Electrical Utility Helper

Working Schedule

• Electrical Utility Helpers usually work full-time. They may have to put their work on hold due to the weather which may also result in them working overtime to fulfill deadlines. Some Electrical Utility Helpers may only work seasonally. 

Typical Duties

• Check electrical units for broken insulation and loose connections
• Tighten loose electrical unit connections using hand tools
• Use hand tools and measuring instruments to cut, bend, and measure conduit and wires
• Use a test meter to locate short circuits in wiring
• Use hand and power tools to drill holes and push wiring through wall openings
• Use wire stripping pliers to stip insulation from wires 
• Dig holes or trenches to install conduits and other equipment
• Run transmission lines underground, through equipment, or through conduits and ducts
• Use a soldering iron to solder electrical connections
• Use welding equipment and cutting torches to assemble metal components that have electrical functions
• Use hand tools to bolt parts of components together
• Disassemble electrical equipment that is defective 
• Replace defective parts and reassemble equipment as needed

Additional Responsibilities

• Clean the work area, including all tools and equipment
• Keep equipment, supplies, tools, and vehicles in order
• Transport tools and equipment to work sites by hand, or by vehicle
• Trim trees, clear undergrowth and break up concrete at work sites
• Paint various objects that have electrical functions
• Position equipment for use

Soft Skills

• Ability to distinguish colors
• Active listening
• Attention to detail
• Comfortable working in confined spaces
• Communicate information effectively
• Critical thinking
• Identify problems and come up with solutions
• Math skills 
• Physical strength and stamina

Technical Skills

• Computer aided design and drafting software (AutoCAD)
• Recordkeeping software (Freshbooks)
• Spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
• All in one service management software (Procore or ServiceTitan)

• Factories
• Security System Installation
• Fire Alarm Installation
• Heating and Cooling Installation
• Communications Systems Installation
• Underwater Cabling

The work of an Electrical Utility Helper is often physically demanding. They often work outdoors and are exposed to various weather conditions. They also may have to perform duties while at great heights, or even underground in tunnels. Safety equipment is required including earplugs, gloves, and safety glasses. Electrical Utility Helpers are also at higher risk for illness and injury than other occupations.

Most Electrical Utility Helpers work full-time. Jobs may have to be stopped sometimes because of weather, but many continue working through the elements. They may have to work overtime if they have a tight deadline to finish a project. Some Electrical Utility Helpers are self-employed, but most work directly for contractors or companies. 

The projected job growth for Electrical Utility Helpers is expected to decrease slightly in the next few years at a rate of -3%, while overall jobs for all Construction Laborers and Helpers (including Electrical Utility Helpers) is expected to increase at a rate of 4%, according to BLS. However, as Electrical Utility Helpers move, retire, or take on new job opportunities, there will still be openings for new helpers to join the field. 

The younger generation actually has an advantage for this job, as they are more likely to be more familiar with the newest technologies, software and programs. 92% of Electrical Utility Helpers are male, while 8% are female. 

Electrical Utility Helpers are good at assisting Electricians, and also good at handling tools and equipment, and disassembling and reassembling equipment. Therefore, they have probably always liked to work with their hands. They may have enjoyed building with Legos, fixing things with their toy “tools,” and as they got older, taking things apart to figure out they worked and putting them back together. They have also always enjoyed helping others, and working on and fixing things.