Groundman or Lineman (Alpine)

Job Description

Groundman

The position is an entry-level position into RGEC’s Lineman Apprenticeship Program. Progression into the program is required within six months of becoming a groundman. The primary duties of this position will be to assist line personnel on the ground.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Must demonstrate competencies through assessment and/or job evaluation in order to progress to RGEC’s Lineman Apprenticeship Program within six months of becoming a groundman
• Perform various manual labor type tasks at the work site to assist line personnel (e.g. load and unload supplies and materials, cut brush, clean trucks, dig ditches and assist in preparing materials)
• Observe lineman work and anticipate needs for material and tools
• Prepare materials for use at the work site
• Perform tasks as assigned by line personnel
• Learn duties and tasks through on-the-job training
• Must become familiar with RUS Materials utilized in the construction and maintenance of underground, overhead distribution and transmission lines
• Frame poles in accordance with RUS specifications
• Rig ropes and blocks and become familiar with knot tying
• Gain knowledge of system area in order to perform job efficiently
• Ability to read system maps and staking sheets
• Assist in the proper use and care of all tools and equipment
• Exercise extreme care to protect private property while on premises
• Participate in training programs for job knowledge and technical skill
• Must learn and practice Cooperative’s safety rules and procedures
• Must complete TEEX Introductory Module Courses (1 “Electric Power Fundamentals” and 2 “Principals of Grounding”) within six months of becoming a groundman
• Must be or become certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Perform other jobs as needed

Qualifications

• Must reside within 20 minutes from assigned area office
• Must demonstrate knowledge and willingness to advance into RGEC’s Apprenticeship Program after six months of becoming a groundman
• Must become certified in Pole Top Rescue and Bucket Rescue within six months of becoming a groundman.
• Must be able to learn to operate assigned equipment, including but not limited to bucket trucks, digger trucks, lift trucks, forklift, trencher, winches, drills, chainsaws and high compression tools
• Must be able to comply with RGEC Policy 2.7.5 – Operation of Weight-Restricted Equipment provisions. (*REQUEST COPY OF POLICY, IF NOT PROVIDED.)
• Must be able to communicate via satellite radio
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to learn program software
• Knowledge of communication technology (e.g. iPad)
• Must possess and maintain a valid Texas drivers’ license
• Must be insurable with the Cooperative's auto insurance carrier
• Must have or obtain a Class “A” Interstate CDL within six months from becoming a groundman (VISIT TxDPS COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE WEBSITE FOR QUALIFICATIONS)
• Must possess oral and written communication skills in the English language
• Perform basic mathematical computations
• Must possess good interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain a harmonious working relationship with all Cooperative employees, the members and the public

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work under adverse weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold, high winds or stormy conditions
• Must be able to work “On Call” and during emergencies
• Overtime hours may be required
• Subject to travel away from home during emergencies or when assistance from another office is required
• Irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays

Physical Requirements

• Shovels dirt, works around noisy equipment and visually inspect work for safe connections
• Use shovel, hammer, pliers, and basic hand tools
• Must have sufficient health to perform the essential functions, duties and responsibilities of the job
• Requires climbing, lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying of weights.
• Frequently lifts materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; occasionally lifts items that weigh up to 100 pounds
• Requires quick/accurate hand-eye coordination
• To ensure all employees are provided with drug-free and alcohol-free working conditions, pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable cause and random drug and alcohol tests are conducted

Lineman Apprentice I

Lineman Apprentice I Job Knowledge, Education and Training

Lineman certificate or equivalent experience required. Successful completion of each phase of the apprenticeship program is required. Must be able to learn and apply information from technical manuals in the completion of duties. Must be able to complete reports and other paperwork and be able to perform basic mathematical calculations. Must complete TEEX Introductory Modules 1 & 2 within six months from hire. Must complete Northwest Lineman College (NLC) Lineman Certification Program (LCP) Module I, tests 1 thru 5. Must acquire a working knowledge of construction, maintenance and service of electric distribution facilities within a reason able time span as determined by Cooperative apprenticeship program achieving 1,000 hours of “On the Job Learning” (OJL). Must learn and practice Cooperative’s Safety Rule s and Procedures. Must learn RUS Materials
and the National Electrical Safety Code® as required for each phase of the apprenticeship program. Must be or become certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Lineman Apprentice I Abilities and Skills

Position requires climbing utility pol es and/or standing in a hydraulic bucket to work at heights installing transformers and other hardware, on lines, often working in awkward positions. Must be able to learn to operate assigned equipment including bucket trucks, digger trucks, lift trucks, trencher s, winches, drills and high compression tools. Must possess good interpersonal skills including the ability to maintain a harmonious relationship with all cooperative personnel and the member s. Must possess oral and written communications skills in the English language. Must be able to communicate via satellite radio. Must learn to utilize computer terminals, navigate the internet, and receive e-mail. Must be able to learn new computer software programs as they come into use for daily work. Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License and be insurable with the Cooperative's insurance carrier. Must hold or obtain a Class “A” Interstate CDL and successfully complete DDC within six months from hire. As individual progresses through the apprenticeship program they must be able to perform pole top rescue. Frequently moves and/or carries mate rials and equipment weighing up to fifty pounds. Occasionally moves and/or carries items that weigh up to 100 pounds. Shovels dirt, works around noisy equipment and visually inspects work for safe connections.

Lineman Apprentice I Working Conditions

Activities are performed on energized lines and de-energized lines. Non-exempt position. Irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays. Overtime is required.Must be able to work standby and during emergencies. Must be able to work under adverse weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold, high winds or stormy conditions. To ensure all employees are drug and alcohol free, pre-employment, post accident, reasonable cause and random drug and alcohol tests are conducted in compliance with Department of Transportation regulations.