Job purpose
The position is an entry-level position into RGEC’s Lineman Apprenticeship Program. Progression into the program is required within six months of becoming a groundman. The primary duties of this position will be to assist line personnel on the ground.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Must demonstrate competencies through assessment and/or job evaluation in order to progress to RGEC’s Lineman Apprenticeship Program within six months of becoming a groundman
• Perform various manual labor type tasks at the work site to assist line personnel (e.g. load and unload supplies and materials, cut brush, clean trucks, dig ditches and assist in preparing materials)
• Observe lineman work and anticipate needs for material and tools
• Prepare materials for use at the work site
• Perform tasks as assigned by line personnel
• Learn duties and tasks through on-the-job training
• Must become familiar with RUS Materials utilized in the construction and maintenance of underground, overhead distribution and transmission lines
• Frame poles in accordance with RUS specifications
• Rig ropes and blocks and become familiar with knot tying
• Gain knowledge of system area in order to perform job efficiently
• Ability to read system maps and staking sheets
• Assist in the proper use and care of all tools and equipment
• Exercise extreme care to protect private property while on premises
• Participate in training programs for job knowledge and technical skill
• Must learn and practice Cooperative’s safety rules and procedures
• Must complete TEEX Introductory Module Courses (1 “Electric Power Fundamentals” and 2 “Principals of Grounding”) within six months of becoming a groundman
• Must be or become certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Perform other jobs as needed

Qualifications
• Must reside within 20 minutes from assigned area office
• Must demonstrate knowledge and willingness to advance into RGEC’s Apprenticeship Program after six months of becoming a groundman
• Must become certified in Pole Top Rescue and Bucket Rescue within six months of becoming a groundman.
• Must be able to learn to operate assigned equipment, including but not limited to bucket trucks, digger trucks, lift trucks, forklift, trencher, winches, drills, chainsaws and high compression tools
• Must be able to comply with RGEC Policy 2.7.5 – Operation of Weight-Restricted Equipment provisions. (*REQUEST COPY OF POLICY, IF NOT PROVIDED.)
• Must be able to communicate via satellite radio
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to learn program software
• Knowledge of communication technology (e.g. iPad)
• Must possess and maintain a valid Texas drivers’ license
• Must be insurable with the Cooperative's auto insurance carrier
• Must have or obtain a Class “A” Interstate CDL within six months from becoming a groundman (VISIT TxDPS COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE WEBSITE FOR QUALIFICATIONS)
• Must possess oral and written communication skills in the English language
• Perform basic mathematical computations
• Must possess good interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain a harmonious working relationship with all Cooperative employees, the members and the public
Working Conditions
• Must be able to work under adverse weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold, high winds or stormy conditions
• Must be able to work “On Call” and during emergencies
• Overtime hours may be required
• Subject to travel away from home during emergencies or when assistance from another office is required
• Irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays
Physical Requirements
• Shovels dirt, works around noisy equipment and visually inspect work for safe connections
• Use shovel, hammer, pliers, and basic hand tools
• Must have sufficient health to perform the essential functions, duties and responsibilities of the job
• Requires climbing, lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying of weights.
• Frequently lifts materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; occasionally lifts items that weigh up to 100 pounds
• Requires quick/accurate hand-eye coordination
• To ensure all employees are provided with drug-free and alcohol-free working conditions, pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable cause and random drug and alcohol tests are conducted