Lineman (Journeyman/1st Class)

Summary:

A Lineman, 1st Class, also known as a journeyman lineman, is responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical power lines and equipment. This includes working on both overhead lines (on poles or towers) and underground lines. Linemen diagnose electrical problems, identify faults in power lines, and perform repairs efficiently to minimize downtime and ensure continuous electrical service. During power outages or emergencies, linemen are called upon to restore power quickly and efficiently. This can involve working in challenging conditions, such as adverse weather or at night. A Lineman, 1st Class may perform work on all energized distribution lines unsupervised but must be observed.

NOTE: In the event a qualified Lineman, Journeyman/1st Class cannot be located, the Cooperative will move to the next qualified class of Lineman (2nd Class, 3rd Class, etc.) until the position is filled. Pay will be commensurate with the position.

Objectives:

· Promote and adhere to A & N Electric Cooperative safety and operating rules, procedures and guidelines.

· Constructs, repairs and keeps electric distribution lines of the Cooperative in efficient operating order. In addition to performing duties of Lineman – 1st Class, position has responsibility for checking the work of the assisting worker(s). Responsible for the installation of all lightning arrestors, circuit reclosers, regulators, transformers, and other special equipment necessary. Takes trouble calls, clears up emergencies, works with hot line tools and checks substations for preventative maintenance.

· To, at all times, conduct self in such a way as to promote and create good will toward the Cooperative.

· To be available to restore service to members of the Cooperative.

Reporting Relationships:

· Reports to: Crew Chief or Lead Lineman

· Directs: Lineman, apprentices and other personnel that may be assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Team Management: Providing guidance, support, and direction to ensure optimal performance and productivity.

· Project Coordination: Prioritize and perform tasks to meet project deadlines and objectives, ensuring that all work is completed efficiently and according to specifications.

· Training and Development: Help identify training needs within the team and provide coaching and guidance to enhance skills and performance levels of those in lower classifications.

· Quality Control: Maintain quality control measures to uphold high standards of workmanship, ensuring that all projects meet regulatory requirements and member expectations.

· Safety Compliance: Follows all safety protocols and procedures to create a secure work environment, conducting regular inspections and addressing any safety concerns promptly.

· Resource Management: Manage equipment, materials, and resources effectively, optimizing utilization and minimizing waste.

· Problem Solving: Address any issues or challenges that arise during projects, employing strategic problem-solving skills to find efficient and effective solutions.

· Communication: Foster open communication channels within the team and with other departments or stakeholders, ensuring that information flows smoothly and objectives are clearly understood.

· Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, and efficiency.

· Meets and maintains all of the qualifications and performs all of the duties of job qualifications within potential reporting chain (Lineman – 1st Class, Lineman – 2nd Class, Lineman – 3rd Class, Lineman – Apprentice, Groundman, Utility Man, General Laborer).

· Responsible for ensuring crew members answering to this position are knowledgeable of Cooperative safety rules and maintain compliance. In addition, takes an active role to enforce Cooperative safety rules, safety policies and safety procedures.

· Directs or performs the installation and removal of reclosers, regulators, lighting arrestors, airbreak switches, sectionalizers, station regulators, station breakers, bypass switches, capacitors, cutouts, fault indicators, and other types of special equipment.

· Maintains Flagging Certification as specified by the Virginia Department of Transportation and ensures proper placement of work area protection signs, cones, barricades and other traffic routing equipment when working along public highways according to the current Virginia Work Area Protection Manual.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

Relationships:

Establishes and maintains the following contacts and relationships for the purpose of coordination and communication:

Internal

· Crew Chief - Cooperates with and keeps abreast of responsibilities, work assignments and special instructions.

· Line Crew and others – Maintains good working relationships and provides guidance and training; monitors crew morale.

External

· Cooperates in every way possible to create and maintain harmonious relationships with members, especially when taking care of service calls.

· Complies with local, state and federal regulations.

Promotion Chain:

From: Lineman, 2nd Class

To: Chief Lineman, Lead Lineman or Serviceman

Job Specifications and Requirements:

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent required plus successful completion of lineman apprentice program.

Experience:

Employees are tested on job knowledge based on the VMDAEC Apprenticeship Program, which involves testing and course material.

Employees with no prior experience will begin working as an a Groundman – Entry level for a minimum of six (6) months before having the opportunity to move into a Groundman – Apprentice position. Employees with no real practical experience but who have completed lineman’s college will begin working as a Groundman – Apprentice for a minimum of six (6) months, after which time the employee may become an Apprentice Lineman. Once the employee is an Apprentice Lineman for one (1) year, he/she may take the required LTAP test to become a 3rd Class Lineman. After a period of one (1) year, as a 3rd Class Lineman, he/she may take the required LTAP test to become a 2nd Class Lineman. After eighteen (18) months in the position of 2nd Class Lineman, he/she may take the required LTAP test to become a 1st Class Lineman. The apprenticeship program requires a total of four (4) years to complete. If, at any point during the apprenticeship program, the employee does not or cannot meet the requirements and specifications for advancement, the employee will be discharged if no other suitable job vacancies are available.

Job Knowledge:

Must be familiar with A & N Electric Cooperative Safety Rules Manual, National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) C-2, National Electrical Code (NFPA), OSHA Rules and RUS construction standards.

Abilities & Skills:

Incumbent must perform duties as outlined in the Lineman, 1st Class position description. Foremost among many requirements of this job is to work as a team with other employees. Honesty, a professional attitude and manner and a positive outlook are necessary.

Other expectations are as follows:

· Leadership: Ability to inspire and motivate team members, foster collaboration, and resolve conflicts.

· Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with industry-specific tools, equipment, and techniques, coupled with a strong understanding of relevant regulations and standards.

· Communication Skills: Ability to convey instructions, feedback, and information clearly and effectively.

· Problem-Solving Abilities: Problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and make sound decisions under pressure.

· Organizational Skills: Organizational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

· Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances and environments, with a willingness to embrace new challenges and opportunities for growth.

· Must read and understand Cooperative Safety Manual and must have a thorough understanding of those sections pertaining to this position.

· Must practice and successfully perform the following according to Cooperative standards: annual aerial bucket rescue; annual pole-top rescue; annual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), AED and first aid.

· Must have and maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL); must have and maintain a valid DOT Physical Card in good standing..

Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk and listen. The employee is also regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, climb or crawl. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

The individual must be able to perform all these actions while being exposed to extreme inclement weather conditions as this position works outdoors. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, toxic or caustic chemicals which require the employee to wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE), outside weather conditions and vibration. The employee is exposed to wet and/ or humid conditions, as well as high, precarious places. Overtime is required and position is placed on a ‘on-call’ roster periodically. Working on ladders is required. Work on outage restoration on continuous prolonged hours and the employee must travel to various locations throughout the system to complete many work assignments.

Employees will utilize proper PPE as instructed by supervisor, such as gloves, safety glasses, hard hats, reflective vests flame-retardant clothing, rubber gloves and sleeves and safety-toed boots. Additional PPE may be required.

Occasional travel away from the Cooperative service territory may be required for work or to receive training, attend seminars, etc. as required by the Cooperative.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $46.10 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Physical Setting:

• Outdoor work

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $46