Distribution Construction Leader

Job Description:

Distribution Construction Leader

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

This position reports to the Program Manager - Distribution Reliability. This hybrid role combines hands-on field inspections of overhead (OH) and underground (UG) electrical distribution facilities with back-office support for electrical distribution projects. The ideal candidate will ensure the safety, reliability, and compliance of utility infrastructure while assisting in design, documentation, and coordination tasks to support engineering operations.

Field Inspections:
• Conduct regular visual and technical inspections of overhead and underground electrical utility facilities, including poles, lines, transformers, cables, conduits, vaults, and related equipment.
• Identify defects, damage, corrosion, vegetation encroachment, or hazards; assess structural integrity and compliance with industry standards (e.g., NESC, NEC, utility-specific guidelines).
• Perform data collection in the field, including measurements, photography, and documentation of conditions.
• Oversee or coordinate minor maintenance, repairs, or new installations during inspections.

Back-Office Engineering Support:
• Prepare detailed inspection reports, work orders, material lists, and field notes.
• Provide technical support to engineering teams, including responding to field crew inquiries, customer escalations, reviewing plans, and recommending solutions for distribution system improvements.
• Maintain records, inventory checks, and databases related to utility assets.
• Collaborate with contractors, other utilities, and stakeholders on joint projects or issue resolution.

Compliance and Safety:
• Ensure all facilities meet regulatory requirements, safety protocols, and company standards.
• Report non-compliance issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Participate in safety audits and emergency response as needed.

Job Description:

Distribution Construction Leader

Purpose:

Under general supervision, performs first-line leadership to various employees including contractor personnel in the construction and maintenance of infrastructure and tracking of GIS systems within the Austin Energy electric service delivery area.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Coordinates and reviews work practices, develop designs and analyze GIS systems and makes recommendations for operations in the distribution construction process.
  
• Provides direct oversight of construction and maintenance activities performed by Austin Energy personnel and contracted staff by reviewing work requests, determining appropriate personnel to complete assigned projects and monitoring the completion and if necessary, perform work assigned.
  
• Establishes and maintains a customer perspective for all services provided to in-house clients by providing updates, reports, presentations and documentation as requested.
  
• Meets deadlines and quality expectations in a cost effective manner by monitors project budget and track expenditures, personnel and materials are available to met work orders. Alerts supervision to any deviations from the approved cost projections.
  
• Provide assistance in reviewing and updating policies and procedures of assigned area. Monitor any changes to construction or systems changes in the industry to ensure best practices are applied.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of electrical construction practices, equipment, and techniques.
  
• Knowledge of Austin Energy ESD ISO 9001.
  
• Knowledge of Austin Energy Safety Policies.
  
• Knowledge of city practice, policy, procedure, statutes, and ordinances
  
• Skill in applying established and standard construction, maintenance techniques.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in using computers, current mapping software, citywide GIS projects, and related software applications.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to lead assigned team(s) involved in distribution construction activities.
  
• Ability to train others. Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
  
• Ability to implement change and achieve defined goals.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees and the public
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent. Five (5) years' experience in routing, design, and construction of an electric utility's transmission system, or in a field related to the job.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Texas Driver's License
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in electrical utility distribution, inspection, construction, or maintenance (experience with OH/UG systems highly desirable).
  
• Knowledge of electrical codes (NEC, NESC), utility standards, and safety practices.
  
• Knowledge of the hazards involved in working on and around high-voltage energized lines and equipment.
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with GIS, ADMS, OMS, DMS, EMS, Sun-Net iTOA.
  
• Ability to perform strenuous work in all types of weather conditions.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions, changes in priorities, and rotating shifts as assigned.
  
• Ability to lift, carry, and manipulate equipment and supplies weighing more than 50 pounds.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Location:

2500 Montopolis, Austin, TX 78741

Days and Hours:

Monday through Friday. 6am - 2:30pm.

Additional work hours may be required to support the 24-hour Utility operations, which may include evenings, weekends, holidays, inclement weather and emergency closures.

Salary:

$38.32 - $48.67, depending on qualifications and experience.

Working with Austin Energy provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Employment Application:

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
  
• The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.
  
• Résumés will not be accepted and statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.
  
• Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.
  

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
  
• If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
  
• This position requires a criminal background investigation.
  

Fair Labor Standards Act:

This position is classified as NON-EXEMPT.

Essential:

This has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a City-designated emergency, Essential Employees provide services that impact the public health, safety, utility services, and welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees and ensure the continuity of essential operations. In such an emergency, Essential Employees may be called back in, may be required to modify their schedule, may be assigned to a City-designated work site, or may be retained on site to assist with operations and recovery.

Driving Requirement:
This position requires a valid Texas Class C Drivers’ License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. City of Austin employees that promote or transfer into driving required positions must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, external applicants cannot have more than six City Driver Points (CDP) within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-03-13