Groundman/Pre-Apprentice

Job Summary:

Working independently and collaboratively with others, this position plays an integral role in executing CPI’s mission, philosophy, and commitment to providing safe, reliable electricity to our members and exceptional service to our internal and external customers. All employees are also expected to maintain a high level of trust, integrity and ethical standards.

This is a bargaining unit position (IBEW Local 659). The Groundman/Pre-Apprentice must have experience operating and maintaining all types of utility equipment as part of a regular line crew as well as operating equipment alone.

Essential Functions of the Position:

The essential functions of this position require prioritizing and completing all assigned tasks in a timely and efficient manner, adjusting for changing priorities and availability of resources, and demonstrating initiative in identifying additional job-related tasks to be completed when time permits.

- Work as member of line crew and perform all assigned task related to power line construction and maintenance.

- Load, unload and haul material and equipment on large trucks and trailers.

- Operate digger derricks, excavators and backhoes.

- Setup, operate and maintain wire pulling equipment as part of a line crew.

- May be required to operate all-terrain vehicles, boats and snow cats.

- Maintains responsibility for verifying the condition of all vehicles, equipment and tools provided for use in the performance of work.

- Possesses and displays a working knowledge of work rules and safety practices and participates in monthly safety meetings.

- Responds with sound judgment to unusual and hazardous circumstances.

- Represents CPI in a manner conducive to good public relations.

- Performs other duties as assigned.

- Communicate in a professional, respectful and courteous manner with all employees, the Board of Directors, customers and others with whom we may work. Contribute to a successful work group through positive interactions, active listening, meaningful collaborations, and the constructive exchange of ideas designed to meet or exceed the organization’s strategic goals.

- Complete special projects and other duties as assigned to meet team, department and organizational goals while actively demonstrating accountability and responsibility for achieving desired outcomes and measurable results.

Position Requirements:

Qualified candidates for this position will have relevant education and experience necessary to perform the essential functions and meet the minimum performance expectations for this position.

Required Education and Experience

- High school diploma or GED with a minimum of one year High School Algebra with a grade of “C” or better

- Experience operating a variety of equipment such as backhoes, digger derrick, mowing and chipping equipment, etc.

- Valid CDL driver’s license with good driving record.

Preferred Education and Experience

- Completion of Lineman training school or equivalent

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

- Demonstrate knowledge and skill in the proper use and care of tools and equipment used in power line construction and maintenance.

- Able to work with minimal supervision.

- Good interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously deal with co-workers, other co-op employees, contractors, and the public.

- Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships and perform as a productive team member.

- Ability to deal with stress and make decisions quickly and calmly especially in times of emergency.

- Ability to accept and adapt to change.

- Honest, ethical, loyal, respectful and accountable for one’s actions.

- Must have demonstrated ability to be punctual and regular in attendance.

- Well-reasoned decision making with a high attention to detail regarding organization, planning, work flow, and project prioritization to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and accurately.

Availability, Physical Demands, and Other Requirements:

Availability and Accessibility

Due to the nature and scope of the essential functions, the importance of personal interactions with coworkers and members of the public, and the availability of job-related tools, equipment and resources at work, performance of the essential functions requires regular, consistent availability, accessibility, and presence on-site.

Regular work hours are 4x10 Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Requires work hours in excess of 10 hours per day, 4 days per week and responds to after-hours call-out, day or night, in all weather conditions.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

- Subject to outside weather/driving conditions.

- Performs a variety of strenuous tasks outside with varying temperatures. Performs tasks in rainy, windy, snowy or icy conditions.

- Performs work around equipment associated with energized line work requiring the use of insulated rubber gloves when appropriate.

- Exposed to noise from traffic, construction equipment, jack hammers, hydraulic saws and tamps, chippers, etc. for up to four hours per day.

- Works in confined spaces, such as underground vaults requiring entry through a manhole.

- Works in ditches up to 60 inches deep and 24 inches wide when laying underground wire.

- Use a personal computer or other technology devices frequently and consistently for the purpose of reviewing, analyzing, creating, transmitting, and presenting documents, data and other business-related information.

- Operates cranes, forklift, boom truck, bucket truck, hand tools, power tools, oil processing equipment and various electronic test instruments, portable, mobile and base station two-way radios, etc.

- Alertness and concentration necessary at all times, including day/night, inclement weather and storm conditions involving long hours of work.

- Frequently lift, transport and/or move up to approximately 75 lbs. each day in the performance of regular duties and occasionally up to 100 lbs. Changes position frequently and works in awkward positions. Required to stand for extended periods of time, sit while driving and/or attending meetings, and walk on uneven ground in all types of terrain. Required to push, pull, twist, reach and use finger dexterity to grip/handle tools, equipment controls, etc. Climbs in and out of buckets of aerial man-lift with tool belt, materials and equipment. Work requires regular entering/exiting of vehicle. Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing and descending a stepladder may also be required.

- Drive on behalf of CPI and/or report for work in all types of weather.

Environmental Conditions:

The work environment conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. This position works primarily in the field and is exposed to all types of weather conditions including temperature extremes and rainy environments. Outdoor setting involves all types of property and site conditions, including open spaces, timberlands, urban developments, flat and hilly terrain, building construction sites, and road rights of way. Subject to outside weather/driving conditions.

Disclosures:

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. It is intended as a general guide of the job duties and tasks the person in this position may be asked to perform as part of our CPI team. It is by no means an exhaustive list of all of the job duties or responsibilities that may be assigned to this position. Position descriptions may occasionally be updated, as necessary, to reflect evolving business needs, and such changes may not be reflected immediately in written form.

Refusal or unwillingness to perform duties and tasks assigned in a positive, professional and productive manner, even if seeming to fall outside of this description, may be considered insubordination and a violation of CPI policies and expectations.