Advanced Level Distribution Underground Line Apprentice 3 or 4

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About the role

This position supports the operations process in providing and maintaining service to new and existing customers by maintaining a working knowledge of computer systems, tools, equipment, and material necessary to install, maintain, and repair the vault and manhole underground distribution system. The position should be familiar with the day-to-day operations and specifications of the vault and manhole distribution system.

This role may not be required to be on-call on a routine basis but must be available to work all hours as needed, day or night, weekends or holidays, to perform work required during planned outages or emergency situations. The position must perform all duties in a safe manner and adhere to all Company safety rules and procedures. Technicians in this role generally do not perform work on the overhead distribution system and are limited to the vault and manhole electric system.

Responsibilities

• Perform and/or direct electrical construction, maintenance, or repair work on underground cables and equipment when energized (not to exceed 600 volts to ground).
• Perform maintenance on 200 amp underground cables for 12 months, then any energized underground cables and equipment for the next 12 months.
• Operate all types of backhoes, loaders, trenchers, and other similar equipment.
• Develop work tasks, job scopes, and pre-job briefings.
• Make complicated splice joints on 200 amp underground cables.
• Install, replace, and repair distribution transformers, potheads, junction boxes, oil switches, associated metal structures, and similar or associated equipment.
• Coordinate with personnel from other departments, public authorities, other utilities, contractors, and customers regarding underground construction assignments.
• Write and execute simple switching procedures for the primary network system.
• Install, replace, and repair network transformers, network protectors, signal alarm devices, and similar or associated equipment.
• Locate faults and clear trouble on underground cable and signal circuits.
• Install and remove meters, service wiring, and equipment as required.
• Operate all types of backhoes, loaders, trenchers, plows, and associated equipment; drive a truck when required.
• Maintain equipment in good operating condition by making minor repairs, applying “good housekeeping” practices, lubricating, and checking fluid levels; report any need for major repairs or adjustments.
• Prepare and maintain records of work performed, materials and equipment installed or removed, and allocation of labor hours to standard work operations.
• Conduct cleanup and disposal of toxic and nontoxic hazardous materials in accordance with Company and governmental guidelines; use appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Perform duties of Distribution Underground Line Apprentice 2.
• Instruct lower-class employees in their work and on standard practices and procedures as assigned.
• Assume responsibility for energizing single-phase services to customers and for proper installation and operation.
• Perform other similar or less skilled work as assigned.

Requirements

This position can be hired as either a UG Line Apprentice 3 or a UG Line Apprentice 4 depending on experience.

Underground Line Apprentice 3

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or equivalent combination of directly related education and/or experience.
• Possess a Class A CDL.
• Minimum 3 years of Distribution underground maintenance or construction experience or equivalent job-related and educational experience.
• Successfully passed Distribution Underground Line Apprentice 2 training.
• At least twelve (12) months experience as a Distribution Underground Line Apprentice 2 or equivalent, with recommendation for promotion from supervision.
• At least 18 months’ experience in either network systems, vaults, etc.
• Working knowledge of the construction, maintenance practices, and specifications for the more complex features of high voltage cable systems.
• Capable of directing the work of assistants, as required.
• Must pass the examination for entrance into the position of Distribution Underground Line Apprentice 3, including questions or problems on:
  • Working knowledge of the construction, maintenance practices, and specifications for medium voltage cable systems.
  • Working knowledge of the construction, maintenance practices, and specifications for a.c. network and distribution transformer installations.
  • Working knowledge of the construction, maintenance practices, and specifications of traffic signal and signal alarm systems.
  • General knowledge of the operating principles of medium voltage underground circuits.
  • Demonstration of the necessary skill in building up the required amounts of insulation and making metallic wipes on less complex types of cable joints.
  • Understanding of the Traffic Safety Code and a working knowledge of the equipment and highway locations.
  • Sufficient knowledge of the equipment and auxiliaries for operating in an efficient and safe manner.
  • Sufficient mechanical ability and aptitude for making minor adjustments, repairs, and maintenance on equipment to maintain efficient operations.
  • Good judgment concerning clearances from overhead wires and obstructions and underground cables, gas, water, and other lines.
  • Good general knowledge of construction practices of contractors and other utilities.
  • Necessary tact and ability to deal with employees, contractors, and customers.
  • Capability to conduct the work of a crew responsibly to safeguard the public, employees, and property.

Underground Line Apprentice 4

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or equivalent combination of directly related education and/or experience.
• Possess a Class A CDL.
• Minimum 4 years of Distribution underground maintenance or construction experience or equivalent job-related and educational experience.
• Successfully passed Distribution Underground Line Apprentice 3 training.
• At least twelve (12) months experience as a Distribution Underground Line Apprentice 3 or equivalent, with recommendation for promotion from supervision.
• At least 18 months’ experience in either network systems, vaults, etc.
• Working knowledge of the construction, maintenance practices, and specifications for the more complex features of high voltage cable systems.
• Capable of directing the work of assistants, as required.
• Must pass the examination for entrance into the position of Distribution Underground Line Apprentice 4, including questions or problems on:
  • Working knowledge of the construction, maintenance practices, and specifications for medium voltage cable systems.
  • Working knowledge of the construction, maintenance practices, and specifications for a.c. network and distribution transformer installations.
  • Working knowledge of the construction, maintenance practices, and specifications of traffic signal and signal alarm systems.
  • General knowledge of the operating principles of medium voltage underground circuits.
  • Demonstration of the necessary skill in building up the required amounts of insulation and making metallic wipes on less complex types of cable joints.
  • Understanding of the Traffic Safety Code and a working knowledge of the equipment and highway locations.
  • Sufficient knowledge of the equipment and auxiliaries for operating in an efficient and safe manner.
  • Sufficient mechanical ability and aptitude for making minor adjustments, repairs, and maintenance on equipment to maintain efficient operations.
  • Good judgment concerning clearances from overhead wires and obstructions and underground cables, gas, water, and other lines.
  • Good general knowledge of construction practices of contractors and other utilities.
  • Necessary tact and ability to deal with employees, contractors, and customers.
  • Capability to conduct the work of a crew responsibly to safeguard the public, employees, and property.

Qualifications

• Ability to attend various training classes, meet progression requirements, and successfully complete a progression assessment qualification (PAQ).
• DOT Certification and DOT Physical.
• Ability to obtain respirator clearance.
• Successful background and drug screen.
• Ability to stand a minimum of 5-6 hours (may be on ground, in a bucket on a line truck, or at the top of a distribution pole).
• Ability to sit for a minimum of 2-3 hours (may be driving a truck or sitting in a manhole or underground vault).
• Ability to move frequently to unload equipment and to install/maintain/repair equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 76 pounds.
• Ability to push/pull weights up to 116 pounds.
• Ability to carry up to 90 pounds.
• Ability to frequently climb or use authorized equipment to reach various heights and breadths.
• Ability to frequently and repetitively bend/stoop/squat.
• Ability to differentiate between colors (color vision).
• Manual dexterity to operate small hand tools, turn small knobs, etc.
• This position has a weight restriction of 275 pounds as an essential function to ensure safe use of weight-rated equipment.

Residency & Travel

• Must reside within 40 minutes of the assigned operations site and relocate within 12 months of the start date at your own expense.
• Field Mobility Classification: Work will be performed in various field locations as needed after the onboarding period, but employees must live within a reasonable daily commute to their assigned work location.
• Travel Requirements: 15-25%.

Schedule

• Shift work, overtime, weekend work, and 24/7 operations.
• Frequent travel.
• Work environment ranges from indoors to outside in varying degrees of heat and cold weather conditions.
• Emergency situations may require working at night and in inclement weather.
• Subject to confined spaces (manholes, vaults, etc.).
• Subject to periodic call-out duty and second/third shift schedules.
• On-call responsibilities as scheduled and available at other times as needed.
• Ability to work independently and all hours as needed, including day or night, weekends or holidays, and in all weather conditions to perform work during planned and emergency outages.