Apprentice Lineperson – Edgefield District Office

                                          

Job Title: Apprentice Lineperson

Department: Operations

Reports To: Crew Chief or as assigned

Prepared Date: 12/30/2010

Approved Date:  4/26/11

Revised: 5/2014

Revised:  10/3/18

Revised:  05/09/19

 

Summary  Effectively and efficiently perform all duties required in constructions and maintenance of the distribution system.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

 

Digging pole and anchor holes.

 

Setting and aligning pole and anchors.         

 

Making up and installing all types of guys.

 

Stringing, sagging and tying-in conductors of all sizes and types.

 

Installing and connecting transformers, fuse cutouts, arrestor, switches, oil circuit reclosers and sectionalizers.

 

Framing and installing pole assemblies, on the ground or in the air, performing work in a trainee capacity in the construction, maintenance operations and retirement of electric distribution system, all in accordance with RUS specifications.

 

Loading and unloading poles, transformers, and other material.

 

Assisting in splicing broken conductors, resagging broken lines, replacing damaged electrical apparatus and facilities, and performing other construction retirements, and operation and maintenance work, as required.

 

Patrolling lines when required, replacing defective equipment, tightening hardware and guys and resagging secondary and services.

 

Learning to perform first-aid and artificial respiration and becoming familiar with pole-top rescue.

 

Staying alert for all hazards that exist in the form of falls, electric shock, electric flash, falling objects and traffic.

 

Keeping familiar with the use of safety equipment and at all times follows all safety procedures, rules and regulations.

 

Service work as required.

 

Participates in safety and job training meetings.

 

Participates in Annual Meeting as required.

 

Is subject to on-call scheduling and over time as required.

 

Establishes and maintains contacts and relationships for the purpose of coordination and communication with internal customers, external customers, government agencies and the general public as appropriate. 

 

Performs such other duties as required.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities                                                

None

 

Competencies                                              

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

 

 

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Works well in group problem solving situations.

 

Technical Skills - Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.

 

Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.

 

Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Listens to others without interrupting; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

 

Oral Communication - Speaks clearly; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.

 

Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

 

Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit;  Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

 

Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.

 

Business Acumen – Learns business implications of decisions; Aligns work with strategic goals as they are communicated and understood.

 

Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Conserves organizational resources.

 

Diversity - Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences.

 

Ethics - Treats people with respect; inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

 

Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities.

 

 

Judgement - Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

 

Motivation - Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles.

 

Planning/Organizing - Understands work activities; Uses time efficiently.

 

Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions.

 

Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness with a safe work practice.

 

Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly with safe work practices.

 

Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

 

Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment.

 

Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.

 

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

 

Initiative - Volunteers readily; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.

 

 Innovation - Meets challenges with resourcefulness.

 

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Education and/or Experience                                              

Two year technical degree in related field or completion of accredited lineperson training course is preferred. Specialized training to be received on the job.  High School Diploma or GED required. Experience in other capacities at the Cooperative or in related fields will be considered.  On-the-job training will be provided.  Prefer knowledge of RUS construction specifications.  Must have basic knowledge of electricity, first-aid, safety rules, CPR and an understanding of materials, tools, and their use.

 

Language Skills                                           

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business manuals, correspondence, technical procedures, and/or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from internal and external customers of the Cooperative.

 

Mathematical Skills                                                 

Ability to work with mathematical concepts. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to apply mathematical concepts to practical situations.

 

 

 

 

 

Reasoning Ability                                                    

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

 

Computer Skills                                          

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Contact Management systems; Design software; Internet software; Payroll systems (such as UPN); Project Management software (such as Mapviewer); Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software.

 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Commercial Driver’s License, CPR-First Aid Certified, Pole Climber Certified

 

Other Qualifications                                                

Must be interested in the Cooperative's programs and objectives.  Must have an interest in a program of self-development under supervision and be willing to accept increased responsibilities.  Must be willing to work overtime and be subject to "on call" scheduling.

 

Must be of high integrity and possess good personal habits. Must be able to pass required Cooperative physical examination and drug screen for the position.  Must progress at an acceptable pace through all four levels of apprenticeship to achieve First Class status.

 

Must have a valid SC driver's license and must qualify for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within three months after employment.  Must show promise of becoming proficient in all types of work required of a Lineperson.  Must demonstrate proficiency in the handling of all tools and equipment used in the trade.

 

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

 

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. Occasional moderate noise exposure.

Note:  All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NRECA Electric Cooperative Employee Competencies

 

Core Competencies The knowledge, skills, and abilities linked to successful performance regardless of role or expertise.
Business Acumen Integrates business, organizational and industry knowledge to one’s own job performance	Cooperative Principles and Practices Demonstrates an appreciation of the co-op business model
	Industry Principles and Concepts Knows the basic and emerging principles and concepts that impact the energy industry
	Business Fundamentals Integrates knowledge of internal and external business structures and processes into daily practice
	Technical Credibility Keeps current in area of expertise and demonstrates competency within areas of functional responsibility
	Political Savvy Understands the impacts of internal and external political dynamics
	Resource Management Uses resources to accomplish objectives and goals
	Service and Community Orientation Anticipates and meets the needs of internal and external customers and stakeholders
	Technology Management Keeps current on developments and leverages technology to meet goals
Personal Effectiveness Demonstrates a professional presence and a commitment to effective job performance	Accountability and Dependability Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work and achieves results with little oversight
	Business Etiquette Maintains a professional presence in business settings
	Ethics and Integrity Adheres to professional standards and acts in an honest, fair and trustworthy manner
	Safety Focus Adheres to all occupational safety laws, regulations, standards, and practices
	Self-Management Manages own time, priorities, and resources to achieve goals
	Self-Awareness / Continual Learning Displays an ongoing commitment to learning and self-improvement
Interactions with Others Builds constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect	Collaboration/Engagement Develops networks and alliances to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals
	Interpersonal Skills Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect
	Communication Clearly and concisely conveying information and effectively listening and responding to others
	Negotiation and Conflict Management Manages and resolves conflicts and disagreements in a constructive manner
	Cooperation and Teamwork Works well with others and within teams to achieve goals
	Diversity Awareness Considers, respects, and adapts individual differences
Problem-Solving Exercises good judgment to make well-informed decisions and to develop and implement effective solutions	Initiative Is proactive and looks for opportunities to make a difference
	Critical Thinking and Decision Making Uses knowledge, facts and data to effectively solve problems and make decisions
	Innovation/Creativity Is able to be an original thinker and go beyond conventional approaches
	Resourceful/Achievement Oriented Focuses on improving performance, meeting or surpassing goals, and producing results
	Flexibility Remains open to new ideas, information, and approaches

 

DISTRIBUTION ENGINEERING COMPETENCIES Deals with technical operation, design and utilization of the electric power system and the myriad of connected devices and systems.
Engineering Practice Applies engineering principles and practices	Mathematics and Science Applies scientific knowledge, logic and calculations to planning, design, and solving practical problems	Computation, Measurement, Estimation, and Application
		Natural Science
		Engineering Science
		Technical Breadth and Depth
	Professional Ethics Displaying strong engineering ethics by evaluating and applying the merits, risks, and social concerns of activities in engineering	Codes of ethics (professional and technical societies)
		Conflicts of interest
	Legal and Public Policy Considerations Complies with federal, and international laws and regulations that impact engineering	Agreements and contract law
		Professional liability
		Public protection issues (e.g., licensing boards)
		Intellectual property (e.g., copyright, trade secrets, patents)
		Private, industrial and public engineering practices
		Applicable construction and manufacturing laws, regulations, standards and codes (e.g. OSHA regulations, MSHA mining regulations, Fire code of the National Fire Protection Association, National Electric Code, International Building Code, etc.)
		National, state, local, and global requirements
		Plans, specifications, and construction contract provisions
Planning and Design Devises a system, component, or process to meet desired needs	Tools and Technology Selecting, utilizing and maintaining tools and technologies to facilitate engineering tasks.	Data Analytics
		Electronic and mechanical measuring and monitoring
		Electronic Communication, Telemetry, and Control
	Engineering Economics/Project Management Applies economics, analysis and project management to engineering projects	Engineering Economics and Analyses (capital budgeting, cost/benefit analysis, time value of money, discounted cash flows; depreciation and taxes)
		Accounting (financial statements and overhead cost allocation - Net income statement, cash flow statement, balance sheet)
	Risk, Reliability and Uncertainty Identifies, assesses, and mitigates potential adverse outcomes.	Testing requirements and procedures, Capabilities and limitations of test
		Uncertainty analysis
		Computer modeling (e.g. load flow analysis)
		Uncertainty  and contingency analysis
		Safety precautions and standards
	System Planning Integrates plans systems to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of system outputs.	Area load forecasting
		Planning parameters
		Construction estimation
		Alternative analysis
		Project prioritization
	Design Engineering Devises a system, component, or process that ensures that all likely aspects of a project or system are considered, and integrated into a whole.	Operating Parameters; Schematics and diagrams
		Physical dimensions
		Reliability requirements
		External surface treatment
		Design life
		External Marking; Signage
		“Design for X” (design within constraints)
		Intellectual property
		Contract Management
		Material and Resource Management
		Design, control and integration of systems
	Quality Control and Quality Assurance Ensures product meets quality standards.	Corrective and preventive actions
		Improving quality
		Quality Assurance and Audits
		Statistical process control methods
Operations and Maintenance The setup, operation, control, maintenance and improvement of power delivery systems.	Construction Equipment and Methods Implements construction methods and tools specific to Transmission and Distribution plants.	Field Inspections
		Construction Consultation
		Resource Coordination
	Maintenance, Installation, and Repair Maintains and optimizes maintenance schedules, processes, asset management plans, etc.	Maintenance planning
		Asset management plans
		Data and Analytics for Determination of Issues
		Repair procedures