Operator - Overhead Lines

About Us

The power behind a network that nearly 8 million people rely on every day, the Western Power team works collectively and collaboratively to serve our communities. Not only are we the largest electricity distribution network operator in the UK, we also strive to be the best. So every one of our 6,500 people works with passion and purpose, energy and ambition, whatever their role in maintaining, repairing and upgrading the electricity network.

Just so you know our name is changing. From September 2022, Western Power Distribution will be known as National Grid. We’re changing our name, but our people and focus on providing great service to customers remains unchanged. We’re responsible for keeping the energy flowing to communities across our region for your home or business. As part of National Grid, we’re now the largest electricity transmission and distribution business in the UK at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future.

Western Power Distribution is an equal opportunities employer, a Disability Level 1 Employer and a corporate signatory of WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) programme. Our desire is to bring in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build further on our inclusive culture. We value and celebrate individual difference and we believe that an inclusive culture will help the business grow as a positive, strong and innovative company.

Job Introduction

An opportunity has arisen for an Operator (Overhead Lines) based at Exeter.

As an Operator assisting the Overhead Linesperson, you will help with the construction, maintenance, replacement and repair of overhead lines up to 66kV. This is a diverse role that will see you working in all kinds of challenging terrain and weather. You will often work at height so experience of this will be beneficial.

You will also be responsible for making sure the van contains all essential tools and equipment, working safely and assisting with any labour required on site. The work will involve being away from the depot, working in a team of two or sometimes more people.

You will need the ability and enthusiasm to work in a physical environment and take quick, decisive and responsible action. A flexible approach to working hours is also essential, as is a driving licence.

To apply, you will need to hold English & Maths GCSE (1-9/G-A*) or equivalent qualification deemed to be at the same level in these subjects, such as Functional Skills. Evidence of your qualifications will be required prior to appointment.

Please note, where job roles involve working at height and the use of Personal Fall Protection Equipment, there are restrictions on the maximum weight of the individual.

If you are offered a position, you will be required to successfully complete a basic DBS check that shows any unspent convictions or conditional cautions.

As part of our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, all applications to Western Power Distribution jobs are automatically anonymised by our recruitment system. This is with the aim of realising our ambition to have a workforce which is reflective of the community we serve and eliminating unconscious bias, allowing employees to be appointed based on their talent, skills and experiences regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic.

Our hiring managers will have no access to your name, age, gender or other diversity information until after shortlisting has taken place. This detail will become visible before interview to allow managers to prepare.

If you are selected for an interview they are scheduled for 24 August 2022.

Main Responsibilities

You will be required to work at heights on all types of overhead line. Duties include:

• Undertaking dead work on the LV, HV and EHV systems under the leadership of a Technician or Craftsperson.
• Operation of mechanical equipment
• Inspect poles and overhead equipment and rectify minor defects
• Trim and fell trees
• Excavate, lay cable and backfill
• Excavate pole and stay holes
• Deliver planned shutdown notices, make appointments
• Resolve customer complaints (directly where possible)

The Ideal Candidate

You will need to be flexible in your approach to assist the team in meeting it's objectives. You will ideally have some experience in the electrical field, however all necessary training will be provided.

You will need to be mobile throughout the area as you may be required to undertake standby duties, therefore a valid driving licence is essential.

About The Company

If this is your opportunity to join us, you’ll find we offer a supportive, rewarding and friendly working environment where you’ll be empowered to build a career. Along the way, you’ll be invested in, be enabled by the latest technology and find that we’re always interested in evolving our systems and processes so that we get even better, every day.

In return, you’ll enjoy a package of benefits designed to reward your hard work and incentivise your ambition. In addition to your competitive salary, we offer a competitive contributory pension scheme where the company will double match your pension contributions up to a maximum company contribution of 10%. You will also have access, subject to eligibility criteria, to join our annual Share Save plan.

You will receive a generous annual leave entitlement on joining, starting at 26 days rising to 28 days following 10 years’ service, plus 8 bank holidays. Protective clothing and Safety Equipment will be provided where required and we offer free parking at all main sites. In addition, you will be able to access support via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services.

Additional Application Information

Recruitment correspondence is usually sent by email, so please do check your email account including spam/junk folders regularly after the closing date.

To enhance your candidate experience, we recommend using Google Chrome to complete your online application. Should you have any questions regarding this or require additional support to complete your online application, please email recruitment@westernpower.co.uk

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received. We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible.