ElectriCities of NC : Apprentice Lineworker I-IV

Job Summary

ElectriCities of North Carolina partners with certain municipal members to operate and maintain their electric systems in a safe, efficient, reliable, and economical manner as outlined in the individual Operating Agreements. This includes managing/administering the Operating Agreement(s) and other contracts/agreements as necessary for the operation and maintenance of the individual member’s electric system.

The Apprentice Levels I-IV supports the operation of our member electric systems under the general supervisor and instruction of a Journey Lineworker or above. Upon hire, the Apprentice Lineworker is enrolled in our apprenticeship training program and will be expected to complete the program before advancing to Journey Lineworker. An Apprentice’s education, verifiable work experience, and skills and abilities determine placement within our apprenticeship program. The program requires 8,000 hours when entering as an Apprentice Lineworker Level I. Each level requires 2,000 hours and successful completion of the training materials before advancing to the next level within the program.

Primary Responsibilities

The Apprentice Lineworker performs a variety of duties requiring skilled work in the construction and maintenance of electrical power transmission and distribution system. Specific job duties and responsibilities are determined by education/experience upon hiring, in addition to apprentice level placement.

- Assists with the installation, maintenance and repair of low and high voltage transmission and distribution lines.

- Installs new services, overhead and underground.

- Trims trees, hangs banners and decorations.

- Learns to set poles, string wire, and perform related work.

- Participates in the installation of poles and digging post holes, in the building of platform structures above the ground level between poles to hold large transformers, replacement of defective poles by transferring wire to new poles alongside the condemned poles and alignment of power line poles, using hand tools, power winch or block, tackle and rigging.

- Responsible for installing, repairing, and replacing cross arms, leg supports, guy cables, insulators, and lightning arresters, using hand tools particular to the trade.

- Performs installation of transformers, fuse cutouts, capacitors, meters, metering equipment and house services.

- Strings primary and secondary lines and attaches wire to insulators and cross arms allowing for proper sag.

- Participates in maintenance of substation, streetlights, traffic signals, care of materials, tools, and equipment.

- Assists in investigation of complaints regarding complex power problems and makes necessary repairs or adjustments.

- Participates in the making of voltage and amperage tests and in the adjustment and replacement of transformers to regulate power to points of use.

- Assists with substation and/or meter work as required and makes substation and switching station repairs when needed.

- Participates in loading and unloading line trucks and drives line truck hauling supplies and equipment.

- Installs group operated switches and single and three-phase reclosers.

- Participates in the on-call rotation established for the operation.

- Adheres to all OSHA rules and regulations, APPA Safety Manual and ElectriCities Standard Operating procedures.

- Operates a bucket truck, trencher, service truck and other equipment in connection with assigned job duties.

- Investigates complaints regarding power outages and assists in making repairs.

- Works in a team and able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, subordinates, and the public.

- Performs other related duties as assigned in accordance with the goals and objectives of ElectriCities

- Performs a variety of tasks required of an apprentice line worker supporting a public power community and consistently conducts themselves on the job in a manner reflective the core values of ElectriCities and the communities it serves.

Job Requirements

Controls

This position works under the general guidance of the Electric Operations Manager, who reviews the employee’s work performance periodically in terms of overall effectiveness and provides professional guidance as necessary. Time sheets, vacation time, sick leave, etc., will be reviewed and approved by the Electric Operations Manager. This position is non-exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Working Conditions

Work involves light to heavy physical activity in varied weather conditions as well as a high degree of risk to personal safety with respect to power line work, high voltage areas and elevated work areas. Safe use of proper tools, uniforms, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) is required at all times. Participation in the on-call rotation is a requirement. Required to reside in a location that meets minimum response time requirements to outages and emergencies. Occasional support of neighboring municipal electric providers, mutual aid, or emergency assistance may be available/required.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. Occasionally the employee is required to sit; climb or balance electric poles; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally be able to lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Vision requirements are close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Qualifications

- A high school diploma or GED.

- Completion of an accredited line worker training school preferred.

- 6+ months’ experience in the electric utility line work and/or related combination of education and experience.

- Required to work a rotating on-call schedule.

- Required to work planned and emergency overtime.

- Required to respond/work emergency callouts from home as needed.

Special Requirements

- Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license and good driving record.

- Possession of a Class A CDL

- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug and/or alcohol screening.

- Ability to pass random drug and alcohol testing due to the CDL license requirement.

- Ability to pass any and all drug and/or alcohol screenings. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

ElectriCities is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About ElectriCities

ElectriCities of North Carolina, Inc., is the membership organization that provides power supply and related critical services to over 90 community-owned electric systems in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia—collectively known as public power. ElectriCities manages the power supply for two power agencies in North Carolina and provides technical services to assist members in operating their electric distribution systems. ElectriCities also helps these locally owned and operated public power providers thrive today and in the future by delivering innovative services, including legislative, technical, communications, and economic development expertise.

Apply online