Troubleman

Job Description

Puget Sound Energy is seeking a Troubleman to join our Poulsbo team. The Troubleman serves as a first responder to issues on our transmission and distribution system. In this role, you will troubleshoot electrical problems, often operating as a one person crew. Using the tools, materials, and technology provided, you will respond to both emergency situations and customer-related service requests across Puget Sound Energy’s electrical system. 

Depending on the extent of the damage, you may initiate temporary repairs, call in a line crew for more complex restoration work, or coordinate with third-party service providers for contracted repairs. 

Because this is a door to door role, the selected candidate must live within 30 minutes of their bid headquarters or bid service area. The position requires regular interaction with internal teams, engineers, contractors, and members of the public. Strong communication skills and a commitment to exceptional customer service are essential. While much of the work is performed independently, the ability to collaborate effectively with crews is equally important. 

Work is dispatched through smartphones and laptops, and Troublemen are expected to maintain accurate status updates, submit photos, and document key information as part of field operations. 

As a first responder, the Troubleman is often the initial PSE representative on-site during emergencies—such as vehicle collisions involving utility infrastructure or other hazardous situations. In these moments, you are expected to lead with safety, ensuring the protection of yourself, your peers, and the community. 

Safety is the number one priority for Puget Sound Energy.  This position requires participation in safety and tailgate meetings, performing safety inspections, identification and reporting of safety incidents and unsafe conditions, obtaining and maintaining required licenses and certifications and participation in emergency response drills. 

All PSE employees must demonstrate commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct.  Ensures duties are performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.  

This job is under federal regulation by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screenings that include screening for the presence of marijuana and marijuana metabolites.  

Job Responsibilities

• Safely respond to emergency incidents, isolate and secure all electrical hazards 
• Safely install and repair services, secondaries and primaries 
• Maintain equipment at primary and secondary voltages 
• Install, remove and read meters 
• Refuse and troubleshoot transformers and replace line and transformer fuses 
• Patrol lines; operate line sectionalizing switches 
• Take load and voltage readings on transformers, circuits, and respond to "out of service" calls, and restore service 
• Locate, switch, and safely clear all electrical hazards in distribution systems and report conditions requiring work of line crews 
• Take switching orders for line clearances 
• Patrol and switch on transmission systems in planned and trouble events 
• Participate in meetings and problem solving groups with coworkers and management 
• Achieve and maintain proficiency in current and new technologies 
• Direct duties of others as assigned 
• Train others in department specific to safety, operations, maintenance, and repair procedures 
• Perform incidental duties as required 

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicant must be a qualified journeyman lineman from an accredited union or college apprenticeship program with five (5) or more years’ experience as a Journeyman Lineman. 
• Applicant should have experience/background working electrical emergency response as a journeyman lineman. 
• Must reside within service territory as defined by headquarters bid or within thirty (30) minutes of the headquarters. 
• Must know the fundamentals of electricity required in metering, service, line construction, maintenance work and have the ability to use tools necessary to do the job, including computer skills and equipment of the trade. 
• Must know materials used in line and service construction, maintenance, metering work. 
• Must possess a valid driver's license, as well as have and maintain a current Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A. 
• Must be knowledgeable and comply with all Company standards, policies, practices and procedures as well as State and Federal safety regulations as they pertain to the job. 
• Must have or obtain and maintain a valid First Aid and CPR card. 
• Must have the ability to interact and communicate effectively with co-workers, as well as Service Providers, Contractors, other utilities, State and Federal agencies and the public. 
• Must be readily available to respond to outages and emergencies. 

Additional Information

New hires will start as Troubleman I with a wage of $74.14.  They will advance to Troubleman II after satisfactory completion of the orientation and training period, including assigned training tasks, or after twelve (12) months, whichever comes first, at which point their wage will be $77.04.

Job Conditions and Physical Efforts

• The duties and responsibilities are performed in an outdoor environment, which include all weather conditions, noise levels, hazardous conditions, and on the full range of work surfaces.
• The position involves sitting, standing, walking, moderate to heavy lifting, moderate carrying, bending, reaching, kneeling, twisting, balancing and climbing and operation of equipment, tools, and machinery.
• The use of PPE (protective clothing and/or personal protective devices) is required.
• Requires driving a company vehicle.