Apprentice Lineperson

Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc. apprenticeship program to train and qualify for First-Class Lineperson status.

About the role

Serves as an apprentice to a First-Class Lineperson by assisting in the construction, replacement, maintenance, and repair of electric distribution lines, structures, and related equipment, including broadband infrastructure as required. Actively participates in an established apprenticeship program to develop the knowledge, skills, and qualifications necessary to achieve First-Class Lineperson status. Performs all work in compliance with safety, health and environmental standards; applicable regulations; and Cooperative policies and work procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic overhead and underground line construction and maintenance tasks in a training capacity, including digging pole and anchor holes; setting and aligning poles and anchors; framing and installing pole assemblies; and loading and unloading poles, transformers, and related material.
• Assist with the installation, stringing, sagging, and tying of conductors of various sizes and types, and making and installing guy wires, under the direction of qualified line personnel.
• Assist with installation, connection, maintenance, and retirement of electric distribution equipment, including transformers, fuse cutouts, arrestors, switches, oil circuit reclosers, and sectionalizers, in accordance with RUS Specifications and Cooperative standards.
• Assist with troubleshooting, repair, and restoration activities, including splicing broken conductors, resagging lines, replacing damaged equipment, tightening hardware and guy wires, and performing related construction, operation, and maintenance tasks as directed.
• Install underground primary and secondary cables and assist with the installation and connection of underground transformers, switchgear, and secondary junctions.
• Provide limited assistance with broadband utility infrastructure projects, in coordination with broadband personnel, as needed.
• Patrol electric and broadband utility facilities as required to identify and report hazards or damaged equipment; perform basic troubleshooting; and assist with corrective actions of the electric system and broadband infrastructure.
• Learn and apply required safety practices, including first aid, CPR, and pole-top rescue techniques; properly use, inspect, and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE), tools, and safety devices; actively identify and remain alert to workplace hazards such as falls, electric shock, arc flash, falling objects, and traffic; and consistently follow all safety procedures, rules, regulations, and Cooperative policies.
• Participate in safety meetings, job briefings, and required training sessions, and demonstrate acceptable progression through all four levels of the apprenticeship program.
• Establish and maintain effective communication and coordination with internal teams, external customers, government agencies, and the public, while promoting a positive image of the Cooperative.
• Be available for on-call duty and overtime work as required to meet operational needs.

Skills

• Ethics and integrity
• Oral and written communication
• Negotiation
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Organizational awareness and alignment
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Professional and technical credibility
• Project and time management
• Adaptability
• Risk awareness and compliance

Work Environment

The employee will be working during inclement/extreme weather conditions – heat, cold, rain, snow, ice, high winds, day, and night. The employee will be exposed to energized electrical lines, operate heavy equipment, and be exposed to loud noise.

Physical Demands

The employee will be required to walk or stand; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

Travel

Periodic travel to state and local destinations, as well as some interstate travel is required.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED
• Valid Driver’s License
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) / Ability to obtain within 12 months of employment
• First Aid and CPR Certified
• Flagger safety and Bucket Rescue training
• Residency requirement
• Legally eligible to work in the United States

Preferred Qualifications

• Two-year technical degree with required specialized training (live-line school, underground and overhead school)
• Knowledge of RUS construction specifications
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Permit