Apprentice Rural Electric Cooperative Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UPSHUR RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CORPORATION

JOB DESCRIPTION AND QUALIFICATIONS

TITLE: LINEMAN - JOURNEYMAN GRADE: 10 NON-EXEMPT

NRECA JOB FAMILY: 55 OPERATIONS NRECA JOB CODE: 55-6433

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of a Crew Foreman and general supervision of a General Foreman, the Journeyman Lineman performs skilled work in the construction, maintenance, and repair of overhead and underground electric distribution and transmission systems. This position operates in accordance with cooperative safety standards, RUS guidelines, and applicable regulations, while supporting reliable electric service to cooperative members. The Journeyman Lineman may provide guidance, training, and temporary leadership to crew members as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following list sets forth the primary responsibilities required for the job. It is not intended to be an all-encompassing list; therefore, responsibilities are, but not limited to:

• Perform journeyman-level line work on energized and de-energized distribution and transmission systems in accordance with cooperative, OSHA, and RUS standards.
• Construct, maintain, and repair poles, conductors, transformers, regulators, capacitors, reclosers, and related equipment.
• Operate and inspect line equipment including bucket trucks, digger derricks, augers, and winches; report deficiencies.
• Patrol circuits to identify hazards, outages, and maintenance needs; troubleshoot and restore service.
• Perform switching operations on distribution circuits and within substations as authorized.
• Read, install, and remove meters in support of member service operations.
• Climb poles and structures using approved safety practices.
• Respond to outages, emergencies, and storm restoration efforts, including extended hours and on-call duty.
• Provide training and mentorship to apprentices and less experienced personnel.
• Serve as acting crew leader in the absence of the Crew Foreman.
• Utilize cooperative mapping systems, outage management systems (OMS), and related technologies.
• Promote positive member relations through professional and courteous interactions.
• Identify and report safety hazards and ensure adherence to all safety practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

• Participate in all required safety training, continuing education, and cooperative-sponsored programs.
• Maintain required certifications and licenses.
• Support development of apprentices through structured training and on-the-job instruction.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Comply with all cooperative safety policies and procedures, as well as OSHA, RUS, and state regulations.
• Properly use and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Participate in daily job briefings and safety meetings.
• Promote a culture of safety and accountability among crew members.
• Assist in maintaining tools, vehicles, and equipment in safe working condition.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive linework experience.
• Completion of a recognized four (4) year apprenticeship program preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Valid Class A CDL required and must be maintained.
• CPR and First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain within six (6) months).
• Ability to work independently and respond to outages and emergency situations.
• Working knowledge of electric utility construction standards and RUS specifications.
• Proficiency in using job-related technology (mapping systems, OMS, mobile tools).
• Strong communication skills and ability to interact effectively with cooperative members and team members.
• Must reside within established response time requirements set by the cooperative.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Safety Leadership
• Technical Proficiency
• Problem Solving & Troubleshooting
• Accountability & Reliability
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Communication Skills
• Member Focus
• Adaptability

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to exert in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Ascending and descending electric poles frequently, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized.
• Maintaining body equilibrium is a must to prevent falling when climbing electric poles or walking and/or standing on erratically moving surfaces.
• Bending body downward and forward frequently, by bending spine at the waist requiring full use of the lower extremities and back muscles.
• Bending legs at knee, coming to rest on knee or knees.
• Frequently bending the body downward by leg and spine and moving about on hand and knees or hands and feet.
• Standing for sustained periods of time/and/or walking for long distances.
• Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward and/or using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag or tug objects in a sustained motion.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Works outdoors 95% of the time in all types of weather conditions and environmental conditions such as holes in the ground, fallen branches, rough terrain or heavy underbrush.
• Works in temperatures that can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit and drop to below 32 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.
• Works in potentially hazardous conditions caused by pets and wildlife in or near
  the work site. Works in areas with possible exposure to various poison plants and insects including, but not limited to, poison oak, poison ivy, and various insect stings.
• Uses shovel, hammer, pliers, tamp and basic hand tools.
• Works in conditions where there is potential loss of limb or Iife, and electrical
  shock.
• Works in no or low light conditions using handheld lantern or spotlights.

THE PREVIOUS 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 CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES OF PERSONNEL S0 CLASSIFIED.