Apprentice Lineperson - Aiken

Apprentice Lineperson – Aiken District

Job Title: Apprentice Lineperson

Salary Grade/Level: 5, 6, 7 & 8

Department: Operations

Reports To: Crew Chief or as assigned

Date: 12/30/2010

Revised: 08/31/2022; 07/13/2023; 06/10/2025

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Objective

Serves as an apprentice to a Lineman by constructing, replacing, and maintaining electric distribution lines, structures, and related equipment, including broadband infrastructure as needed. Actively participates in an established apprenticeship program to acquire the knowledge, skills, and qualifications necessary to achieve First Class Lineman status, while adhering to safety standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.

- Digs pole and anchor holes.

- Sets and aligns poles and anchors.

- Makes and installs all types of guy wires.

- Strings, sags, and ties in conductors of various sizes and types.

- Installs and connects transformers, fuse cutouts, arresters, switches, oil circuit reclosers, and sectionalizers.

- Frames and installs pole assemblies, both on the ground and in the air, in a trainee compacity; performs construction, maintenance, and retirement of electric distribution systems in accordance with RUS specifications.

- Loads and unloads poles, transformers, and other materials.

- Assists with splicing broken conductors, resagging lines, replacing damaged electrical equipment, and other construction, retirement, operation, and maintenance tasks as required.

- Patrols lines when necessary; replaces defective equipment, tightens hardware and guy wires, and resags secondary and service lines.

- Installs underground primary and secondary cables.

- Installs and connects underground transformers, switchgear, and secondary junctions.

- Provides assistance with broadband utility infrastructure projects, including limited support for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities in coordination with broadband teams.

- Learns and applies first-aid, CPR, and pole-top rescue techniques.

- Remains alert to hazards such as falls, electric shock, arc flash, falling objects, and traffic.

- Maintains knowledge of safety equipment and consistently follows all safety procedures, rules, and regulations.

- Participates in safety and job training meetings.

- Is available for on-call duty and overtime as required.

- Demonstrates acceptable progression through all four levels of the apprenticeship program.

- Establishes and maintains effective communication and coordination with internal teams, external customers, government agencies, and the public as appropriate.

Competencies

- Ethical conduct

- Oral and written communication skills

- Self-motivation

- Tact and Professionalism

- Collaboration skills

- Innovation

- Accuracy

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Work Environment

The employee will be working during inclement/extreme weather conditions – heat, cold, rain, snow, ice, high winds, day, and night. The employee will be exposed to energized electrical lines, operate heavy equipment, and be exposed to loud noise.

Physical Demands

The employee will be required to walk or stand; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel crouch, or crawl. The employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

Travel

Periodic travel to state and local destinations, as well as some interstate travel is required.

Required Education and Experience

- High School diploma or GED

Preferred Education and Experience

- Two-year technical degree with required specialized training (live-line school, underground and overhead school).

- Knowledge of RUS construction specifications.

- Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Permit

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

- Valid Driver's License.

- Commercial Driver's License (CDL) / Ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.

- Certified in First Aid, CPR, Flagger safety, and Bucket Rescue.

- Must reside within 25 miles of the reporting District area office.

- Legally eligible to work in the United States.

EEO Statement

Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

At-Will Employment Statement

This job description is intended to outline the general duties and responsibilities of the position and is not a binding contract. Employment with Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AEC) is on an at-will basis, which means that either the employee or AEC may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and for any lawful reason.

This document does not create an employment contract, expressed or implied, nor does it modify the at-will nature of employment.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Due to the nature of an electric and broadband utility, all employees are subject to working extended hours, holidays, nights, and weekends with or without notice. All employees of Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc. may be required to work during Annual Meeting. Additional duties or responsibilities may be assigned

Signatures

This job description has been approved by all levels of management:

Manager____________________________________________________

HR_________________________________________________________

Employee signature below constitutes employee's understanding of the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position.

Employee__________________________________ Date_____________

NRECA Electric Cooperative Employee Competencies

Business Acumen

Integrates business, organizational and industry knowledge to one's own job performance

Electric Cooperative Business Fundamentals

Understands and integrates cooperative principles and industry knowledge into daily practice.

Organizational Awareness and Alignment

Understands and supports the formal and informal decision-making structures and relationships in the organization.

Professional and Technical Credibility

Keeps current in area(s) of expertise and demonstrates competency within areas of functional responsibility.

Technology Management

Keeps current on developments and leverages technology in performance of job duties.

Safety Awareness

Applies core safety knowledge, skills and mindset to everyday work.

Interactions with Others

Builds constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Ethics and Integrity

Demonstrates personal and professional honesty and chooses ethical courses of action.

Interpersonal Awareness

Maintains constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Communication

Receives and conveys information to diverse audiences in diverse situations.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others to achieve collective goals.

Service Orientation

Demonstrates a desire and ability to serve and work in partnership with others (members, colleagues, stakeholders).

Respect and Appreciation of Differences

Recognizes, respects, and adapts to others' differences in order to work effectively.

Resourcefulness And Accountability

Takes responsibility for accomplishing work objectives and delivering business results.

Self-Management

Demonstrates resiliency and manages own time, priorities, and resources to achieve goals.

Flexibility and Innovation

Is adaptable and contributes creative ideas and solutions to meet changing business needs.

Results Oriented

Strives for excellence in achieving business outcomes.

Influence and Negotiation

Manages challenges in a constructive manner and reaches compromises, gains support and strives for win-win solutions.

Critical Thinking and Decision Making

Uses objective analysis and evaluation to make decisions and implement solutions.

Continuous Learning and Development

Displays curiosity and an ongoing commitment to learning and self-improvement.

NRECA Electric Cooperative Employee Competencies – Construction and Maintenance

The setup, operation, control, maintenance and improvement of power delivery systems.

Construction Equipment and Methods

Implements construction methods and tools specific to Distribution plants.

- Field Inspections

- Construction

- Resource Coordination

- Regulations and Standards

Maintenance, Installation, and Repair

Maintains and optimizes maintenance schedules, processes, asset management plans, etc.

- Maintenance, Installation, and Repair

- Repair procedures

- Data and Analytics for Determination of Issues

- Risk, Reliability and Uncertainty Tools and Technology