Apprentice Line Tech I - Blue Ridge Energy : Job Details

PUPOSE OF POSITIONTo provide outstanding customer service to the members of Blue Ridge Energy by constructing, operating, maintaining and repairing the cooperative's overhead and underground electric utility distribution and transmission power lines and their associated equipment (fuses, OCRs, OCBs transformers, poles, and other pole/line hardware, etc.) and to restore electric service promptly, safely, and efficiently when interrupted regardless of time of day, night, or weather conditions.DUTIESUnless a person has demonstrated previous experience in electric power distribution line construction and maintenance, he/she shall start as a Ground Person Apprentice 1. This position is a learning job only, enabling the individual to determine if he/she wants to enter training in line work and enabling the Cooperative to determine whether the individual has the basic skills, interests, and abilities for Line Technician training.Nature of Work - The Apprentice 1 works only on the ground and is not expected to participate in any type of construction or maintenance activity on poles; however, during the training period, he/she shall be expected to gain experience on practice poles so that, upon entering the second six months of training, he/she can be involved actively in work upon cold poles.Line Conditions - Under no conditions will an Apprentice 1 have a work assignment which will place him/her within the minimum distance of a hot line.Materials and Equipment - The Apprentice 1 shall be introduced to the Distribution Specifications Manual and will be expected to work with all basic materials and equipment used in line construction (OH and URD). The Apprentice 1 will be responsible for learning the proper care of all equipment used by assigned crew(s). He/she must learn to: frame poles properly on the ground; install poles, anchors, and guys; cut and clear right-of-way properly, using power equipment as necessary, assist on URD installations (dead) as directed; and assist other crew members, as requested and directed.Safety Practices and Training - The Apprentice 1 will receive training in safe practices of performing all of the above duties and of handling all tools and equipment which are used. In addition, he/she will receive basic training in first aid, including CPRElectrical Theory - The Apprentice 1 will begin learning basic electrical theory, learn the voltages of lines worked on, and should begin to develop an understanding of the distribution system layout.Records, Reports, and Related Information - The Apprentice 1 will learn basic work order procedures and will gain an understanding of the Cooperative's basic residential and commercial rates.Supervision, Training Period, and Progression - The Apprentice 1 will work under the general supervision of the Operations Manager and the direction of an assigned Line Technician or Crew Leader. He/she shall remain in the Apprentice 1's Classification for a period of six months. At the end of that time, a decision will be made by the Operations Manager as to whether he/she can be advanced to the next training step - Apprentice Line Technician 1 (second six months). He/she shall demonstrate the skills and acquired knowledge before advancement.QUALIFICATIONS

Candidate must have a positive attitude toward the delivery of the highest level of service possible to Blue Ridge members.

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Must have knowledge or related work experience in the utility industry.

Must have knowledge of electric power distribution lines, National Electric Safety Code, electrical theory, system service rules and regulations and pertinent policies and practices.

Must reside within 30 minutes of the Ashe district office in West Jefferson, NC.

Must have a current, valid, commercial Class A driver's license at all times and a safe driving record. Candidate may be considered with a commercial Class B driver's license under the condition of obtaining a Class A shortly after employment.

Must be able to work overtime and on-call.

Physical Activity Requirements (Type): A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, RPhysical Demands Requirements (Degree): EVisual Acuity Requirements: CWorking Condition Requirements: C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J