Underground Apprentice

Job Description

Job Title: Underground Apprentice

Reports to: Underground Crew Foreman

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: Full Time

Position Summary

The Underground Apprentice is an entry-level role that plays a crucial part in the construction, maintenance, and repair of underground electrical systems. This position requires working at various job sites, often outdoors in different weather conditions, and may involve travel based on project needs. The role demands a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and the ability to perform physically demanding tasks.

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily.

Essential Functions

 Safety Compliance: Always work safely, whether performing new construction, maintenance, or repair work on energized and de-energized underground systems, following safety protocols and guidelines.

 Underground Line Work: Assist in installing, splicing, and repairing underground cables, conduits, and related electrical equipment such as transformers, switchgear, and junction boxes.

 Electrical Equipment Handling: Aid in pulling, connecting, and terminating cables and wires within manholes, vaults, and trenches for underground distribution systems.

 Trenching & Excavation: Assist in the excavation and backfilling of trenches, ensuring that cables are installed correctly and protected.

 High Voltage Handling: Work with energized high-voltage systems with appropriate skills and caution, ensuring personal and team safety.

 Basic Rigging & Hand Tools: Understand and utilize basic rigging techniques, hand lines, and knot tying, ensuring the proper use and maintenance of tools.

 Transformers & Voltage Knowledge: Assist with the installation and hook-up of transformers and have the ability to identify primary and secondary voltages in underground systems.

 Manhole & Vault Safety: Understand and perform work in confined spaces such as manholes and vaults, ensuring all safety procedures are followed.

 Grounding & Testing: Assist with setting up grounding for equipment, using testing equipment to ensure proper grounding and system integrity.

 Physical Labor: Perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, carrying, and placing heavy equipment and materials in trenches and vaults.

 Environmental Adaptability: Work efficiently in various weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow, ensuring safety and effectiveness.

 Communication & Teamwork: Communicate effectively using company radios, follow directions, and collaborate with team members to complete assigned tasks.

 Compliance & Inspection: Properly inspect rubber goods, PPE, and other safety equipment, ensuring compliance with company and industry standards.

Other Functions

 Willingness to work around live high-voltage underground distribution lines using appropriate protective gear.

 Assist with other tasks and projects as assigned by the Underground Crew Foreman.

Position Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED.

Valid Class A CDL preferred but not required. Must be able to obtain Class A CDL License within 6 months of hire.

Must pass a background check, MVR check, pre-employment drug screen, and physical examination.

Experience & Skills

 No prior experience required, but experience with underground construction or electrical work is an advantage.

 Ability to work effectively in a team environment and maintain a positive attitude, even in high-pressure situations.

 Strong communication skills and the ability to follow instructions.

 Willingness to learn and adapt to different tasks, equipment, and safety procedures.

 Basic knowledge of electrical systems and underground linework materials is an advantage.

Work Environment

This job operates in an outdoor field setting. Exposer to extreme weather may be applicable.

The company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by management. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the company may deem appropriate.