Apprentice Lineman

Job Context

The Apprentice Lineman is a full time, permanent position in Oxford Utilities. The immediate supervisor for this position is the Working Line Foreman. The person in this position is supervised on a daily basis and has no supervisory authority. The Apprentice Lineman works regular hours year round with occasional overtime and night work when the workload demands it. There is no shift work for this position. The person in this position will be on call. 100% of the work for this position is outdoors and requires work to be done in all types of weather conditions. The position has accountability for safety and legal issues related to the work for which this position is responsible. There is exposure to chemicals and/or hazardous materials on a daily basis. This exposure includes, but is not limited to, transformer oil, electrical wiring, and high voltage. The person in this position must have a valid commercial driver’s license or be able to acquire one within six months of employment. In addition, a high school diploma, or its equivalent. The stress level associated with this position is moderately high. The successful candidate will be required to successfully complete the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association (TVPPA) Pre-Apprentice Assessment Workshop, or equivalent, and TVPPA Apprentice Lineman Training. Failure to complete or pass this workshop or complete training could result in termination. Physical work involved with this position includes, but is not limited to, heavy lifting, walking, standing, and climbing up and down power poles, and bending.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Eyesight corrected to 20/20.

Cannot be clinically listed as colorblind.

Required lifting of items up to 100 pounds in weight.

Required to sit for extended periods of time.

Able to stoop, bend, reach, lift, or kneel in limited space.

Manual dexterity.

Ability to successfully pass an extensive medical and psychological examination.

Hearing requires no more than a 20 decibel hearing loss in hearing range from 500 MHz to 2000 MHz., no more than a 30 decibel hearing loss in hearing range from 2000 MHz. to 3000 MHz., and no more than a 40 decibel hearing loss in hearing range 3000 MHz. to 3500 MHz.

The employee must occasionally lift or move items up to a weight of 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Selection Guidelines

Formal application, rating of education and experience; Oral interview and background investigation; and job related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended to be used only as an illustration of various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job may change.

Purpose of Position

Assist the Line Crew in the construction, operation, and maintenance of all overhead and underground distribution system equipment; energize and de-energize conditions in a controlled training program and in accordance with safety guidelines and requirement set forth by the Oxford Utilities and OSHA; responsible for maintaining City equipment and property as well as, the concerns and needs of our customers in a courteous and efficient manner; Class 1 is the beginning level for a lineman with Class 9 being the highest level of Apprentice Lineman before moving to Journeyman Lineman.

Supervision Received

The immediate supervisor for this position is the Working Line Foreman.

Supervision Exercised

None

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Construct, operate, and maintain primary and secondary overhead and underground power lines, substation equipment, and all electric department facilities.

Replace and install poles, cross arms, switches, lightning arrestors, transformers, capacitors, connectors, meters, street lights, traffic lights, etc. in accordance with staking sheets, specifications, and safety rules and regulations.

Clear and maintain right of way using a chainsaw and other related equipment.

Answer emergency calls on a rotating basis, which is controlled and restricted basis on their experience and qualifications.

Operate and maintain various types of equipment including aerial device, pole setting unit, trencher, and other related equipment.

Represent the City of Oxford in a courteous, respectable manner including a neat appearance as well as positive and willing attitude.

Perform any other duties as directed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of electrical power distribution system and associated equipment.
• Knowledge of procedures, practices, specifications, and safety rules for installing and maintaining various power distribution components and equipment.
• Proper grammar and proper use of English in speaking and writing.
• OSHA standards and regulations concerning employee safety.
• Federal and state statutes concerning the work of the department.
• Mathematical skills, including addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication.
• General functions and operations of municipal government.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to learn and obey safety regulations and conform to City policies and standards for constructing and maintaining the system.
• Ability to maintain the system at all times and in all weather conditions.
• Ability to perform duties in a safe, courteous, and efficient manner.
• Work as a team member with other employees.
• Make decisions within specified time restraints.
• Communicate effectively with residents, elected officials, other City employees, contractors, etc., both orally and written.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work autonomously when necessary.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously with frequent interruptions.
• Deal with others in a professional manner.
• Maintain professional composure in heated situations.
• Follow all departmental and City procedures.