Apprentice Lineman I

Under the direction of the Construction, the Apprentice Lineman I is responsible for building, maintaining, and repairing overhead and underground power distribution lines within the scope of his/her training and certification in a safe and efficient manner within accepted operations standards.

OTHER INFORMATION: The Apprentice Lineman I, under the supervision of the Operations Manager or his/her designee is responsible for ensuring the continuous performance and reliability of the cooperative’s 4,000 miles of distribution lines, composing 10,000 square miles of service area. Within the parameters dictated by managers and foremen, Cooperative policy and applicable RUS, OSHA, DOT, PUC and other regulatory requirements, this position has no autonomy and latitude to identify and solve problems and make decisions necessary to manage the operation of the electric distribution system dependent on training, experience, and certification.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma and enrollment of an approved 4-year apprenticeship lineman program is required. A minimum of one year experience in electric utility distribution operations, including distribution system construction and maintenance is required.

Prior experience and certification is required to qualify for Apprentice Lineman III and IV at entry; training requirements and experience as outlined in the Apprentice Lineman Training Program are required to move from one level to another.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

This position requires knowledge of RUS line specifications, National Electric Code, National Electric Safety Code, OSHA Rules and Regulations, and cooperative policies and procedures. Ability to effectively read and follow operations and safety manuals. Ability to follow directions and work with other apprentice lineman and warehouse personnel, as assigned. Ability to communicate with other apprentice linemen and journeyman lineman and work with people to solve problems is required.

Personal Protective Equipment

Proper PPE is required in field operations, which includes pole climbing gear and steel toe/EH boots as well as other provided equipment.

Physical Effort and Dexterity: Frequent physical activity, to include walking, stooping, bending, frequent lifting up to 70 lbs., occasional lifting in excess of 70 lbs., climbing, kneeling, reaching, stooping, crawling, pushing, and working in awkward positions and enclosed spaces is normal.

Machines, Tools, Equipment required to be operated: Required to use heavy machines and equipment, and power and hand tools in field operations, to include pole climbing gear, hydraulic tamps, power line conductors, secondary wires, and volt/ohm meters.

Visual Acuity, Hearing, Speaking: Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance in a hot line work environment. Visual color discrimination is required to differentiate wire and part colors.

Environment/Working Conditions: Work is mostly outside in close proximity to hot line construction and maintenance and energized conductors in varying weather conditions; and is exposed to the hazards of electrical shock and burns as well as to falls. Position requires travel throughout the service area. Work regularly scheduled Monday-Friday, although weekends and after hours may be required to meet deadlines or address distribution problems. This position requires participation in rotating on-call schedule.

Employee Requirements:

This position requires this employee to report to duty within thirty (30) minutes of notification.

This position requires employee to possess and maintain a working telephone number.

A current Texas CDL (class A) driver’s license is required within 6 months of hire; and, must have and maintain an insurable driving record.

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

Work Location: Multiple locations