To carry out LV and HV cable jointing and terminations as part of NERS-aligned contestable works, delivering safe, right-first-time connections that meet DNO/IDNO technical standards and can be adopted without rework. The Cable Jointer will work under the applicable safety rules and authorisations, maintaining excellent workmanship, testing/records, and site discipline.
Main duties
- Deliver LV jointing and terminations (dead and, where authorised, live) including mains, services, link boxes/pillars and cut-outs as required.
- Deliver HV jointing and terminations (typically 11kV and 33kV; higher voltages where within company scope) in accordance with manufacturer instructions, DNO standards and project specifications.
- Undertake cable identification and proving/dead checks in line with network rules, including the use of approved identification and spiking/locking-off methods where applicable.
- Support network connection activities including planned outages, commissioning windows, energisations and reconnections, working with Authorised Persons/SAPs and the DNO Control Room interface.
- Interpret and work to drawings (as-built, cable schedules, jointing plans) and ensure accurate as-built redlines for adoption packs.
- Maintain high-quality workmanship including cable preparation, screen handling, moisture control, torque settings, earthing/bonding, sealing and reinstatement readiness.
- Complete quality and test records (e.g., jointing records, pressure tests where applicable, photo evidence, test sheets) to an audit-ready standard.
- Comply with safe systems of work (RAMS, permits, safety documents), and actively contribute to site safety briefings, toolbox talks and hazard reporting.
- Coordinate effectively with civils teams and cable-laying crews to ensure correct installation depth, protection, bending radii, ducting entries and joint bay readiness prior to jointing.
- Assist with defect/fault response work (including fault location support, repairs and reinstatement) to restore supplies safely and within agreed timescales.
Essentials
- Proven experience as a Cable Jointer working on UK distribution networks within an ICP/IDNO/DNO environment, delivering NERS-aligned contestable works.
- Demonstrable competence in LV jointing and terminations; HV jointing/terminations experience (typically 11kV and/or 33kV) strongly preferred depending on project needs.
- Strong working knowledge of network safety rules, permit/safety document discipline, and working under authorisation (e.g., Competent/Authorised/Senior Authorised persons) as applicable to the host network.
- Quality-led approach: understands adoption requirements and maintains accurate, auditable records (photos, check sheets, redlines/as-builts, material traceability).
- Ability to read and work to drawings/specifications and escalate discrepancies early to prevent non-conformances.
- Excellent on-site communication and coordination skills with civils, cable-laying teams, supervisors, DNO inspectors and project managers.
- Strong safety behaviours (stop-work authority mindset), with a track record of safe delivery in high-risk environments (excavations, confined spaces, live networks where applicable).
- Full UK driving licence.
Technical requirements
- Competence installing and terminating polymeric and/or paper-insulated cables (as relevant), including screen management, earthing/bonding, sheath repairs and correct use of compounds, heat/cold shrink, and separable connectors where applicable.
- Understanding of NERS scope interfaces and handoffs: civil works/excavation readiness, cable laying standards (depth, protection, ducts), and requirements for joint bay preparation prior to jointing.
- Working knowledge of network switching/operational constraints and the practical requirements for outages, isolations, earthing, lock-off/tagging and return-to-service activities (performed within your authorisation).
- Ability to complete or support intrusive cable identification activities in line with network requirements (and only when authorised), including safe proving and correct use of approved equipment.
- Familiarity with typical distribution network assets and terminations: link boxes, service joints, LV pillars, transformer tails, RMUs/switchgear terminations (where within scope), and associated earthing systems.
- Strong documentation discipline aligned to NERS audit expectations: controlled procedures, use of approved materials, record retention, and traceability.
- Awareness of relevant UK power-sector requirements and legislation impacting site delivery (e.g., Electricity at Work Regulations and ESQCR principles), and ability to work within client/DNO standards.Training & Certifications
- EUSR SHEA Power (or equivalent power-sector safety passport) for site access.
- ECS/JIB cabling & jointing card and evidence of occupational competence (e.g., NET Assessment of Occupational Competence in LV Cable Jointing) or equivalent jointing competency assessment.
- Relevant electrical qualification (e.g., Level 3 in an electrotechnical discipline or power distribution cabling/jointing qualification).
- Current BS 7671 (18th Edition) awareness/qualification desirable where role includes LV installations within customer premises boundary (as applicable to the project).
- Authorisations/competencies aligned to host network requirements (e.g., Competent Person, Authorised Person, Senior Authorised Person) where held; otherwise, willingness to work under, and progress through, authorisation pathways.
- National Grid / DNO-specific authorisations and tickets required by the client (site-specific).
Desirable:
excavation & street works competencies relevant to utility environments (where the role requires interface with civils works).
Key Responsibilities
1. Safety, Compliance & Authorisation
- Work strictly within the applicable safety rules and your level of authorisation, ensuring permits/safety documents are understood and complied with at all times.
- Set up and maintain safe systems of work: effective risk assessment, RAMS compliance, correct PPE, barriers/signage, and interface control with other trades.
- Proactively identify hazards and defects; stop work and escalate when conditions are unsafe or information is incomplete.2. LV Jointing & Terminations
- Carry out LV dead jointing and terminations to DNO/IDNO standards, including mains and service jointing, cut-out connections, link boxes and pillars as required by the project.
- Where authorised, carry out LV live jointing activities safely and in strict compliance with client/network requirements.
- Support LV network connections, testing interface and energisation readiness, ensuring correct phasing, polarity and earthing/bonding arrangements.3. HV Jointing, Terminations & Commissioning Support
- Prepare, joint and terminate HV cables (e.g., 11kV/33kV) using approved accessories and methods, achieving right-first-time quality and performance.
- Coordinate with Authorised Persons/SAPs for isolations, earthing and access, supporting commissioning activities and energisation windows.
- Maintain robust jointing records, including batch traceability of materials and photo evidence as required for NERS/DNO audit and adoption.
