Apprentice Lineman

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To participate as a member of a crew responsible for the performance of a variety of semi-skilled tasks relative to the construction, maintenance, and repair of electrical distribution/transmission lines.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry-level class within the lineman division. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Journeyman Lineman by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the lineman division. Apprentices are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters related to established procedures and guidelines, as are employees in the journeyman level. Since this class is an entry-level class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Electric Distribution Superintendent, Lineman Foreman or Journeyman Lineman.

Exercises no supervision.

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS - Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

1. Assist in the performance of a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks associated with the construction, maintenance, and repair of electrical distribution/transmission lines including digging holes, setting poles, installing pole cross arms and fixtures, stringing wire, installing transformers and meter equipment.
2. Assist in the response to service calls concerning power outages and electrical problems, investigate complaints, arrange for planned outages, and identify locations of underground facilities.
3. Assist in the performance of regular testing of equipment and machinery to maintain quality assurance and high performance.
4. Assist in the performance of a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks associated with the construction, maintenance, and repair of streetlights.
5. Learn to operate line truck, bucket truck, backhoe, trencher, hydraulic digger derrick, pole auger and other equipment needed for maintaining and repairing electrical distribution/transmission lines. 

Marginal Functions:

1. Participate in classroom and on the job training.
2. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge of:

Basic operations, services and activities of a comprehensive electrical distribution program.

Basic principles and practices of electrical distribution.

Basic methods, materials, techniques and equipment used in the construction, maintenance, and repair 

of electrical distribution/transmission lines.

Basic operational characteristics of equipment and tools used in the area of work assigned.

Safe handling of traffic in a construction zone.

Basic mathematical calculations.

Occupational hazards and safety practices.

Pertinent Federal, State and Local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

Learn to perform unskilled and semi-skilled construction, maintenance, and repair tasks related to electrical

distribution/transmission lines.

Learn to operate a variety of vehicular and stationary mechanical equipment in a safe and effective manner.

Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.

Follow all safety rules and regulations of the Electric Utility Department.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with those contacted in the course of work.

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which 

may include the following:

• Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Lifting and/or carrying moderate to heavy objects
• Performing heavy manual labor
• Operating a forklift
• Traveling to various work locations
• Climbing ladders and electrical poles
• Conducting inspections
• Bending, stooping or kneeling for extended periods of time

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

• Making observations
• Communicating with others
• Evaluating status of vehicles and equipment
• Operating assigned equipment and vehicles
• Answering questions
• Speaking in a clear and audible voice
• Traveling to various work locations

Ability to: 

• Evaluating the performance of mechanical and electrical machinery and hand tools

Maintain mental capacity that permits:

• Making sound decisions and using good judgement
• Communicating clearly
• Responding to questions
• Determining when hazardous situations exist
• Thinking clearly in emergency situations

Effectively handle a work environment and conditions that involve:

• Working alone and working closely with others
• Field and warehouse work
• Exposure to high dosage of electricity
• Irregular work hours
• Working with the public

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

No experience required.

Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid State of Kansas Commercial Drivers License

with an air brake rider (trailer).

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid C.P.R. Certificate.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid First Aid Certificate.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, accredited, valid Journeyman Lineman Certificate.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions:

Work primarily in a field environment; travel from site to site; inclement weather conditions; noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases; exposure to high voltage, electrical energy, radiant energy; work at heights in a bucket, on scaffolding and/or ladders.

Physical Conditions:

Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing and sitting for prolonged periods of time; ability to distinguish color; general manual dexterity; heavy or moderate lifting and carrying; bending stooping, kneeling, crawling; climbing with both legs and arms; operating motorized equipment and vehicles.