Apprentice Lineman I San Patricio Electric Cooperative, Inc. Sinton, TX Job Details Full-time Estimated: $42.5K – $55K a year 12 hours ago Qualifications OSHA CDL A NEC High school diploma or GED Ammeter 1 year Entry level Full Job Description Under the direction of the Construction, the Apprentice Lineman I is responsible for building, maintaining, and repairing overhead and underground power distribution lines within the scope of his/her training and certification in a safe and efficient manner within accepted operations standards. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Prepares vehicles for construction or maintenance projects to include fueling, loading poles, stocking materials and supplies, and inspecting machinery and equipment. Performs preventive maintenance on bucket truck and digger. Drives bucket truck, digger, trencher and forklift. Works with senior apprentices and journeyman lineman to construct, retire and maintain power lines within the scope of training and certification. Climbs de-energized poles under the direct supervision of a journeyman lineman. Under the direct supervision of a journeyman, assist in the inspection of existing power lines looking for problems and trouble shooting problems. May assist in the training of less-experienced apprentice linemen Required to study and learn required job knowledge and skills in order to advance in a timely manner through the complete apprenticeship program as per the program’s guidelines. Completes second 2000 on the job hours of training which include being competent in and demonstrating the ability to, and understanding of: Inspect, set up and operate a Line truck. Select proper tension sleeves and tools to splice conductors. Check voltage at member’s meter base. At a designated pole, identify the various circuits or other installations such as telephone wire and cables. State the proper ground clearance for wires over a highway, bodies of water, driveway or railroad crossings. Install a member’s meter and record the information. Install personal protective grounds on a line that has been de-energized (both overhead and underground). Frame a pole and identify the installation that is to be made on it. Use hand signals for loading or unloading poles on or from a trailer. Fill out an injury report. Place lights or flags on a trailer when hauling poles. Identify types of single-phase transformers (conventional, or pad mount). Use of an amp meter. Identify primary voltages on distribution circuit. Safely handle a capacitor. Adult CPR (re-certified). Safety Manual procedures. RUS Specifications (overhead and underground). Chain saw safety. Frame various three phase construction units. Properly set up warning signs when working beside a highway. Tie-in poles using tie-wire. Sag primary wire off the pole. Hang transformers off the pole. Use, clean and inspect all tools. Maintains current knowledge of equipment, RUS specifications, OSHA regulations, mapping system, and other operational and regulatory systems related to the responsibilities of the position. Substation training as coordinated, monitored by the Operations Supervisor. Provides customer service as needed and appropriate. Promotes electric use by taking every opportunity to acquaint the consumers with the productive uses of electricity; obtaining increased member and public understanding of the Cooperative’s objectives, plans and programs, and of rural electrification in general. OTHER INFORMATION: The Apprentice Lineman I, under the supervision of the Operations Manager or his/her designee is responsible for ensuring the continuous performance and reliability of the cooperative’s 4,000 miles of distribution lines, composing 10,000 square miles of service area. Within the parameters dictated by managers and foremen, Cooperative policy and applicable RUS, OSHA, DOT, PUC and other regulatory requirements, this position has no autonomy and latitude to identify and solve problems and make decisions necessary to manage the operation of the electric distribution system dependent on training, experience, and certification. EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE High school diploma and enrollment of an approved 4-year apprenticeship lineman program is required. A minimum of one year experience in electric utility distribution operations, including distribution system construction and maintenance is required. Prior experience and certification is required to qualify for Apprentice Lineman III and IV at entry; training requirements and experience as outlined in the Apprentice Lineman Training Program are required to move from one level to another. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES This position requires knowledge of RUS line specifications, National Electric Code, National Electric Safety Code, OSHA Rules and Regulations, and cooperative policies and procedures. Ability to effectively read and follow operations and safety manuals. Ability to follow directions and work with other apprentice lineman and warehouse personnel, as assigned. Ability to communicate with other apprentice linemen and journeyman lineman and work with people to solve problems is required. Personal Protective Equipment Proper PPE is required in field operations, which includes pole climbing gear and steel toe/EH boots as well as other provided equipment. Physical Effort and Dexterity: Frequent physical activity, to include walking, stooping, bending, frequent lifting up to 70 lbs., occasional lifting in excess of 70 lbs., climbing, kneeling, reaching, stooping, crawling, pushing, and working in awkward positions and enclosed spaces is normal. Machines, Tools, Equipment required to be operated: Required to use heavy machines and equipment, and power and hand tools in field operations, to include pole climbing gear, hydraulic tamps, power line conductors, secondary wires, and volt/ohm meters. Visual Acuity, Hearing, Speaking: Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance in a hot line work environment. Visual color discrimination is required to differentiate wire and part colors. Environment/Working Conditions: Work is mostly outside in close proximity to hot line construction and maintenance and energized conductors in varying weather conditions; and is exposed to the hazards of electrical shock and burns as well as to falls. Position requires travel throughout the service area. Work regularly scheduled Monday-Friday, although weekends and after hours may be required to meet deadlines or address distribution problems. This position requires participation in rotating on-call schedule. Employee Requirements: This position requires this employee to report to duty within thirty (30) minutes of notification. This position requires employee to possess and maintain a working telephone number. A current Texas CDL (class A) driver’s license is required within 6 months of hire; and, must have and maintain an insurable driving record. Job Type: Full-time Schedule: 8 hour shift On call Work Location: Multiple locations