| Detail | For this role |
|---|---|
| Department | Energy and Solar |
| Level | Entry level |
| Reports to | Substation Engineer |
| Direct reports | None |
| Experience | 1 to 5 years in line or distribution work |
Lineman job description template
Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.
Job title: Lineman
Department: Energy and Solar
Reports to: Substation Engineer
Location: [City], [office, branch or site]
About the role
A Lineman builds and maintains overhead and underground power lines that carry electricity, working at height and with live systems under strict safety. They erect poles and lines, string and repair conductors, connect transformers, and restore power after faults. The role reports to the Substation Engineer or line in-charge. A good lineman restores power quickly and safely after faults, maintains lines to prevent outages, follows electrical safety without exception, and works reliably in tough field and weather conditions.
Key responsibilities
- Erect poles, structures and stringing for overhead lines as per the layout.
- String, tension and repair conductors and replace damaged sections.
- Connect and maintain distribution transformers, jumpers and line fittings safely.
- Locate and repair line faults to restore power quickly and safely.
- Carry out safe isolation, earthing and permit to work before line work.
- Maintain lines through patrolling, tree clearing and fitting replacement.
- Work at height using safety belts, harnesses and correct climbing practice.
- Assist in underground cable laying, jointing and fault repair where needed.
- Respond to breakdown and storm restoration calls at any hour.
- Follow electrical safety rules strictly and report any hazards found.
Requirements
- ITI in electrician or lineman trade
- Line work and safety training
- Fitness for work at height
- 1 to 5 years in line or distribution work
KRAs and KPIs for a Lineman
Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.
| Key result area | How to measure it |
|---|---|
| Restoration time | Line faults restored within the target time on most breakdowns |
| Safety | Zero electrical or fall incident on line work in the year |
| Line maintenance | Planned line patrolling and maintenance completed on schedule |
| Quality of work | Line and joint work passing checks with rework below the target |
| Availability | Availability for breakdown and storm restoration calls as rostered |
| Hazard reporting | Line hazards identified and reported before they cause outages |
Skills and tools
Tools used day to day: Safety belt and harness, Line tools and come along, Insulated tools, Earthing equipment, Crimping tools.
Reporting line and career path
Next roles: Senior Lineman, Line Supervisor, Substation Operator
Interview questions for a Lineman
- How do you make sure a line is dead and safe before you climb?
- How do you locate and repair a fault on an overhead line?
- What safety gear do you use for work at height?
- How do you connect a distribution transformer safely?
- How do you handle a storm restoration call at night?
- Tell me about a dangerous situation on a line and how you stayed safe.
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What does a lineman do?
A lineman builds and maintains overhead and underground power lines that carry electricity. They erect poles and lines, string and repair conductors, connect transformers, locate and repair faults, and restore power after outages. They work at height and near live systems under strict safety, often responding to breakdown and storm calls at any hour.
What qualifications do you need to be a lineman?
Most linemen hold an ITI in the electrician or lineman trade, with line work and safety training and the fitness for work at height. Employers look for skill in overhead line work, conductor stringing, fault location and safe isolation, along with the physical stamina and discipline to work safely in tough field conditions.
Is a lineman job dangerous?
A lineman works with high voltage lines and at height, so the work carries real risk. However, it is done safely when strict rules are followed: proving lines dead, earthing, permits to work, and using harnesses and insulated tools. Training, discipline and the right safety gear make the job safe when never rushed.