First Class Lineman

Job Title

First Class Lineman

Department

Operations

Reports To

Crew Chief

Position Function

To provide specialized technical services needed for construction, operation, and maintenance of the utility’s electrical system.

FLSA Status

This position is non-exempt under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act in relation to wage and hour regulations.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Must participate and successfully progress through the Northwest Lineman College Lineworker Certification Program.

Experience

Must have a minimum of six (6) years experience in construction and maintenance of electric distribution lines.

Satisfactory completion of at least sixty (60) months on the job training and completion of the Northwest Lineman College Lineworker Certification Program.

Knowledge

Must possess a working knowledge of the construction, operations, and maintenance of electric distribution lines, both overhead and underground, including meters, transformers, voltage regulators, capacitors, sectionalizers, and oil circuit reclosers; RUS Construction specifications and a portion of the National Electric Safety Code. Must have a sound knowledge of the proper and safe use of the tools and equipment used in line construction and maintenance of both energized and de-energized lines. Must have thorough knowledge of first aid and CPR or be able to obtain certification within 90 days of employment. Must be willing to attend courses relating to his/her work area.

Abilities and Skills

Must be skilled in underground and overhead line operation, pole climbing, operation of line construction equipment and using lineman tools while working on the ground, on a pole and from a bucket truck. Must be skilled in properly and safely working with live conductors of all voltages. Must be skilled in all work required in connection with the installation of materials, apparatus, and equipment used in the construction and maintenance of electric distribution lines. Must have the ability to effectively read and follow operations and safety manuals, ability to follow directions and work with other personnel, ability to communicate with other linemen and crew members and work with people to solve problems as required. Must be proficient in pole top and bucket rescue techniques. Computer skills a plus. Must have a valid South Carolina Commercial Driver’s License or be able to obtain one within 180 days of employment. Must reside within a fifteen (15) mile radius of the assigned duty station. Subject to random drug and alcohol testing consistent with DOT regulations.

Working Conditions

Must be able to work under adverse conditions such as extreme heat or cold, high winds, stormy conditions, and must be available to work stand-by, as well as during emergency conditions after normal working hours.

Physical/Mental Requirements

This position is subject to adverse weather elements/hazards, and subject to work-related hazards while performing the job. Works outside with great physical exertion requiring upper body strength and stamina. Frequently climbs poles and is exposed to the risk of high precarious places up to sixty (60) feet or more, installing line materials and equipment such as transformers, reclosures, cutouts, insulators, etc., and often works in awkward positions requiring lower body strength. Occasionally will stoop or bend to perform maintenance on a service or primary installation. Will individually or with assistance pull or frequently lift materials, tools and equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds and occasionally lift in excess of one hundred (100) pounds. Shovels dirt, works around noisy construction machinery and equipment and visually inspects work for safe connections and standards design. Works on uneven terrain in areas along and off road right-of-way often encountering vehicular traffic. Will frequently work with or near energized lines and equipment requiring safe work habits and performed in accordance with established work procedures and specifications to avoid electric shock and injury. Frequently sits in a line truck to drive or ride to various line sites. Must be able to operate equipment including, but not limited to, digger derrick trucks, bucket trucks, chain saws and any other construction or maintenance-related equipment.

Essential Functions

1. Participates in the construction of distribution lines and services as assigned to provide new or improved service to our customers.

2. Performs maintenance activities on/near energized or de-energized lines to keep the system in a safe and operable condition.

3. Installs equipment and assists with maintenance to provide continued reliable service within the required specifications.

4. Inspects tools and personal protective equipment.

5. Drives and maintains Cooperative-owned vehicles and equipment.

6. Maintains a South Carolina Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

7. Completes required documentation in a timely manner.

8. Maintains a clean and orderly work place whether on company property or at a job site.

9. Attends and participates in meetings and training and maintains safe work practices.

10. Performs other customer service related duties as assigned.

11. Attends or participates in Annual Meeting of members, as assigned.

12. Loads and secures materials and equipment needed for job and operates vehicular equipment required by work responsibilities.

13. Communicates using equipment provided by the Cooperative, in accordance with FCC regulations, company regulations and policy.

14. Performs other duties as assigned, including the responsibility for supervising the work of others as a lead lineman or as a replacement for other personnel in their positions for short periods of time as required.

Position Description Notice

This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive; other job responsibilities may be required as assigned.

The Cooperative reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. Management reserves the right to change position descriptions, job duties and working schedules as needed.

This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Performance Standards: Essential Function 1

Participates in the construction of distribution lines and services as assigned to provide new or improved service to our customers.

a. Digs pole and anchor holes manually or with mechanical equipment.

b. Frames poles to the standards required for the job and attaches ground wires on the ground.

c. Frames erect poles and attaches guys.

d. Sets poles, anchors, ground rods, and guys.

e. Operates a winch line to pull heavy loads.

f. Makes connections of meter hook ups, transformers and other line equipment.

g. Strings and ties in overhead conductor.

h. Lays and makes connections of underground cables.

i. Prepares terminations and installs transformers for new underground installations.

j. Installs capacitors, voltage regulators, instrument transformers, and other special line equipment.

k. Sets and removes barricades, flags, signs, and flares; directs pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

l. Hooks up single-phase transformer connections using the correct configuration to assure end user of proper voltage levels.

m. Hooks up multi-phase transformer connections using the correct configuration to assure end user of proper voltage levels.

n. Locates and marks underground cable routes as requested to allow others to safely dig without service interruption or cable damage.

o. Installs conduit to provide a passageway for underground power cables from one predetermined location to another.

p. Installs proper signs on equipment.

q. Understands and follows General Rules and Specification Book for line construction standards.

r. Interprets symbols and terminology on staking sheets.

s. Sketches lay-out of project on staking sheet.

t. Prepares all paperwork associated with staking sheet.

u. Participates in tailgate conference to plan work assignments for the day.

v. Informs the Crew Chief, Operations Supervisor or the VP of Operations of conditions which are unsafe.

Performance Standards: Essential Function 2

Performs maintenance activities on/near energized or de-energized lines to keep the system in a safe and operable condition.

a. Cuts and clears right-of-way, using power trimming equipment as necessary.

b. Conducts line patrol activities and takes corrective actions as deemed necessary to assure safe and reliable service to customers.

c. Cuts and trims trees to keep primary, secondary, and service lines clear; cleans up and removes branches and brush.

d. Sets and removes barricades, flags, signs, and flares; directs pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

e. Investigates and remedies service interruptions and assists in evaluating the cause of the interruption to assure prompt restoration of service to customers and continued service reliability.

f. Assists in analyzing and evaluating operation and maintenance activities relative to customer facilities and assists in investigation and resolution of service problems to assure that installations and services are made in compliance with required specifications and to maintain customer confidence and satisfaction with our electric service delivery.

Performance Standards: Essential Function 3

Installs equipment and assists with maintenance to provide continued reliable service within the required specifications.

a. Hangs transformers, reclosers, and other equipment on erected poles.

b. Installs capacitors, voltage regulators, instrument transformers, and other special line equipment.

c. Installs and maintains substation equipment.

d. Installs meters, as assigned.

Performance Standards: Essential Function 4

Inspects personal tools and protective equipment.

a. Inspects tools and personal protective equipment to make sure in good condition.

b. Removes and replaces immediately any defective or damaged materials to ensure that they are safe and operable.

c. Checks the first aid kit to insure recommended supplies are always readily available.

d. Locates and inspects fire extinguisher on truck for defects or discharge.

e. Performs a visual inspection of rubber gloves, sleeves and leather protectors on rubber gloves before using each day.

Performance Standards: Essential Function 5

Drives and maintains Cooperative-owned vehicles and equipment.

a. Ensures vehicles are fueled and ready to drive.

b. Sees that trucks are kept stocked with sufficient inventory of supplies.

c. Keeps vehicles clean and free of cans, paper and materials scattered in the vehicle bed.

d. Keeps truck(s) interior and exterior clean and neat at all times.

e. Keeps tools and equipment organized so that they may be easily found.

f. Performs vehicle and equipment inspections as required.

g. Complies with all South Carolina and Federal motor vehicle laws and any other laws that affect the safe operation of the vehicle.

Performance Standards: Essential Function 6

Maintains a South Carolina Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

a. Reports any vehicle violation or accident to the department manager in a timely manner.

b. Notifies employer of any traffic citations, other than parking tickets, regardless of vehicle driven at time of citation.

c. Meets all DOT requirements to maintain the CDL.

Performance Standards: Essential Function 7

Completes required documentation in a timely manner.

a. Completes the Daily Vehicle Inspection Reports and informs the crew chief of any problems or concerns.

b. Removes the Daily Vehicle Inspection Reports from the book and turns in to the crew chief on a weekly basis.

c. Completes time sheets daily to accurately record each job and time spent on each job.

d. Completes quarterly vehicle maintenance, truck tool inspection and personal tool inspection reports to assure vehicles and tools are safe and operable.

e. Documents and obtains proper signatures for poles climbed for the pole quota requirements and turns in quarterly to the crew chief.

f. Utilizes software applications to perform daily activities.

Performance Standards: Essential Function 8

Maintains a clean and orderly work place whether on company property or at the job site.

a. Ensures that cooperative tools, equipment and material are properly maintained and stored securely.

b. Shows concern for consumer property and insures all work areas are left in a clean and safe condition.

c. Picks up and properly disposes of all scrap material and debris after a job has been completed.

Performance Standards: Essential Function 9

Attends and participates in meetings and training and maintains safe work practices.

a. Sets a positive example of safe practices for others and has a positive attitude toward accident prevention.

b. Studies, learns, and complies with all safety practices, procedures and instructions.

c. Maintains a current knowledge of First Aid and CPR and renews certification in a timely manner.

d. Attends training sessions as requested to keep skills and knowledge current.

e. Attends monthly safety meetings.

f. Assists in the training of less experienced linemen.

g. Is proficient in pole top and bucket rescue and participates in quarterly pole top and bucket rescue training to maintain certification.

h. Knows hand signals used when voice signals aren’t possible.

i. Observes for other employees, buried lines, pipes and the public to prevent hitting anyone, cutting or damaging previously buried utilities, pipes, etc.

Performance Standards: Essential Function 10

Performs other customer service related duties as assigned.

a. Maintains availability for necessary on call and overtime work.

b. Promptly responds to calls requiring overtime work.

c. Troubleshoots customer power problems during regular working hours and while in an on-call status after normal working hours.

d. Collects delinquent bills.

e. Disconnects services for non-payment.

f. Reads meters.

g. Obtains permission of property owner to trim trees away from lines.

Performance Standards: Essential Function 11

Attends or participates in Annual Meeting of members, as assigned.

Performance Standards: Essential Function 12

Loads and secures materials and equipment needed for job and operates vehicular equipment required by work responsibilities.

a. Loads and unloads material and equipment and sees that line trucks are kept stocked with sufficient inventory of supplies to make emergency repairs.

b. Properly secures all material when loading.

c. Operates underground trenching equipment.

d. Operates and works from a bucket truck.

e. Is familiar with and operates all special line equipment.

f. Complies with all traffic laws, safety rules and regulations, and safe driving practices in operation of motor vehicles assigned to him/her, ensuring at all times the safety of vehicle occupants, the vehicle, and its load.

g. Operates a truck with a trailer attached.

h. Checks material in and out of the warehouse and completes all required paperwork for accounting of time and materials.

Performance Standards: Essential Function 13

Communicates, using equipment provided by the Cooperative in accordance with FCC regulations, company regulations and policy.

a. Responds when called in a timely manner.

b. Speaks slowly and clearly on radio.

Performance Standards: Essential Function 14

Performs other duties as assigned, including the responsibility for supervising the work of others as a lead lineman or as a replacement for other personnel in their positions for short periods of time as required.