Equipment Operator - Overhead (Blue Bonnet Electric Coop)

This position utilizes heavy equipment operation knowledge in the construction and maintenance of our nation’s power grid. You will assist your team in building, repairing, and maintaining overhead electrical distribution systems.

Responsibilities

• Secure the safety of yourself and others
• Assist fellow line-workers in meeting project objectives
• Join storm restoration efforts in times of need
• Operate vehicles and equipment in a professional manner
• Continue training to improve technical and leadership skills
• Work safely while performing new construction, maintenance, or repair work of energized and de-energized overhead work
• Properly inspect rubber goods and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Understand when to wear personal protective equipment
• String overhead wire
• Set poles and anchors
• Assist with installing transformers, lightning arrestors, cutouts, cross-arms, insulators, switches, and switchgear
• Assist in replacing fuses in transformers and clear faulted circuits and systems
• Frequently work with energized high voltage systems requiring skill and care to protect lives
• Maintain company vehicles, equipment, and tools in good working order
• Perform rigorous physical labor
• Understand proper use of company radio
• Understand basic rigging, hand lines, and lineman knot tying
• Understand the proper use and maintenance of hand tools
• Receive and follow directions
• Possess a basic knowledge of materials used in line work
• Identify primary and secondary voltage on a circuit
• Be familiar with induced voltage
• Assist with the installation and hook up of a single-phase transformer
• Perform basic bucket rescue/escape
• Understand the basic concepts of equipment set up and grounding
• Work at heights and/or confined spaces
• Understand minimum approach distance
• Understand excavation and shoring requirements
• Check voltage on transformers
• Install and remove a service
• Climb different types of structures (wood, steel, etc.) and possess the necessary tools to do so
• Understand how and when to use Kellum grips
• Identify different types of materials used in line work
• Work outside, frequently in inclement weather
• Perform all other related work as required to complete the job

Requirements

• Able to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License permit within 60 days of employment
• Able to operate heavy equipment used in powerline construction
• Able to read/write and communicate effectively
• Able to travel long distances on short notice, when required
• Able to work for extended periods in various locations, when required
• Able to lift in excess of 50 lbs
• Willing to work overtime when requested
• Willing to work outside of the normal work schedule including weekends, holidays, and overtime as required

Physical Aspects

The physical demands described here are typical of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in powerline construction.

• Regularly required to talk or hear
• Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, and feel, and reach with hands and arms
• Frequently required to perform rigorous physical labor, sit, climb different types of structures (wood, steel, etc.), balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Frequently lift or move up to or in excess of 50 lbs
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

Work Environment

• Frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, and vibration
• Occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions at construction job sites
• Noise level in the work environment can be loud
• Work is performed outside and is subject to diverse weather conditions

Competencies

• Team-Oriented
• Self-Motivated
• Customer Service Focused
• Ethical and Honest
• Dutifully follows established Safety Rules and Company Policy