Line Maintenance Inspector

Located in the heart of the Bluegrass state, East Kentucky Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit generation and transmission (G&T) electric utility with headquarters in Winchester, KY which is just a short distance from Lexington. Our cooperative has a vital mission: to safely generate and deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to our 16 owner-member cooperatives serving more than 1 million Kentuckians across 87 counties. We're leaders in environmental stewardship and we're committed to provide power to improve the lives of people in Kentucky.

As passionate as we are about providing smart energy solutions, we are equally excited about people. We strive to cultivate connected workplaces where great ideas are born and rewarding careers are built.

EKPC offers a wage and benefits package that ranks among the best in the state. There is no waiting period on our medical, dental and vision insurance plans so you are covered on day one, and the dental plan is free for employees. Our generous 401(k) retirement plan allows employees to start contributing to their plan after a month of service, and after 3 months of service, EKPC will automatically contribute 6.5% of base wages AND match employee contributions up to 4.5%. Our competitive vacation and sick leave package starts day one to allow for flexibly and a healthy work-life balance.

For more information on our plentiful benefits package visit our website at https://www.ekpc.coop/work-ekpc

EKPC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Key Roles

Responsible for the inspection of transmission line maintenance activities such as transmission structure replacements, cross arm replacements, insulator replacements, and conductor repair/replacement. This will include inspections of EKPC line crews as well as contractors working for EKPC. Responsible for the oversight of the ground line and foot patrol program as well as associated quality control of reported defects. Responsible to make property owner contacts in relationship to project planning and follow up after completion.

Key Responsibilities

Works with engineering and others in the project development stage to gain understanding of scope, equipment/material requirements, inventories, schedules, contracts, etc.

Works with Planning & Scheduling to coordinate line requests.

Works with Planning & Scheduling to plan work activities. This will include pre worksite visits. Coordination of pre outage work, property owner contacts and permission and follow up if required after projects.

Organizes required equipment for line repairs including cross arm, pole, ground, and guy repairs or replacements.

Reviews the work accomplished and the expenditures compared to the work plan and budget.

Monitors and tests/verifies site grade and concrete work to assure compliance to EKPC and contract standards.

Investigates damage claims regarding line maintenance and right-of-way maintenance activities.

Negotiates, in consultation with leadership when applicable, settlement for damage claims.

Initiates methods to reduce or eliminate possible claims of damage against EKPC as a result of right-of-way, clearing and transmission line construction.

Monitors and tests/verifies critical points throughout the construction projects to assure proper construction standards, proper operational standards, and proper safety standards are consistently met by contractors/construction crews.

Works with EKPC design engineers to monitor contract compliance, document and approve change orders, billings, document design or construction corrections, etc.

Facilitates the flow of documentation and information between EKPC Engineering Supervisors, design engineers, and contractors/construction crews.

Facilitates the procurement and delivery and/or reorder of materials/equipment consistent with design specifications and project schedules.

Performs right-of-way clearing inspections, line construction inspections, and aerial patrols before energization/re-energization as needed.

Oversees and inspects ground line treatment and foot patrol program.

Performs final inspection of all assigned projects to assure contractual and operational compliance.

Coordinates with System Operators for the scheduling and energization of the completed project with EKPC transmission system. Verifies proper operation of facility and system, reviews and coordinates outage requests, performs switching operations, etc.

Completes and provides all required project documentation including change orders, equipment/material inventories, contractor billing documentation, "as built" drawings, etc.

Represents EKPC and educates property owners about transmission construction projects.

Interprets legal documents such as contracts, deeds, easements, leases, permits, etc.

Assures timely completion of assigned projects.

Performs storm water erosion prevention inspections (SWPPP) in accordance to KY Department of water permits.

Performs monthly Crew Safety Inspection Reports.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Key Requirements

Education:

- High School diploma or equivalent. Additional line construction / maintenance training or Associate's degree in a related field preferred.

- Kentucky Storm Water Inspector certification preferred.

Experience:

- Eight (8) years of combined related experience in transmission line construction / maintenance and project planning required.

Skills and Abilities:

- Knowledge of the National Electrical Codes (NEC) and National Electric Safety Code (NESC) related to the safe and proper construction of electrical transmission facilities including substations, transmission lines, right-of-way maintenance, etc.

- Able to read and interpret design drawings, specifications and construction contract documents for transmission line and substation facilities.

- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage schedules and coordinate accordingly.

- Effective written and verbal communication skills.

- Interpersonal skills to effectively work with a wide variety of internal and external contacts (including the public).

- Strong (or the ability to quickly develop) understanding of EKPC procedures associated with the safe switching, energizing and de-energizing of transmission lines, and isolation of line sections, substations, or equipment.

- Strong (or the ability to quickly develop) working knowledge of EKPC safety guidelines and procedures.

Competencies

Safety Awareness

Technical/Professional Knowledge & Skills

Planning & Organizing

Work Standards

Contributing to Team Success

Negotiation

Working Conditions

Usual office conditions apply to this position with working conditions including but not limited to regular dust, dirt, extreme temperature, and occasional working on slippery or unstable surfaces.

Regular lifting up to twenty (20) lbs. May requiring lifting up to 100 pounds.

Must maintain a valid driver¿s license.

Frequent travel within the system and occasional out-of-state, which may be overnight.

Must wear personal protective equipment as appropriate.