Apprentice Lineman I

Learns and assists the Lineman A, B, or C in performing all activities required to maintain or construct distribution lines and to ensure the continuity of service to member-consumers, aids in the restoration of service and keeps informed on and complies with all safety policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

II. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

A. Reports to: Lineman A, B, or C

III. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Installs and services security lights and related equipment with Lineman A, B, or C.

B. With the Lineman A, B or C, performs all necessary activities to maintain and repair energized and de-energized overhead and underground distribution lines, switching structure, breakers, take-off assemblies, services, regulators, and transformers.

C. Keeps informed as to the direction of the line feeds, locations of reclosing and switching devices.

D. Patrols the lines and checks for defective materials, equipment or unsafe conditions and notifies the supervisor of problem areas.

E. Is familiar with the considerable hazards that exist, including falls, electric shock, electric flash, automobile traffic, and falling objects. Understands and uses proper safety and protective equipment.

F. Performs, as needed, all the duties of groundman, equipment operator, and lineman/serviceman. Sees that trucks, tools, and assigned equipment are properly used and kept in good working order.

G. Reads, connects, and disconnects meters. Completes necessary paperwork.

H. Inspects the service entrance, including switch box and other protective equipment, on all new or rewired structures, prior to rendering service to ensure conformance with the National Electric Safety Code and Magic Valley Electric Cooperative's wiring requirements.

I. Observes all safety rules.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities of personnel so classified.

The Apprentice Lineman shall be required to perform any other duties assigned in order to fulfill the objectives of the Cooperative.

IV.    EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

A.    Member-Consumers:  Responds to their inquiries and resolves problems or directs them to the Lineman, Lead Lineman, or appropriate personnel.

B.    General Public:  Maintains good relations in all contacts with the public.

Equipment Operated:  Must be able to operate assigned equipment including bucket trucks, forklifts, backhoe, trencher, winches, drills, chainsaws, and high compression tools.  Must possess a valid Texas commercial driver’s license (class A).  Must learn to operate primary and secondary fault and cable locators, and digger derricks.

 Abilities and Skills:  Must be able to perform the activities necessary to complete work assignments described in the position description.  Must be able to identify safety hazards and communicate concerns and risks. Must be able to climb poles, be certified as a climber, and perform pole top rescue within OSHA’s recommended time limit before completing the first three months of employment (probationary period) and maintain proficiency. 

Physical Effort:  Under the direction of the Lineman/Lead Lineman, this position climbs poles and/or stands in hydraulic bucket to work at heights installing transformers on line of up to 70 feet, often working in awkward positions that require stretching and/or twisting the body, and fine manipulation of the hands while wearing personal protective equipment (leather and rubber gloves and leather sleeves).  Frequently lifts materials and equipment weighting up to fifty pounds.  Occasionally lifts items that weigh up to 100 pounds.  Shovels dirt, works around noisy equipment, and visually inspects work for safe connections.  Works with energized lines that must be handled according to National Electrical Safety Code specifications to avoid electric shock.  Some activities may be performed on uneven surfaces.  Excellent hand-eye coordination is required. 

Working Conditions:  This position’s activities call for outside work in all kinds of weather.  This may be required approximately 90 percent of the time with irregular hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.  Overtime is required.  This position serves on-call rotation as assigned. 

After an offer of employment has been made, a physical examination is required which includes both drug and alcohol testing.