Apprentice Lineworker

McKenzie Electric Cooperative (MEC) is currently seeking qualified candidates for Apprentice Lineworker. The selected candidate for this full-time, benefited position is responsible for assisting the Journeyman Lineworker in building, maintaining, repairing and restoring overhead and underground power distribution and transmission lines within the scope of his/her training in a safe and efficient manner. The Apprentice Lineworker will work within accepted MEC and Rural Utilities Service operations and standards. The selected candidate will support the mission of MEC and make our members first priority.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Successful completion of all corresponding course work and testing to obtain Journeyman Lineworker status is the responsibility of the apprentice and is necessary for advancement in steps.

By the end of the first, twelve month period, the employee must have demonstrated the abilities to work effectively and have practical knowledge in the following areas:

• Work on de-energized poles and practice safety measures.
• Handle materials, tools, and equipment appropriately.
• Frame and climb poles proficiently.
• Disconnect, install, and remove meters as per member requests.
• Read meters and perform disconnections to maintain accurate billing.
• Ensure maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
• Check and recommend replacement of tools and protective equipment.
• Comprehend RUS construction specifications and regulations.
• Operate radio for communication.
• Maintain first aid, CPR certification, and perform life-saving techniques.
• Attend training programs for job knowledge, skill, and safety improvement.

By the end of the second, twelve month period, the employee must have demonstrated the abilities to work effectively and have practical knowledge in the following areas:

• Perform duties of a first-year lineworker apprentice.
• Conduct construction and maintenance on energized poles (up to 600 volts) under supervision.
• Install distribution transformers, security lights, service drops, and conductors.
• Operate aerial devices, cranes, trenches, backhoes, and diggers.
• Receive and pass training on pole-top and bucket truck rescue.
• Familiarize with hot sticking procedures under direct supervision.

By the end of the third, twelve month period, the employee must have demonstrated the abilities to work effectively and have practical knowledge in the following areas:

• Perform duties of a second-year Apprentice Lineworker.
  • Work on energized poles under supervision (up to 15,000 volts).
  • Interpret staking sheet information for assigned jobs.
  • Complete polyphase transformer connections.
  • Install and repair transformers, OCRs, and sectionalizing equipment.
  • Install regulators and capacitors.
  • Perform hot-line work under direct supervision.

By the end of the fourth, twelve month period, the employee must have demonstrated the abilities to work effectively and have practical knowledge in the following areas:

• Perform duties of a third-year Apprentice Lineworker.
• Work on energized poles under supervision of a Journeyman Lineworker.
• Conduct line patrol activities and take corrective actions.
• Understand specifications and procedures for underground construction.
• Complete substation inspections and perform maintenance.
• Complete all types of metering connections.
• Investigate and remedy service interruptions.
• Perform switching procedures as directed.
• Assist in maintenance of sectionalizing equipment, regulators, capacitors, and OCRs.
• Review construction or maintenance projects and recommend necessary resources.
• Assist in analyzing and evaluating operation and maintenance activities for the distribution system facilities.

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES, please contact MEC Human Resources.

Education/Experience: High School diploma or equivalent and enrollment resulting in completion of an apprenticeship lineworker program required. With completion of an Electrical Line worker program, apprentice may start with responsibilities detailed in the of 2nd, twelve month period section.

Certifications/Licenses: A valid Class A Commercial driver's license is required.

Knowledge: Basic understanding of how PC based Window's software operates.

About McKenzie Electric Cooperative

MEC is a member owned electric cooperative based in Watford City, ND. Since 1945, it's been our goal and commitment to improving the quality of life of our members, while supporting the communities in which we operate, by offering safe, reliable, and affordable electricity.

MEC offers a generous and flexible benefits package to its employees. The benefits include:

• Health, Dental and Vision coverage, effective from first day of hire
• 401(k) with 6% matching after one year
• Pension plan at no cost to the employee, effective after one year
• Short-term and Long-term disability coverage at no cost to the employee
• Life insurance, including spouse and dependents at no cost to the employee
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Business Travel Accident coverage
• Supplemental Accident Death & Dismemberment coverage
• Flexible spending account
• Accrued Vacation and Sick Pay
• 12 Paid Holidays a year