Equipment Operator

General Summary

To assist members of line crew or a service technician with construction, maintenance or repair of overhead or underground distribution lines while working with motorized equipment.

Minimum Job Specifications

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

1. Sufficient hearing and vision to perform all required tasks. Impaired hearing and/or vision must not present a safety hazard to the employee, other employees and/or the general public.
2. High school diploma, GED, or equivalency required.
3. Valid Class A Florida Commercial Driver License or have knowledge and skills to start the licensing process within 90 days of employment.
4. Ability to communicate on the telephone and two-way radio system
5. Ability to perform job tasks involving climbing, bending, stooping, and lifting.
6. Manual dexterity and mechanical ability to use hand tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and all other electric or battery powered tools.
7. Ability to operate motor vehicles and equipment with both automatic and manual transmissions.
8. Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time during the work shift.
9. Prior experience as a Line Technician Assistant highly desirable.

Working Conditions

Outside work in various weather conditions including occasional extreme weather conditions. Regular work hours with some overtime and extended work days due to either created outages or emergencies. Some risk due to unrestrained pets. Potential exposure to high voltage power lines. Potential exposure to high noise levels from tools. Will individually or with assistance pull or use force regularly for materials, tools and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, frequently pull or use force up to 50 pounds, and occasionally pull and use force up to 100 pounds. Reaching and lifting overhead is required. Job requires standing, crawling, climbing, bending, pulling and reaching majority of the time.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

The following are essential responsibilities of this position and do not include marginal functions that are incidental to the performance of the fundamental job duties. The scope and duties of a given position may change or be temporarily altered based on the business needs of Peace River Electric Cooperative. The basic requirement of every position is to perform all tasks as assigned by your supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.

1. The most important and essential job function of the position is attitude and includes the following: a) getting along with co-workers, b) cooperating with co-workers, c) responding politely to customers, d) working as a team member, e) functioning under intense time pressure, f) responding in a positive manner to supervision.
2. Operates motorized equipment such ground rod driving equipment.
3. Maintains an adequate supply of materials, tools, safety equipment, rigging and first aid supplies on the equipment at all times.
4. Prepares daily reports and records. Will be required to work at least 20-30 poles per day.
5. Reports to immediate supervisor any and all problems with the equipment. Makes minor repairs and adjustments but relies on the shop mechanic to do major repair and adjustments.
6. Is familiar with hazardous materials used in the performance of the job and observes all safety and environmental rules and regulations that pertain to the use, handling, and disposal of these hazardous materials.
7. Services equipment with fuel, oil, grease, fluids, and keeps equipment clean as necessary. Prior to equipment operation each day inspects and checks tires, lights, signals, brakes, horn, wipers, safety equipment, and all fluids.
8. Keep abreast of developments in the industry through attendance and participation in training sessions, schools, and seminars.
9. Stays familiar with and observes all safety rules as set forth in the Cooperative Safety Manual.
10. Practices good housekeeping habits at the job site, around equipment and at all Cooperative properties.
11. Able to read and interpret staking sheets and familiar with pole line assemblies.
12. Communicates freely with supervisor to ensure full understanding of the scope and hazards associated with the given task..
13. Communicates on two-way radio as necessary, while observing all FCC rules and Cooperative procedures.
14. Performs other duties as requested or assigned.