Equipment Operator - Overhead (Blue Bonnett Electric Coop)

About the Role

As an Equipment Operator, you will utilize 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 as needed
• Operate vehicles and equipment professionally
• Continue training to improve technical and leadership skills
• Work safely on energized and de-energized overhead systems
• Inspect rubber goods and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• String overhead wire, set poles, and anchors
• Install transformers, lightning arrestors, cutouts, cross-arms, insulators, switches, and switchgear
• Replace fuses in transformers and clear faulted circuits
• Maintain company vehicles, equipment, and tools
• Perform rigorous physical labor
• Use company radio, rigging, hand lines, and lineman knot tying
• Maintain and use hand tools properly
• Identify primary and secondary voltage on a circuit
• Assist with single-phase transformer installation and hook-up
• Perform basic bucket rescue/escape
• Understand equipment set-up, grounding, minimum approach distance, and excavation/shoring requirements
• Check voltage on transformers
• Install and remove services
• Climb wood, steel, and other structures
• Identify and use Kellum grips appropriately
• Identify materials used in line work
• Work outside, frequently in inclement weather

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
• Able to work extended periods in various locations
• Able to lift in excess of 50 lbs
• Willing to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and outside normal work schedules

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are typical for team members in powerline construction. While performing duties, team members are regularly required to:

• Talk or hear
• Stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, and feel, and reach with hands and arms
• Perform rigorous physical labor, including climbing structures (wood, steel, etc.), balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling
• 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 the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

While performing duties, team members may be exposed to:

• Fumes or airborne particles
• Moving mechanical parts and vibration
• A variety of extreme conditions at construction job sites
• Loud noise levels
• Diverse weather conditions, as work is performed outside

VA Approved Apprenticeship Program – GI Bill Benefits available to eligible veterans.