Apprentice Lineman I - Mansfield

United Cooperative Services has an open position for an Apprentice Lineman I for our Mansfield Operations Department. 

This non-exempt position starts at $26.56 per hour. Candidate should have a stable, verifiable work history, must have a valid class A CDL with an acceptable MVR. A pre-employment physical and drug screen is required. This is a career job with progressive pay and an outstanding benefit package.

This position has a 30 minute response time requirement to the Mansfield facility.

This position is one of active training in line work with a focus on line construction and service.  Before entering this training step, the individual will have demonstrated his/her ability to work safely and effectively on a pole.

Acquires the skills and knowledge and to perform assigned duties in connection with the operation and maintenance of overhead and URD distribution lines under the direct supervision of qualified lineman or foreman, utilizing safe working habits, along with the following activities:

Working Position

When working with another lineman on a pole, the Apprentice Lineman I will work in the lower portion.

Line Conditions

Under normal working conditions, the Apprentice Lineman I will not work on a pole that has energized lines attached to it.  Pole work will normally be limited to new construction and completely de-energized lines.

Under emergency conditions, an Apprentice Lineman I can be assigned to assist a Foreman, Line Crew Chief, Journeyman, Lineman on assignments involving energized lines.

Duties, Materials and Equipment

The Apprentice Lineman I will be expected to perform all ground assignments and be able to perform the following:

-           Frame erected poles and hangs guys on poles.

-           Hang transformers, reclosers and other equipment on de-energized structures only.

-           Make connections of meter hook-ups, transformers and other equipment on de-energized poles.

-           String and tie-in conductor; lay and make connections of underground cable.

-           Prepare for the installation of overhead and underground  transformers and infrastructure.

Safety Practices and Training

Training will include advanced first aid work, including practice in pole-top resuscitation and rescue.  The Apprentice Lineman I will also receive instruction and practice in the use of hot line tools, ground chains, rubber hoses and other grounding devices and practices.  He/she will be expected to wear rubber gloves and leather protectors while working on poles.

Electrical Theory

The Apprentice Lineman I will receive additional instruction in basic electrical theory, including circuits and grounding connections.

Records, Reports and Related Information

The Apprentice Lineman I will learn to read staking sheets to determine types of construction and needed materials.  He/she should know how to read all kinds of flow meters as used by the cooperative.

Lineman and Apprentices are required to:

• Read meters
• Collect delinquent accounts
• Assist with the annual physical inventory
• Perform all activities associated with right-of-way clearing.
• Become familiar with policies and safety manuals and implement changes as appropriate.
• Perform personally the following activities:
• See that trucks, tools and equipment assigned is in good working order.
• Participate in job safety and training.
• Comply with safety rules and regulations, operates all transportation equipment in a safe manner and looks out for the safety of others.
• Keep informed about the cooperative and its policies, plans and programs.
• Exercise reasonable care in the use of and security of all cooperative-owned property.
• Keeps supervisor informed of all activities.
• Answer all member inquiries promptly or refers them to proper representative with the cooperative.
• Make every effort at all times to be courteous to the members and to do all possible to develop their support for the cooperative.
• Cooperate with all employees in maintaining good working relationships and high morale, exchange ideas, information and job experience.
•  Adhere to encourage United safety policies and procedures and offer recommendations to your supervisor to enhance the cooperative’s safety culture.

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 an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.

The Apprentice Lineman I will be required to perform any other duties assigned to fulfill the objectives of the Cooperative.


RELATIONSHIPS

Consumer-Members: Courteously answers member inquiries and, if unable to do so, directs them to the appropriate person.  Remains alert for possible property damage.  Makes every effort to increase their understanding and acceptance of the Cooperative's plans, policies and programs.

General Public: Maintains friendly, cooperative relationships with the general public.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Job Knowledge, Training and Experience: Requires high diploma or equivalent. Must acquire within a reasonable time span knowledge of appropriate cooperative safety rules and regulations, RUS Material Specifications, policies and procedures pertaining to their respective job assignments.  Safety rules and regulations are detailed in the American Public Power Association Safety manual and the National Electric Safety Code.
Must be able to learn and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Equipment Operated: Position will be trained to operate equipment used in line construction and maintenance including buckets, forklift, backhoe, trencher, winches and high compression tools.  Must be able to obtain a valid obtain a valid Texas commercial driver license (CDL).

Abilities and Skills: Must be able to perform the activities necessary to complete work assignments described in the position description.  Must be able to read and interpret maps, diagrams and technical information.  Must be able to make mathematical calculations and complete reports with accuracy and detail.

Physical Effort: Must be able to perform all activities listed in the job description with or without reasonable accommodation.  Position requires climbing and standing in hydraulic bucket to work at heights installing transformers on line, often working in awkward positions.  Frequently moves materials and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds from one level to another.  Occasionally lift and moves items that weigh up to 100 pounds from one level to another.  Position occasionally requires taste and smell.  Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Visually inspects work for safe connections.  Occasionally works with energized line that must be handled according to National Electrical Safety Code Specifications to avoid electric shock.  Position typically utilizes trucks, and other equipment in the completion of duties.

Working Conditions: This position is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions and risk of electrical shock.  The employee is frequently exposed to high, precarious places.  The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration.  The noise level is usually moderate. Irregular hours include nights, weekends and holidays. 
United Cooperative Services is an equal opportunity employer and provider.