Substation Foreman

Appalachian Electric Cooperative (AEC) provides electric service to 48,000 members in East Tennessee. We own and maintain an electric distribution system that covers 600 square miles in parts of Grainger, Hamblen, Hawkins, Jefferson, and Sevier counties.

We currently have an opportunity for a Substation Foreman in our New Market, Tennessee office. The Substation Foreman directs and supervises assigned crew members to perform necessary maintenance, construction or operation of substation facilities.

AEC offers a competitive salary and benefits plan including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, short and long term disability, paid parental leave, 401k and a company funded pension plan. Benefits eligibility is first of the month following 30 days of employment. 

Appalachian Electric Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

AEC IS A TENNESSEE DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure that all substation facilities are maintained in accordance with AEC, RUS, NESC, federal, state, local and other standards, or regulations.
• Supervise, instruct, and assist substation crew and other assigned personnel to maximize productivity and teamwork, providing direction, support training, and development.
• Direct and supervise assigned crew members to perform necessary maintenance, construction or operation of substation facilities including but not limited to replacement of lightning arrestors, instrument transformers, insulators, jumpers, bus work, power transformers, breakers, reclosers, etc.; perform necessary switching as required for the above.
• Carry out work instructions of the Director of Operations, ensuring they remain fully informed of any issues that arise in the operation of the Cooperative’s facilities.
• Schedule monthly substation facility inspections, assigning personnel to perform the inspections and assist as required.
• Schedule distribution equipment inspections, coordinating this activity with the Line Foreman.
• Develop and implement processes for the preventive maintenance of all substation facilities and distribution equipment to insure reliable and efficient operation of the facilities and equipment.
• Coordinate the work of assigned crew members with contractors, consumers, and the general public in such a way as to maintain good relations.
• Interpret construction drawings, work instructions, specifications and complete all necessary records and reports as required.
• Assure proper operation, maintenance, and inspection of all work equipment.
• Assure that materials, equipment, and tools are safely loaded and secured to assigned vehicles.
• Drive appropriate company vehicle (as qualified and directed) to and from specified locations during the work process; inspect assigned vehicle for proper operating conditions (tires, oil, etc.); and observe all safe driving practices to insure safe job performance.
• Assist in the training of apprentices and other associated classifications.
• Hold and document tailgate conference with all assigned crew members prior to commencing each job to inform all crew members of safety and work-related aspects of the job.
• Ensure that assigned crew members adhere to Cooperative policies and procedures; inform the Director of Operations of any necessary disciplinary action required.
• Keep abreast of industry news, equipment, and tools, making recommendations for improvements as needed
• Participate in engineering & operations meetings, apprentice review meetings, and planning meetings as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Two (2) years technical school in subject related work or the equivalent in experience.
• Experience as a Substation Technician.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required skills and abilities.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS

• Must possess a valid Tennessee Driver’s License (Class D). Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) desirable but not required.
• Must maintain an insurable driving record.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Regular on time attendance is required.
• Technical utility knowledge of electrical theory, switching, loading; skills and abilities to perform applicable device and field testing using Cooperative furnished test equipment.
• Read elementary and schematic drawings; ability to wire devices following said drawings.
• Thorough knowledge of the standard practices, tools, and terminology of the electrical power industry
• Ability to lead, direct, supervise, and work above ground and near potentially lethal voltages in normal and adverse conditions
• Ability to effectively read and follow operations and safety manuals.
• Must be detail oriented and accurate, with an ability to adapt to a work environment requiring implementation of new technology and techniques
• Exhibit excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong mathematical skills
• Proficient using a computer and computer software including Microsoft Word and Excel, and engineering software such as CIS, SCADA, OMS, and GIS/mapping
• Ability to interpret general documents such as Personnel Policies, Safety Manual, rules, operation and maintenance procedures

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The position requires regularly working outside in varying weather conditions with risk of electrical shock along with occasional indoor work
• Must be able to walk over uneven, steep, and difficult terrain for distances of over one mile on a regular, recurring basis
• Must be able to climb and work in high places
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
  • stand, walk, climb, balance, sit, bend, stoop, kneel
  • use hands to finger, handle or feel
  • reach further than arm’s length, work below waist level, work above shoulder level
  • operate power tools, machinery and motorized vehicles and equipment
  • lift, carry, push and/or pull up to 50 pounds
• Must be available to work overtime as required and during emergency or outage situations
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally:
  • Required to lift, carry, push and/or pull over 100 pounds with assistance
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud
• The position requires specific safety equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which must be always used properly

OTHER

Full time residence must be within 45 minutes of the Cooperative main office within 90 days of hire.

About Appalachian Electric Cooperative

Appalachian Electric Cooperative (AEC) provides electric service to 48,000 members in East Tennessee. We own and maintain an electric distribution system that covers 600 square miles in parts of Grainger, Hamblen, Hawkins, Jefferson, and Sevier counties. AEC offers a competitive salary and benefits plan including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, short and long term disability, paid parental leave, 401k and a company funded pension plan. Benefits eligibility is first of the month following 30 days of employment. Appalachian Electric Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. AEC IS A TENNESSEE DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

Connections working at Appalachian Electric Cooperative