Overhead Apprentice Lineman

Coast Electric is currently seeking an Overhead Apprentice Lineman to assist in the construction, maintenance and troubleshooting of overhead power lines. Work is performed according to Rural Utility Services (RUS) specifications and procedures and according to RUS and OSHA regulations. This position reports to the Pearl River County Operations Department.

MISSION STATEMENT:

We exist to safely provide our member-owners with superior service and dependable electricity at the lowest possible price and to improve the economy and quality of life in our community.

EMPLOYEE VALUES:

Excellence, Trust, Safety, Innovation, Relationships, Commitment

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

An Overhead Apprentice Lineman is an entry-level position, with the potential to progress to a Journeyman Lineman. The Overhead Apprentice Lineman will work under the supervision of the Journeyman. The Overhead Apprentice Lineman will be trained in the simple basics of line construction work and will become familiar with the proper classification and terminology of tools and materials and the use of various tools. The Overhead Apprentice Lineman will learn overhead basics and become familiar with RUS specifications and the National Electric Code. The Apprentice Lineman will observe lineman on poles and anticipate the needs for the lineman for materials and tools. The Apprentice Lineman will assist in erecting, maintaining, and repairing poles, cable, and related equipment to construct distribution power lines to conduct electrical energy between substations and consumers. The Overhead Apprentice Lineman will assist in the erection of poles and adjustment of guy wires. Climb erected poles, or ride in bucket truck to install equipment such as transformers, reclosers, capacitors, etc., which are ordinarily installed after poles are erected, or to remove broken or defective wire or pole top material. The Overhead Apprentice Lineman will string wire conductors between poles, with assistance, and adjusts slack in conductors to compensate for contraction and elongation of conductors due to temperature variations, using hoist/winch. The Overhead Apprentice Lineman will splice conductors and related wiring to join sections of power lines and to connect transformers and electrical accessories. The Overhead Apprentice Lineman will secure new wires to cross-arm insulators and connect wire to adjoining sections of line to complete circuit. The Overhead Apprentice Lineman will transfer wires from defective poles to new poles. The Overhead Apprentice Lineman will use line hoses, mechanical jumpers, hot line hoists, lag sticks, etc., to facilitate safe handling of high-voltage lines without interrupting service to members. The Overhead Apprentice Lineman will use hot sticks and extendo sticks to energize and de-energize power lines when necessary. The Overhead Apprentice Lineman may trim trees and brush prior to new construction, during repair of damaged lines, or as part of routine maintenance. The Overhead Apprentice Lineman may install security lights, take voltage, and current readings using a volt and ammeter, rotation meter and installs meters, both self-contained and instrument types, when necessary.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Utility Lineman Certificate or six months of experience working in the utility industry.
• Reside within 25 miles of the Picayune District Office or within Pearl River County or be willing to relocate.
• Valid Mississippi Class A commercial driver's license.
• Must be able to be on call after regular working hours and work overtime as required.
• Must be able to read and understand safety manuals, regulations, and operational procedures.
• Must be able to operate assigned equipment including but not limited to bucket-life, forklift, backhoe, trencher, drill, chainsaw, shovel, posthole digger and high compression tools.
• Must be able to safely and proficiently operate a digger derrick, backhoe, and trencher.
• Must be able to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.

Physical Demands:

Ability to lift 100 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 lbs. Ability to climb, using the feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Good sense of balance and ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.

Dexterity in reaching, handling, fingering, and/or feeling. Ability to speak clearly and concisely and to communicate danger and problems in an expedient manner so that others can hear and understand and ability to hear messages and commands spoken by others. Ability to obtain impressions through the eyes of the shape, size, distance, motion, color, or other characteristics of objects. Possess acuity, far and near, depth perception, field of vision, accommodation, and color vision.

ESSENTIAL BUSINESS AND EMERGENCY RESPONDER:

During times of natural disasters, pandemics, or other unique situations, Coast Electric is designated as an essential business and/or emergency responder. All employees must be prepared to report to work and continue performing job duties and responsibilities at a job site or facility at any time in the event of an emergency consistent with essential business requirements or applicable local, state, or federal law.

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Coast Electric Power Association is a recipient of federal financial assistance from the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

This job posting is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions. Coast Electric reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER / VETERANS / DISABLED