Prepares vehicles for construction or maintenance projects to include fueling, loading poles, stocking materials and supplies, and inspecting machinery and equipment.
 
Performs preventive maintenance on bucket truck and digger.
 
Drives bucket truck, digger, trencher and forklift.
 
Works with senior apprentices and journeyman lineman to construct, retire and maintain power lines within the scope of training and certification. Climbs de-energized poles under the direct supervision of a journeyman lineman.
 
Under the direct supervision of a journeyman, assist in the inspection of existing power lines looking for problems and trouble shooting problems.
 
May assist in the training of less-experienced apprentice linemen
 
Required to study and learn required job knowledge and skills in order to advance in a timely manner through the complete apprenticeship program as per the program’s guidelines.
 
Completes second 2000 on the job hours of training which include being competent in and demonstrating the ability to, and understanding of:
 
Inspect, set up and operate a Line truck.
Select proper tension sleeves and tools to splice conductors.
Check voltage at member’s meter base.
At a designated pole, identify the various circuits or other installations such as telephone wire and cables.
State the proper ground clearance for wires over a highway, bodies of water, driveway or railroad crossings.
Install a member’s meter and record the information.
Install personal protective grounds on a line that has been de-energized (both overhead and underground).
Frame a pole and identify the installation that is to be made on it.
Use hand signals for loading or unloading poles on or from a trailer.
Fill out an injury report.
Place lights or flags on a trailer when hauling poles.
Identify types of single-phase transformers (conventional, or pad mount).
Use of an amp meter.
Identify primary voltages on distribution circuit.
Safely handle a capacitor.
Adult CPR (re-certified).
Safety Manual procedures.
RUS Specifications (overhead and underground).
Chain saw safety.
Frame various three phase construction units.
Properly set up warning signs when working beside a highway.
Tie-in poles using tie-wire.
Sag primary wire off the pole.
Hang transformers off the pole.
Use, clean and inspect all tools.
 
Maintains current knowledge of equipment, RUS specifications, OSHA regulations, mapping system, and other operational and regulatory systems related to the responsibilities of the position.
 
Substation training as coordinated, monitored by the Operations Supervisor.
 
Provides customer service as needed and appropriate.
 
Promotes electric use by taking every opportunity to acquaint the consumers with the productive uses of electricity; obtaining increased member and public understanding of the Cooperative’s objectives, plans and programs, and of rural electrification in general.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma and enrollment of an approved 4-year apprenticeship lineman program is required.  A minimum of one year experience in electric utility distribution operations, including distribution system construction and maintenance is required. 

Prior experience and certification is required to qualify for Apprentice Lineman III and IV at entry; training requirements and experience as outlined in the Apprentice Lineman Training Program are required to move from one level to another.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

This position requires knowledge of RUS line specifications, National Electric Code, National Electric Safety Code, OSHA Rules and Regulations,  and cooperative policies and procedures.    Ability to effectively read and follow operations and safety manuals.   Ability to follow directions and work with other apprentice lineman and warehouse personnel, as assigned.   Ability to communicate with other apprentice linemen and journeyman lineman and work with people to solve problems is required.   Must have CDL.