Union Power Cooperative has an immediate opening for an Apprentice up to Journeyman level lineman position, dependent on skill level, who will provide the specialized technical skills necessary for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a reliable electric system for the benefit of the consumer/member. Will also provide the type of leadership that will encourage work to be done effectively, efficiently, accurately and following all safety rules and regulations while continuously remaining focused on the Cooperative's Mission and Vision Statements, and the promotion of the Cooperative's Guiding Values in our Monroe district. Interested applicants can see more details below and apply via our website https://unionpower.applicantpro.com/jobs/.

Work Qualifications

1. Must have high school diploma or equivalent.
2. 2 years of experience in electric utility line construction and maintenance preferred.
3. Must be able to understand and follow RUS specifications and OSHA safe work practices.
4. Must possess and maintain a valid class A commercial driver's license (CDL) or obtain within first six months of employment.
5. Work in all types of weather while performing duties during normal working hours and after hours as needed
6. Must be able to pull after hours call duty on a rotation which includes residing within 20 miles of assigned location.
7. Maintains regular and predictable attendance.
8. Must be able to communicate verbally, electronically and in writing to perform the essential function of the job.
9. Ability to read and interpret both digital and paper maps.
10. Must be able to perform both pole top and bucket rescue.
11. Must be able to identify other utilities (phone, cable, gas, water).
12. Must be able to pass skills test for this position in order to advance to next level.
13. Must have the physical ability to perform the essential functions of the position which may include: use hand tools, dig holes, set and tamp poles, use chain saws to cut right-of-way, climb poles, assist in loading and hauling poles, lay in and tie wire, hang guys, pull wire and have the physical ability to lift up to 100 pounds. Must be able to talk and hear. The employee is required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb, or balance, and to stoop, kneel and crouch. The employee may be required to sit and use their hands and fingers to handle papers and the keyboard. Vision abilities required by this job include distance and close vision.

Essential Duties

The essential duties of our eight positions (Line Technician 1, Line Technician 2, Line Technician 3, Line Technician 4, Line Technician 5, Journeyman 1, Journeyman 2, Journeyman) are listed below. The successful candidate will perform a skills test to demonstrate which position level is most appropriate for them based on their skill set.

Essential Duties of a Line Technician 1 (Apprentice):

1. Follows all safety rules in performing duties and handling of tools and equipment.
2. Learns basic electrical theory, knowing voltages of lines and begins understanding the layout of the distribution system for both overhead and underground operations.
3. Acquires complete set of line technician tools per Union Power's specifications and does the following under close supervision and guidance of a Journeyman or Crew Supervisor:
4. Learns to operate vehicles and equipment for both overhead and underground operations.
5. Frames poles on all single-phase construction.
6. Performs routine work on de-energized or grounded poles.
7. Performs routine underground installation.
8. Learns and performs record keeping including reading single phase meters, locating transformers and meter serial numbers, filling out service orders, and basic computer skills.
9. Perform pole top and bucket rescue within the cooperative requirements.
10. Checks and responds to electronic communications on a timely and regular basis.
11. Enters time using approved method.
12. Perform all duties assigned by supervision.

Essential Duties of a Line Technician 2 (Apprentice):

1. Knows basic electrical theory, knowing voltages of lines and small or low voltage connections and understands the layout of the distribution system for both overhead and underground operations.
2. Demonstrates the ability to work effectively on the job assignments and receives progressively more challenging assignments under close supervision and guidance of a Journeyman or Crew Supervisor including:
   1. Installs single phase transformers and assists with other phases for both overhead and underground operations.
   2. Pulls and sags primary wire (new construction and grounded lines).
   3. Makes planned contact with hot lines using live line tools only for both overhead and underground operations.
   4. Works on energized secondary for both overhead and underground operations.
   5. Works on primary energized poles six hundred volts or less under direct guidance of Journeyman and/or Crew Supervisor. ("Guidance" will consist of a crew supervisor or journeyman on the pole or in the bucket with a line tech while energized work is being performed.)
   6. Understands directions of feeds within district.
   7. Frames poles on multi-phase construction.
   8. Works connects and disconnects.
   9. Works service and trouble calls.
3. Performs record keeping including reading staking sheets, meters, system maps, and RUS specifications book, keeps transportation records, performs work order procedures, and basic computer skills.
4. Installs underground elbow terminations and splicers on de-energized conductors.
5. Perform pole top and bucket rescue within the cooperative requirements.
6. Checks and responds to electronic communications on a timely and regular basis.
7. Enters time using approved method.
8. Perform all duties assigned by supervision.

Essential Duties of a Line Technician 3 (Apprentice):

1. Receives advanced electrical theory in line work and should understand transformers, bank connections, and the basic principles of voltage regulation and metering.
2. Performs the following line work under close supervision and guidance of a Journeyman or Crew Supervisor:
   1. Assists in substation maintenance and installations.
   2. Gains experience with construction and maintenance of distribution and transmission lines.
   3. Performs work on both secondary and primary voltage energized lines under guidance of Journeymen and/or Crew Supervisor for both overhead and underground operations. ("Guidance" will consist of a crew supervisor or journeyman on the pole or in the bucket with a line tech while energized work is being performed.)
   4. Assists with all duties and training of Line Technicians 1 and 2.
   5. Works connects and disconnects.
   6. Works service and trouble calls.
   7. Install oil circuit recloser (OCR) with supervision.
   8. Performs underground switching, back-feeds, etc.
3. Reads and understands RUS specifications books, preparation of staking sheets, and meter, transformer and OCR records.
4. Understands and is familiar with retail rate schedules and electrical code clearances pertaining to transmission and distribution.
5. Understands and performs all record keeping for reports, records, basic computer skills, and other information listed for apprentice line program positions.
6. Checks and responds to electronic communications on a timely and regular basis.
7. Enters time using approved method.
8. Perform pole top and bucket rescue within the cooperative requirements.
9. Perform all duties assigned by supervision.

Essential Duties of a Line Technician 4 (Apprentice):

1. Receives advanced electrical theory in line work with a focus upon the understanding of wiring diagrams.
2. Performs the following line work under the supervision and guidance of a Journeyman or Crew Supervisor:
   1. Installs transformer banks and necessary metering with supervision
   2. Assists in substation and underground switching.
   3. Assists with all duties and training of Line Technicians 1-3.
3. Understands and performs all record keeping for reports, records, basic computer skills, and other information listed for apprentice line program positions.
4. Checks and responds to electronic communications on a timely and regular basis.
5. Enters time using approved method.
6. Perform pole top and bucket rescue within the cooperative requirements.
7. Perform all duties assigned by supervision.

Essential Duties of a Line Technician 5 (Apprentice):

1. In addition to constant use of electrical theory, knows and understands the principles of voltage regulations.
2. Works in a position on the pole to provide supervision and assistance to line technicians on the pole.
3. Performs all types of line work with minimal supervision.
4. Performs any of the duties of previously held line positions and in addition, shall be able to assist in the installation and connection of voltage regulators, capacitors, and other line equipment with supervision and guidance of a Journeyman or a Crew Supervisor.
5. Assists with all duties and training of Line Technicians 1-4.
6. Understands and performs all record keeping for reports, records, basic computer skills, and other information listed for apprentice line program positions.
7. Understands and performs all record keeping for reports, records, basic computer skills, and other information listed for apprentice line program positions.
8. Prepares time sheets.
9. Perform pole top and bucket rescue within the cooperative requirements.
10. Perform all duties assigned by supervision.

Essential Duties of a Journeyman 1:

1. In addition to constant use of electrical theory, knows and understands the principles of voltage regulations.
2. Performs all types of line work with limited supervision.
3. Works in a position on the pole to provide supervision and assistance to line technicians on the pole
4. Performs any of the duties of previously held line positions and in addition, shall be able to:
   1. Assists in the installation and connection of voltage regulators, capacitors, and other line equipment with supervision.
   2. Assists in underground installation, operation, and maintenance with supervision.
5. Assists with all duties and training of Line Technicians 1-5 and supervises them in minor construction and maintenance.
6. Understands and performs all record keeping for reports, records, basic computer skills, and other information listed for apprentice line program positions.
7. Checks and responds to electronic communications on a timely and regular basis.
8. Enters time using approved method.
9. Checks and responds to electronic communications on a timely and regular basis.
10. Perform pole top and bucket rescue within the cooperative requirements.
11. Perform all duties assigned by supervision.

Essential Duties of a Journeyman 2:

1. In addition to constant use of electrical theory, knows and understands the principles of voltage regulations.
2. Works in a position on the pole to provide supervision and assistance to line technicians on the pole.
3. Performs all types of line work with minimal supervision.
4. Performs any of the duties of previously held line positions and in addition, shall be able to:
   1. Assist in the installation and connection of voltage regulators, capacitors, transformer banking, and metering and other line equipment with minimal supervision.
   2. Assist in underground installation, operation, and maintenance with minimal supervision.
5. Assists with all duties and training of Line Technicians 1-5, Journeyman 1 and supervises them in minor construction and maintenance.
6. Understands and performs all record keeping for reports, records, basic computer skills, and other information listed for apprentice line program positions.
7. Enters time using approved method.
8. Perform pole top and bucket rescue within the cooperative requirements.
9. Perform all duties assigned by supervision.
10. Checks and responds to electronic communications on a timely and regular basis.
11. Perform pole top and bucket rescue within the cooperative requirements.

Essential Duties of a Journeyman:

1. In addition to constant use of electrical theory, knows and understands the principles of voltage regulations.
2. Works in a position on the pole to provide supervision and assistance to line technicians on the pole.
3. Performs all types of line work without supervision.
4. Performs any of the duties of previously held line positions and in addition, shall be able to:
   1. Performs the installation and connection of voltage regulators, capacitors, transformer banking, and metering and other line equipment.
   2. Performs underground installation, operation, and maintenance without supervision.
5. Assists with all duties and supervises others on the crew in minor construction and maintenance.
6. Assists with all training activities as an instructor.
7. Understands and performs all record keeping for reports, records, basic computer skills, and other information listed for apprentice line program positions
8. Performs responsibilities of Crew Supervisor position as needed or assigned( e. Act as a "Qualified Observer" when energized work or working around energized equipment is being performed when assigned).
9. Enters time using approved method.
10. Checks and responds to electronic communications on a timely and regular basis.
11. Perform pole top and bucket rescue within the cooperative requirements.
12. Perform all duties assigned by supervision (i.e. substation switching, blocking circuits, etc.).

Working Conditions

The Working Conditions for all Operations personnel are:

Field work in various weather conditions; some work in general office environment; requires flexibility to work irregular hours when required; requires occasional out of town travel to schools, seminars, conferences, and to assist other utilities with emergency restoration.

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.

About Union Power Cooperative

Union Power Cooperative is an electric distribution cooperative headquartered in Monroe, NC. We serve more than 83,000 meters in Union, Stanly, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, and Rowan counties. The Cooperative is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1939 with 140 employees.

Connections working at Union Power Cooperative