Ground Equipment Operator

POWER UP A CAREER WITH US

Our people power everything we do.

At Tampa Electric, dependable electricity starts with dedicated individuals whose talent, skill and passion drive our success. We’ve been lighting the way for West Central Florida for more than 125 years—and we’re just getting started.

Join us and build a rewarding career with competitive pay, comprehensive benefits and a culture that supports your growth. Your potential finds its purpose at Tampa Electric.

We proudly deliver 99.98% electric service reliability to nearly 860,000 customers across 2,000 square miles of Hillsborough County and parts of Polk, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Through innovation and strategic investments, we’re creating a cleaner, brighter energy future—while delivering exceptional service every step of the way.

We reflect the communities we serve and foster a workplace where every employee feels welcomed, valued and engaged. Join our team of energy experts and help shape the future of power.

Storm Duty Requirements

Tampa Electric and its sister companies serve a role in providing critical services to our community during an emergency. Team members are required to participate in the response/recovery activities related to emergencies/disasters to maintain service to our Tampa Electric customers. Team members are required to work in their normal job duties or other assigned activities. Proper compensation will be made in accordance with the company's rules and procedures.

Responding to storms will be considered a condition of employment.

Tampa Electric is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, please click on link below:

Disclosure Statements

Power up a career with us. Our people are our greatest investments.

Be the light to help us keep our customers connected. If you are interested in a career and not just a position, Tampa Electric is the place to be! Tampa Electric offers competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for growth and development in a friendly and professional work environment. We embrace diversity and the inclusion of all. We believe our differences, unique perspectives and talents are our strengths and integral to the success of our company.

We’re honored to serve approximately 780,000 customers across West Central Florida and safely provide them with clean, affordable and reliable electricity. We’ve been doing it for more than 100 years, and there’s so much more ahead.

Join our team of energy experts as we build on that legacy through innovation, continued solar investments, cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions all while keeping top-notch customer service at the center of all we do.

Tampa Electric is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a family of energy companies which also includes TECO Peoples Gas and New Mexico Gas Company. Emera provides energy to residential and commercial customers in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, with career opportunities available in all of these locations.

POSITION CONCEPT

The Groundman Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe operation of line equipment used in the construction and maintenance of Tampa Electric’s power lines. Work on energized systems and response to emergency overtime is required. Must perform all duties following the safe work practices manual and procedures set forth in the Company Policies. The Groundman Equipment Operator accomplishes other duties as directed. The scope of this position shall include those responsibilities defined in Exhibit “A” of the IBEW Collective Bargaining Agreement and/or the IBEW Intent Book where the position is at a lesser rate of pay.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Each item should account for 10%).

- Develop a knowledge and understanding of the Safe Work Practices Manual.

- Develop a knowledge and understanding of the safe operation of line equipment including: Drive and operate tractor-trailer carrying up to 80’ poles, large aerial buckets with long overhang on booms, cranes, digger derrick, forklift, rear easement machines, wire pulling and tensioning machines.

- Assume responsibility for the upkeep (cleanliness) and the stocking of tools and material on a line truck. Have a working knowledge of the tools and materials required for a job and the nomenclature of those items. Ensure that all tools and equipment are properly inspected and maintained to promote safety and efficiency at all times.

- Receive, return and order Tools and materials, using proper forms and systems.

- Identify overhead and underground transformers and read and understand the information on the nameplates. Assist in the installation and make up de-energized pad mounted transformers; primary and secondary side and make up secondary conductor connections in hand holes under the direction of a lineman or crew leader.

- Be available to be called out in emergency situations, and to work overtime, as necessary, to meet customer needs.

- Complete all the necessary paperwork (material forms, time sheets, etc.) and interpret construction prints and work requests. May require time to be entered into computer systems.

- Attend and receive required annual training and/or certifications and assist in the training of new employees as required

- Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

SUPERVISION

N/A

RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:

Operations Personnel, Distribution Design Technicians, Line Supervisors and Operation Managers

External:

Frequent customer interactions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Training

Required:

High School diploma or equivalent. Commercial Driver License Class A

Preferred:

College or technical-related education.

Related Experience

Required:

N/A

Preferred:

Knowledge and experience with operating electric utility line construction equipment

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Required:

Must have successfully completed or have the ability to pass the Operations Test Battery (OTB).

Preferred:

Possesses mechanical aptitude for operating and maintain tools and equipment.

Physical Requirements:

(Percentage of time in average 8-hour day performing each of the following tasks)

65% of the time: Standing, Stooping Lifting, Squatting (Included w/stooping) Walking, Climbing (Primarily into and out of equipment) Reaching, Bending and Standing

35% of the time: Driving, Traveling, Breaks, Equipment Operation

Lifting Requirements:

(Assistance may be used if needed to perform safely)

10 lbs. or less 50% 30 lbs. to 40 lbs. 5%

10 lbs. to 20 lbs. 25% 40 lbs. to 50 lbs. 5%

20 lbs. to 30 lbs. 10% 50 lbs. and over 5%

WORK CONDITIONS

Work on de-energized systems and response to emergency call-outs in all types of weather conditions is required. This position requires mechanical aptitude, and the ability to make successful decisions in high stress situations. May be required to travel inside and outside of the assigned service area. Must be able to work a flexible schedule.

JOB RELATED DIMENSIONS (TENTATIVE)

Business & Job Knowledge

Judgment

Ownership & Excellence

Produce Results

Teamwork

Working Safely

TECO offers a competitive Benefits package!!

Competitive Salary 401k Savings plan w/ company matching Pension plan Paid time off Paid Holiday time Medical, Prescription Drug, & Dental Coverage Tuition Assistance Program Employee Assistance Program Wellness Programs On-site Fitness Centers Bonus Plan and more!

STORM DUTY REQUIREMENTS....Please make sure to read below!!! Responding to storms will be considered a condition of employment.

TECO Energy and its companies serve a role in providing critical services to our community during an emergency. Team members are required to participate in the response/recovery activities related to emergencies/disasters to maintain service to our TECO Energy customers. Team members are required to work in their normal job duties or other assigned activities. Proper compensation will be made in accordance with the company's rules and procedures.

TECO Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

TECO Energy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law, except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is unable to perform the essential functions of the position with reasonable accommodations.

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities for all individuals, employment decisions at TECO Energy will be based on skills, knowledge, qualifications and abilities.

Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Statement

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

ADA policy

It is the policy of TECO Energy to provide reasonable accommodation for all qualified disabled individuals who are employees and applicants for employment, unless it would cause undue hardship. The corporation will adhere to applicable federal and state laws, regulations and guidelines, including, but not limited to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1970s.

Application accommodations

Applicants may request reasonable accommodation in the application process five business days prior to the time accommodation is needed.

Pre-employment physical exams may be required for positions with bona fide job-related physical requirements regardless of disability.