenance programs by participating in pole testing, asset tagging, and lifecycle assessments for overhead equipment.
Contribute to crew and department-level continuous improvement initiatives by recommending productivity and safety enhancements based on field experience.
Assist safety and training teams with hands-on demonstrations, refresher training and onboarding of new lineworkers to build a stronger safety culture.
Support material procurement and inventory audits by verifying parts used on jobs, suggesting standardization opportunities, and updating parts requests.
Participate in cross-functional projects such as vegetation management coordination, permit acquisition, and inter-departmental outage planning.
Provide on-call support rotations for night/weekend emergency response and participate in post-storm debriefs and after-action reporting.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient pole-climbing and bucket-rescue techniques; certified for aerial lift operation and fall protection systems.
Strong experience with overhead conductor stringing, sagging, tensioning, and phasing for distribution and transmission lines.
Skilled in splicing and terminating overhead conductors, grounding systems, and pole-mounted transformer wiring.
Competent operating and maintaining digger derricks, bucket trucks, cranes and associated line vehicles; CDL preferred or required by employer.
Knowledge of live-line (hot stick) and rubber-glove work procedures and the ability to use insulated tools safely.
Familiarity with OSHA regulations, NFPA 70E, NESC, and utility switching and tagging procedures.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, single-line diagrams, staking sheets and construction specifications.
Experience with rigging, hoisting, and use of tag lines, slings and rated hardware for heavy lifts and pole changes.
Basic electrical testing and troubleshooting skills using ohm meters, phasing meters and fault locators.
Competence with hand tools and power tools common to linework; experience maintaining tools and inspecting PPE (insulating gloves, sleeves, harnesses).
Experience with storm restoration logistics, emergency mobilization, and mutual-aid responses.
Proficiency using mobile work-order systems, GIS-based maps and basic digital reporting tools.

Soft Skills

Strong safety mindset with the ability to enforce and model safe behaviors and procedures across the crew.
Clear verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with crew members, supervisors, and customers.
Problem-solving and critical thinking under stressful conditions, especially during outages and emergency response.
Team leadership and mentoring ability; patient instructor for apprentices and new hires.
Flexible and adaptable to changing schedules, travel requirements, and extended emergency shifts.
Attention to detail in documentation, equipment inspection and work execution to meet regulatory and company standards.
Professional demeanor when interacting with the public and other utilities or contractors.
Time management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks on multi-job days.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED required; strong emphasis on mechanical aptitude and safety orientation.

Preferred Education:

Completion of a recognized Lineworker Apprenticeship Program or technical certificate from a Power Line Technology school.
Vocational training or associate degree in Electrical Technology, Power Systems, or related field is a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Power Line Technology / Lineworker Apprenticeship
Electrical Technology / Electrical Engineering Technology
Occupational Safety / Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–8 years in overhead line construction and maintenance (apprentice through journeyman level roles).

Preferred:

3+ years of experience working on overhead distribution systems with documented experience in bucket truck operation, pole work, transformer installation, conductor splicing, and storm restoration.
Experience with live-line procedures, NESC/NFPA/OSHA compliance, and proven participation in emergency outage restoration and mutual-aid crews.