Apprentice Lineman

Job Title: Apprentice Lineman

Department: Operations

Reports to: Crew Foreman

Supervises: None

Internal Relationships: Builds and maintains positive and productive working relationships with fellow employees.

Member-Consumer Relationships: Builds and maintains positive member-consumer relationships promoting the Cooperative’s plans, procedures, and services as well as promoting a positive image for the organization and its goals and objectives.

External Relationships: Builds and maintains positive external relationships with the general public and other organizations which contribute to the overall success of the organization and reflects positively on the organization and its goals and objectives.

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The position is an entry level position involving the construction, repair and maintenance of the electric system. The duties of the position are performed primarily in a supportive and apprentice position to line construction, operations and maintenance while on the ground.

MAJOR OBJECTIVES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ACCOUNTABILITY - The following activities are specific to this position:

• Ability to perform the following:
  • String and tie-in conductor
  • Take data from electrical devices for records
  • Assist in overhead and underground activities
  • Frame poles on and from erected poles, with supervision
  • Assist in troubleshooting assigned problems
  • Demonstrate pole-top and bucket rescue
  • Make transformer connections on de-energized poles
  • Identify hot line tools and their applications
  • Identify grounds and their applications
  • Identify personal protective equipment
  • Identify circuits and ground connections
  • Identify staking sheets and their applications
  • Install crossarms and related assemblies on poles from ground
  • Climb de-energized poles
  • Perform all duties of groundman
• Knowledge of the following:
  • Basic electrical theory
  • Material needed for job from staking sheets
  • Safety rules and procedures
  • Cooperative policies applicable to line crew
  • Basic RUS specifications
  • Tools and electrical devices used on job site
  • Basic hot line methods
  • Safety, safety manual, and protective equipment
  • Sizes and coiling of ropes used by crew
  • Required location of warning and safety signs on job
• Working on poles with de-energized conductors, with supervision
• Knowledge of service area and electrical equipment and remaining abreast of technical changes in assigned activities (equipment, materials, RUS specs, etc.)
• Remaining constantly aware of line conditions and reporting problems to appropriate personnel or crew supervisor
• Assisting in restoration of services during outages and response time to outages
• Quality of service to consumers
• Knowing how to safely operate all assigned equipment normally used in line construction and maintenance
• Accuracy of information given to consumers
• Adherence to all applicable standards and specifications in projects and assignments
• Troubleshooting assigned problems and situations
• Personal productivity
• Favorable relations with other Cooperative personnel
• Cleaning and servicing assigned vehicles and equipment
• Promotion of Cooperative services, programs, and plans to the membership and public
• Adherence to all Cooperative policies and procedures, safety and security policies and procedures, and supervisory and managerial directives
• Reports to the supervisor of progress and deviation from plans in areas of assigned responsibility and communication with superiors and co-workers
• Knowledge of construction codes, safety policies, procedures, OSHA regulations, other guidelines; and knowing and observing all safety rules and reporting all violations to crew supervisor

The following activities are performed by all CEMC employees:

• Observe all safety rules.
• Keep informed of all CEMC plans, policies and programs.
• Keep supervisor informed of all activities.
• Exercise reasonable care in the use of and security of all CEMC assets.
• Make every effort to serve all consumer-members courteously and efficiently; to respond to their inquiries appropriately, and if necessary, refer them to the appropriate party for resolution.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent

Job Training, Experience, and Knowledge: The individual must have prior experience in performing physical tasks of the type and demand of those of the position described. The individual is responsible for learning and applying lineman skills and techniques to the duties of the position. Must be proficient in skills and abilities as determined appropriate by testing and/or such other skills development and abilities as determined appropriate by management. Must be capable of developing and consistently applying a thorough knowledge of RUS construction specifications and standards necessary for the position and further advancement. Must develop, maintain and communicate a thorough knowledge of regulatory issues and standards such as OSHA, National Electrical Safety Code and all other regulatory agencies of jurisdiction. Must be capable of communicating effectively in written and oral form, and completing work reports and related work documentation. A combination of educational equivalents, and/or directly related prior work experience and/or training with demonstrated proficiency may be substituted for any or all of the educational requirements

Abilities and Skills: Must have strong mathematical abilities and the ability to perform responsibilities effectively and timely. Individual must have the ability to perform multiple tasks and maintain a high degree of accuracy in work performance and finished work quality. Must be proficient, or capable of demonstrating proficiency in a short time, the effective utilization and application of computerized and related technological methods to the duties of the position. Must have the ability to work as a team in the promotion and accomplishment of the organization’s goals and objectives overall and as they relate to the department. Must have the ability to interact positively with others, solve problems and communicate solutions to others constructively.

Equipment and Machinery Operated: Computers, small hand held or mobile electrical instruments and devices, customary office and business communications equipment may also be utilized in the position. The individual should also become familiar with equipment utilized in the construction, operation and maintenance of an electric utility, including but not limited to line vehicles, trenchers, tractors, tampers, and related vehicular and power operated equipment as skills development and statutory regulations allow as determined appropriate by supervisory personnel.

General physical activity and demands: Lifting and moving of weights in excess of 100 pounds may be frequent. Position requires the individual to be capable of stooping, bending, reaching, climbing, and grasping and frequently walking long distances. Good hand to eye coordination is necessary as is the ability to read electronic displays and screens, printed materials and maps and tools and materials. Must be capable of utilizing hand held and manually operated tools coincident with the duties of the position. Duties of the position are performed outside with exposure to weather extremes.

Driver’s License requirement: Must maintain a valid N.C. Driver’s License of the type specified by the Cooperative as necessary to carry out the duties assigned to the position.

Overtime Status: This position is subject to the overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended.

Non-Discrimination: This position shall be filled on the basis of qualifications and ability to perform the essential functions of the job and without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, or national origin.

NOTE: Individual must possess and maintain the mental and physical competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The responsibilities and duties specified in this job description and the information contained in the accompanying position specifications are intended to generally reflect the nature of the position. The responsibilities, duties, tasks, and reporting relationships may change from time to time either temporarily or ongoing based on the needs of the employer. Such changes may be made by the employer in oral or written form. The individual is expected to work extended and/or irregular hours if necessary or assigned. The individual also assists in the restoration of service in emergency situations. The employment described herein is at the will of the employee and the employer.