What does a utility lineman do?

As a utility lineman, you work for a utility company or a contractor to install, maintain, and repair electrical distribution systems. Your duties in this career usually focus on overhead power lines. You use bucket trucks or ladders or climb poles to access the lines. Your responsibilities can also include the installation and maintenance of underground cables. You dig trenches to install and access these lines. Aside from your regular maintenance and repair tasks, you respond to reports of power or utility outages. In addition to working with electrical equipment and systems, you may also repair telecommunications lines.