Powerline Technician - Temporary Contract
Full-Time; Term Position June 15, 2026, to November 20, 2026
40 hours per week - Four 10-hour shifts
Salary Per Collective Agreement and IBEW Local 1928
General Accountability
- The Town of Antigonish Electric Utility has an opening for three (3) Powerline Technicians (with one position having the option as a 3rd or 4th year apprentice level).
- The position is full-time, term position
- Estimated term dates: June 15, 2026, to November 20, 2026
TOA is currently undergoing a Grid Modernization project with a voltage conversion to 25kV. This requires the change out of approximately 684 pole top transformers. This term would primarily see 200 to 250 pole top transformers with additional pad-mount change outs. As part of the overall conversion preparation, other line work will be scheduled and may consist of conductor stringing, pole setting, transfer of conductor, short circuit rebuilds, and other duties as scoping becomes refined. Toward the latter part of the term, TOA anticipates execution of the first feeder conversion involving the change of taps on new dual voltage transformers.
As a member of our team, you will be responsible for ensuring compliance with safe work methods and practices under the supervision of the Lead Hand, working closely with the Working Supervisor of the Electric Utility. As a member of the Electric Utility team, you will be required to work effectively with your peers and perform the necessary administrative duties as required. This accountability involves promoting safe work procedures and vehicle safety; reporting and learning from incidents; engaging in group communications; promoting loss control; and ensuring awareness of procedures. You will also be required to meet customer needs by working effectively, representing the Town, and promoting electrical safety in the community.
You will be responsible for personal safety, that of co-workers, and those under your direction by observing and ensuring compliance with all Occupational Health and Safety Rules and Regulations. You will be accountable for environmental performance as it relates to the environmental management system processes and initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Work as a team of 3 term PLTs to Install approximately 200 dual voltage pole top transformers in preparation of the utility’s planned conversion to a new 25 kV feeder system. Voltages on the primary side range from 2400 to 24941 V and sample voltages on the secondary side range from 120 to 600 V.
- Participate in planning and execution of transformer changeouts involving digger truck and traffic control setups as required based on site conditions.
- 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
- Communicate with other workers to coordinate the preparation and completion of work assignments.
- Manage transformer inventory taken out of service for either salvage or package for shipment for refurbishment.
- Track progress and assist the lead hand in providing regular reports on progress to the project manager for the town’s Grid Modernization project.
- Comply with the town electric utility’s safety requirements and code of practice.
- Work under guidance of the Electric Utility’s Working Supervisor to ensure Utility practices carried out for the project are consistent with practices of the operating Utility with respect to scheduling outages, setting up bucket trucks through town and conducting work in public.
- Attend any safety meetings that the utility holds to keep up to date on any safety learnings and provide any feedback/learnings from experiences gained throughout the term period.
Qualifications
- Possess a Grade Xll education or equivalent.
- Possess Interprovincial Red Seal Powerline Technician Certification
- Hold a valid Nova Scotia Class 3 Driver’s License with airbrake endorsement.
Additional Skills and Abilities
- Proven leadership and communication skills
- Flexibility to adapt to rescheduled assignments, self management skills, work ethics and positive attitude.
- Possess skills to provide mentorship and coaching to other PLT’s and Apprentices.
Preference will be given to candidates with a minimum of three to five (3-5) years’ distribution line experience as a qualified Powerline Technician.
Application
Your cover letter and resume with copies of all relevant certificates must be sent via email to ([email protected])
Please submit copies of all relevant certification, including Red Seal Powerline Technician Certificate, with your application.
For more information related to the Town of Antigonish or the Antigonish Electric Utility, please visit the Town’s website at www.townofantigonish.ca.
Closing Date: This posting will remain open until the position is filled. Resumes will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may be scheduled within the next two weeks or earlier.
We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 23 weeks
Expected hours: No less than 40 per week
Work Location: In person
