First Class Lineman

POSITION SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE: First Class Lineman

 

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.
OR
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. Must understand RUS Construction specifications and applicable sections of the National Electric Safety Code.

Must have sound knowledge of the proper and safe use of tools and equipment used in line construction and maintenance of 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 this work area.

 

ABILITIES AND SKILLS:
Must be skilled in underground and overhead line operations, pole climbing, operating line construction equipment, and using lineman tools while working on the ground, on poles, and from a bucket truck. Must be skilled in safely working with live conductors of all voltages.

Must be proficient in the installation of materials, apparatus, and equipment used in the construction and maintenance of electric distribution lines. Must be able to read and follow operations and safety manuals, follow directions, and work effectively with others.

Must be proficient in pole top and bucket rescue techniques. Computer skills are 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 conditions and work-related hazards. Requires substantial physical exertion and upper body strength. Frequently climbs poles up to sixty (60) feet or more and works in elevated or awkward positions requiring lower body strength.

Must occasionally stoop or bend to perform maintenance tasks. May individually or with assistance lift and pull materials, tools, and equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds and occasionally more than one hundred (100) pounds.

Works around noisy equipment, shovels dirt, inspects work visually for safe construction standards, and works on uneven terrain along roadways. Frequently works near or with energized lines and equipment, requiring strict adherence to safety procedures.

Frequently operates and rides in line trucks and must be able to operate equipment including, but not limited to, digger derrick trucks, bucket trucks, chain saws, and related construction or maintenance tools and equipment.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Job Title:         First Class Lineman        

Department:   Operations      

Reports To:     Crew Chief                                         

Position           To assist the senior apprentices and First Class Linemen and actively train in line

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

 

Essential Functions:

  1. Participates in the construction of distribution lines and services to provide new or improved service to customers.
  2. Performs maintenance activities on or near energized or de-energized lines to maintain a safe and operable system.
  3. Installs equipment and assists with maintenance to provide continued reliable service within 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 workplace 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 and operates vehicle equipment required for 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 supervising the work of others as a lead lineman or acting in replacement roles for short periods as required.

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.

PERFFORMANCE STANDARDS

  1. Participates in the construction of distribution lines and services to provide new or improved service to customers.
    1. Digs pole and anchor holes manually or with mechanical equipment.
    2. Frames poles to required standards and attaches ground wires on the ground.
    3. Frames erect poles and attaches guys.
    4. Sets poles, anchors, ground rods, and guys.
    5. Operates a winch line to pull heavy loads.
    6. Makes connections of meter hook ups, transformers, and other line equipment.
    7. Strings and ties in overhead conductor.
    8. Lays and makes connections of underground cables.
    9. Prepares terminations and installs transformers for new underground installations.
    10. Installs capacitors, voltage regulators, instrument transformers, and other special line equipment.
    11. Sets and removes barricades, flags, signs, and flares; directs pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
    12. Hooks up single-phase transformer connections using correct configuration.
    13. Hooks up multi-phase transformer connections using correct configuration.
    14. Locates and marks underground cable routes to prevent damage.
    15. Installs conduit for underground power cables.
    16. Installs proper signs on equipment.
    17. Understands and follows construction standards.
    18. Interprets symbols and terminology on staking sheets.
    19. Sketches layout of project on staking sheet.
    20. Prepares paperwork associated with staking sheet.
    21. Participates in tailgate conference to plan work assignments.
    22. Reports unsafe conditions to Crew Chief, Operations Supervisor, or VP of Operations.
  2. Performs maintenance activities on energized or de-energized lines to maintain safe and operable conditions.
    1. Cuts and clears right-of-way, using power trimming equipment as needed.
    2. Conducts line patrol and takes corrective action to ensure reliable service.
    3. Cuts and trims trees to keep lines clear; removes debris.
    4. Sets and removes barricades, flags, signs, and flares; directs pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
    5. Investigates and remedies service interruptions and assists with determining root cause.
    6. Assists in evaluating customer facilities and resolving service problems.
  3. Installs equipment and assists with maintenance.
    1. Hangs transformers, reclosers, and other equipment on erected poles.
    2. Installs capacitors, voltage regulators, instrument transformers, and special line equipment.
    3. Installs and maintains substation equipment.
    4. Installs meters as assigned.
  4. Inspects personal tools and protective equipment.
    1. Inspects tools and PPE to ensure good condition.
    2. Replaces defective or damaged materials immediately.
    3. Checks first aid kit supplies.
    4. Inspects truck fire extinguisher.
    5. Inspects rubber gloves, sleeves, and protectors daily before use.
  5. Drives and maintains Cooperative-owned vehicles and equipment.
    1. Ensures vehicles are fueled and ready.
    2. Keeps trucks stocked with necessary supplies.
    3. Keeps vehicles clean and free of debris.
    4. Keeps truck interior and exterior neat.
    5. Keeps tools organized for quick access.
    6. Performs vehicle and equipment inspections.
    7. Complies with state and federal motor vehicle laws.
  6. Maintains a South Carolina Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
    1. Reports any vehicle violations or accidents promptly.
    2. Notifies employer of any traffic citations (except parking).
    3. Meets all DOT requirements to maintain CDL.
  7. Completes required documentation in a timely manner.
    1. Completes Daily Vehicle Inspection Reports and reports issues.
    2. Submits reports weekly.
    3. Completes daily timesheets.
    4. Completes quarterly vehicle and tool inspection reports.
    5. Documents pole climbs and submits quarterly.
    6. Uses software applications to perform daily tasks.
  8. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.
    1. Ensures Cooperative tools and equipment are maintained and stored securely.
    2. Respects consumer property and leaves work areas clean.
    3. Disposes of scrap material and debris after job completion.
  9. Attends and participates in training and maintains safe work practices.
    1. Sets a positive example of safe work practices.
    2. Studies, learns, and complies with safety practices.
    3. Maintains First Aid and CPR certification.
    4. Attends training sessions as requested.
    5. Attends monthly safety meetings.
    6. Assists with training less experienced linemen.
    7. Maintains proficiency in pole top and bucket rescue.
    8. Knows hand signals when voice communication is not possible.
    9. Observes surroundings to prevent damage or injury.
  10. Performs customer service duties as assigned.
    1. Maintains availability for on-call and overtime work.
    2. Responds promptly to overtime calls.
    3. Troubleshoots customer power problems.
    4. Collects delinquent bills.
    5. Disconnects services for non-payment.
    6. Reads meters.
    7. Obtains permission to trim trees when needed.
  11. Attends or participates in Annual Meeting of members, as assigned.
  12. Loads and secures materials and operates required equipment.
    1. Loads/unloads materials and keeps trucks stocked.
    2. Properly secures materials when loading.
    3. Operates underground trenching equipment.
    4. Operates and works from a bucket truck.
    5. Operates special line equipment.
    6. Complies with safety rules while operating vehicles.
    7. Operates vehicles with trailers.
    8. Checks materials in/out of warehouse and completes paperwork.
  13. Communicates using company-provided equipment in accordance with regulations.
    1. Responds when called.
    2. Speaks slowly and clearly on radio.
  14. Performs other duties as assigned, including temporary supervision if required.

Need help? Call us at 1-800-433-3292 or email info@edistoelectric.com