This position assists with the installation, maintenance, operation, removal and inspection of electrical overhead and underground distribution facilities and distribution substation facilities. This is a four-year apprenticeship with a processive step by step program.

·         A class “A” CDL, preferred.

Definitions: 

The following reference is provided as a guideline for persons responsible for directing the duties and responsibilities of assigned personnel, to assist in the safety and development of employees, and is not intended to limit assignment of work or the degree of supervision under all operating conditions:

·         Direct Supervision:  A qualified person is working hands-on directly with the person performing the designated task.  (In the same bucket, on the pole with them)

·         Immediate Supervision:  A qualified person is near the structure / equipment and is in continual visual and/or verbal contact with the person performing the task. (Another bucket working the same structure, on the pole being worked, etc.)

·         General Supervision:  A qualified person is in the general vicinity of the apprentice.

·         Must be supportive of Cooperative business concepts and principals.

·         Must be of high integrity, dependable and professional.

·         Punctual and conscientious about work hours and perform overtime when requested.  Communicate with supervisor when unable to work at the appointed time.

·         Accept responsibility for the duties of your position.  Work diligently toward complete accurate work assignments.

·         Develop the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the duties of the position.  Attend meetings and seminars as directed.

·         Continually develop and recommend more efficient and effective ways of carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the position.

·         Review and abide by established policies and procedures of the Cooperative.

·         Must have a high regard for the safety of themselves and others.  Promote safety in every activity and attend scheduled safety meetings as directed.  Become familiar with and abide by the PPEC safety rules and procedures.

·         Must have the desire to work as part of a team and contribute to the high morale in the organization.  Promote teamwork through communication and cooperation.  Treat co-workers in a professional manner and consider the opinions and personal needs of others.

·         Accept and adapt positively to changes in your position and within the Cooperative.  Develop a commitment to accept ongoing change.

·         Be a positive influence within and outside the Cooperative.

·         Support the Cooperative’s mission by staying current with information to cultivate and positively project the Cooperative’s philosophy.

First Year/Step One

Under the supervision of Journeyman Lineman, performs all assigned groundwork while learning line skills and obtaining knowledge of safe and efficient procedures, which includes:

·         Observes from ground level all actions and procedures of Journeyman Lineman on pole and participates in Pole Top and Bucket Truck Rescue 

·         Becomes familiar with materials used in construction units.

·         Assists in loading, hauling, and delivering poles to the proper location.

·         Assists in framing and setting poles and structures.

·         Assists in installing anchors, ground rods, ground wires and other line material.

·         Assists in the stringing, splicing, and sagging of electrical conductors and cable on deenergized lines.

·         Observes and assists (when deenergized) in the installation and change-out of meters, transformers, and other electrical apparatus.

·         Learns to read and record meter readings.

·         Assists in the disassembly and retirement of construction units.

·         Performs routine maintenance on tools and equipment.

·         Performs all assigned groundwork while learning line skills.

·         Learns and observes safety rules and procedures.

·         Learns to climb poles with no voltage source.

First Year/Step Two

Under the supervision of Journeyman Lineman:

·         Continues with duties described under First Year/Step One.

·         Becomes familiar with staking sheets.

·         Learns to record material used and retired.

·         Learns to climb poles and use an aerial device on non-energized lines.

·         Performs work on de-energized lines such as tying in conductor, making up services.

·         May be assigned to standby duties accompanied by a Journeyman Lineman  

·         Under direct supervision installs and changes out meters

·         Under direct supervision learns to climb poles and uses an aerial device on single phase services of 600 volts or less and performs assigned tasks.      

·          Can work pad mount transformers while deenergized.

·         Frames and sets poles and structures around energized lines

·         Under direct supervision can use extendo stick/pogo

Second Year/ Step Three

Provides efficient service in the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Cooperative's distribution system; improves his skills and knowledge toward becoming a Journeyman Lineman by performing assigned work under the direct supervision of a Journeyman Lineman, such as:

·         Climbs poles and uses an aerial device to perform work on de-energized primary voltage lines.

·         Strings, splices, sags, and ties electric conductors on de-energized lines.

·         Under immediate supervision installs and changes out transformers, cutouts, reclosers, breakers, sectionalizers, and other associated apparatus on de­energized lines or lines energized at 600 volts or less.

·         Constructs special structures, substations, switching stations and power banks on de-energized lines.

·         Retires and disassembles construction assembly units on de­energized lines.
     - Installs or removes security lights and other service equipment on de­energized lines or energized lines of 600 volts or less.

·         Under immediate supervision installs and changes out meters

·         Under immediate supervision can use extendo stick/pogo

·         Under immediate supervision can work energized lines of 600 volts or less.

Second Year/Step Four

·         Under direct supervision learns to use shotgun/live line tools and cover-up on energized single-phase lines.

·         Under general supervision can use extendo stick/pogo.

·         Under direct supervision can work energized single phase.

·         Under direct supervision works in energized pad mount transformers.

·         Under general supervision can work on energized lines of 600 volts or less

Third Year/Step Five

·         Under Direct supervision climbs poles to perform work on poles that have primary voltage attachments.

·         Under direct supervision can work on energized polyphase lines.

·         Is familiar with and installs gin poles, blocks, and other rigging equipment.

·         Qualified to install and change out meters.

·         Under immediate supervision learns to use shotgun/live line tools and cover-up on energized single-phase lines

·         Qualified to work energized lines of 600 volts or less.

Third Year/Step Six

·         Installs and changes out meters, transformers, cutouts, reclosers, breakers, sectionalizers and other associated apparatus.

·         Strings, splices, sags, and ties in electric conductors and supporting cables.

·         Constructs special structures, substations, switching stations and power banks.

·         Under general supervision can work energized single-phase.

·         Under immediate supervision can work energized polyphase lines.

·         Under immediate supervision can work energized pad mount transformers.

Fourth Year/Step Seven

·         Under general supervision, is familiar with the proper use of and uses hot line tools and equipment when doing hot line work, places special emphasis on safe practices because of the proximity of work to high voltage conductors.

·         Under direct supervision, learns to prepare certain records and special reports as required by the Cooperative.

·         Under general supervision can work energized single-phase.

·         Under general supervision can work energized polyphase.

·         Under general supervision can work energized pad mount transformers.

·         Sets meters on new connections and makes reports as required.

Fourth Year/Step Eight

·         Qualified to perform all duties and work as assigned to Journeyman Lineman.

Additional Responsibilities

·         Provides support during major outages as directed.

·         First-aid and CPR training.

·         Drive, maintain and stock vehicles.  Employee is permitted to drive company vehicles requiring Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), after submitting proof of CDL.

·         Operate company radio.

·         Digging of holes.

·         Keep records as required.

·         Reports ready for work each day at the appointed time; if unable to do so, notifies the Operations Manager or Line Supervisor prior to regular reporting time.

·         Perform all other tasks and duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships:

Reports to:

Crew Leader and/or Line Supervisor

Supervises and Directs work of:

None

External relationships:

Specifications:

Education and Experience:

·         High school or vocational school graduate or have satisfactorily completed the General Education Development (GED), with emphasis and proficiency in the subject areas of science, mechanics, and mathematics.

·         Must be knowledgeable of all required job skills, qualifications, responsibilities, and authority expected of the employee by the Cooperative.

Skills and Abilities:

·         Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.

·         Must be able to communicate well both verbally and in writing. Effectively convey and share information and ideas with others.  Listen carefully and understand various viewpoints.

·         Must be able to operate computers and various software programs proficiently.

·         Works together with others and helps others to work cooperatively to accomplish goals/objectives.

Additional Expectations:

               Maintain confidentiality regarding PPEC proprietary information and other department information. 

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• This position is subject to adverse weather elements/hazards, and subject to work-related hazards while performing the job.

• Outside work with physical exertion requiring upper body strength and stamina.

• Must be physically able to function in the position.

• Must have strength in walking, sitting, and standing.

• Must be able to safely lift, carry, push, or pull up to 75 pounds.

• Must be able to climb and balance.

• Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.

• Must be able to reach and handle items.

• Must have good communication skills.

• Must have good sight, depth perception, and color vision.

• Must shovel dirt and work around noisy construction equipment.

• Must work in uneven terrain.

·         Will frequently work near energized lines and equipment requiring safe work habits performed in accordance with established work procedures and specifications to avoid electric shock and injury.

• May be at risk from exposure to blood borne pathogens.