PURPOSE

To provide outstanding customer service to the members of Blue Ridge Energy by constructing, operating, maintaining, and repairing the cooperative's overhead and underground electric utility distribution and transmission power lines and their associated equipment (fuses, OCRs, OCBs transformers, poles, and other pole/line hardware, etc.) and to restore electric service promptly, safely, and efficiently when interrupted regardless of time of day, night, or weather conditions.

DUTIES

After having demonstrated the abilities to work effectively as an Apprentice Line Tech III on the job, the Apprentice Line Technician III receives progressively more challenging assignments toward achieving the skills and knowledge necessary for a Line Technician.

This position is one of increasing responsibility for the construction and maintenance of the Cooperative's distribution system. The Apprentice III learns during this time to perform work on both secondary and primary voltages on energized lines. He/she will have developed the skills necessary to use most of the equipment utilized by a Line Technician.

Nature of Work - The Apprentice Line Technician III continues to work at all times with another qualified Line Technician. He/she will do routine work on secondary voltages and some work on primary voltages on energized lines. He/she will be assigned to an on-call crew with a qualified Line Technician. He/she will start construction and framing on the transmission lines.

Line Conditions - The Apprentice III will be expected to work regularly on secondary voltages and to work occasionally on primary voltages under the direction of a qualified Line Technician.

Materials and Equipment - The Apprentice III shall be expected to:

Install transformers and reclosers, and make connections on transformers under the close supervision of a qualified Line Technician.

Operate and work from aerial bucket trucks on (cold) work under the supervision of a qualified Line Technician.

Properly operate and maintain all types of vehicles used in line work.

Safety Practices and Training - The Apprentice III will be skilled in the use of safe practices in all line work. He/she will understand the purposes for the use of all protective equipment and demonstrate the ability to use such equipment properly.

Electrical Theory - The Apprentice III will receive advanced training in electric theory and will understand transformers and transformer bank connections.

Records, Reports and Related Information - The Apprentice III will learn Blue Ridge Electric's and RUS's Specifications for three-phase line construction and maintenance. He/she will learn to read and follow system maps and will become familiar during this time with all electrical codes and electrical safety codes which apply to the work of the distribution system. He/she will learn to prepare and maintain all necessary transformer and meter records.

Supervision, Training Period, and Progression - The Apprentice Ill is under the direction of a qualified Line Technician on the crew to which he/she is assigned for both work and training activities, and he/she will remain in this classification for a period of twelve months. At the end of this time, a decision will be made by the Operations Manager as to whether he/she can be advanced to the next training step - Apprentice Line Technician IV. Before advancement, he/she shall demonstrate the skills and knowledge expected of an Apprentice III.

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidate must have a positive attitude toward the delivery of the highest level of service possible to Blue Ridge Energy members. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Must have 2 years of related work experience in the utility industry. Must have knowledge of electric power distribution lines, National Electric Safety Code, electrical theory, system service rules and regulations and pertinent policies and practices. Must reside within 30 minutes of the Caldwell district office. Must have a current, valid, commercial Class A or Class B driver's license at all times, and a safe driving record. Must be able to work overtime and on-call.