Lineman (Construction)

SUMMARY

The Lineman will construct and maintain transmission, distribution, and telecommunication facilities of EPB.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Erect, remove and climb poles, towers, or structures, or use approved aerial devices to construct and maintain transmission and distribution overhead lines.
• Install, sag, and connect conductors of the same or different types for satisfactory operation.
• Perform work on circuits, energized and/or de-energized, using proper approved protective equipment and tools.
• Assemble, install, remove and transfer pole line hardware for satisfactory operation.
• Understand and explain the operation of pole handling equipment, digging equipment, and grounding equipment.
• Use appropriate tools and equipment to construct and maintain transmission and distribution lines.
• Work during system emergencies and scheduled activities to prevent schedule delays or customer inconveniences a minimum of seventy (70%) of the time. Responsible for working a minimum of 16 hours consecutive during emergencies. This includes all calls in and/or scheduled overtime.
• Complete any necessary administrative work required to update records -Drive and operate assigned vehicles as necessary. 
• Assist in on-the-job training of Lineman Apprentices.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Journeyman Lineman
• Completed an approved Lineman Apprenticeship program or demonstrated work experience and knowledge deemed acceptable by the department manager.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and apply the techniques of constructing and maintaining overhead lines to prevent power outages. 
• Demonstrate ability to use and operate hand tools, hydraulic tools, hot sticks, and protective devices, aerial lift devices, climbing equipment, etc.

CERTIFICATION(S) and/or OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Internal candidates: Must have "Meets Expectations" or higher overall rating on the last annual performance appraisal - no disciplinary actions (verbal or written) during the previous appraisal period.
• Internal applicants must have worked 70% or higher of overtime offered.
• A valid “Class A” Commercial Driver’s License with appropriate endorsements and authorization to drive EPB vehicles.
• Ability to report to work within 1 hour of the EPB Operations Center.
• Ability to pass a hands-on skills and knowledge assessment consisting of standard Lineman tasks in a field environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to drive, to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb poles with climbers, practice repetitive motions of wrist, hands, and/or fingers, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
• Employee will routinely be required to handle primary voltages with proper protective equipment (12,000, 7200, 4160 volts), to switch voltages up to 161,000 volts and to work secondary voltages up to 600 volts with rubber gloves only.
• Employee must have hand and arm dexterity for using small tools for making repairs on communications-related equipment and on connections for primary, secondaries, and services on poles, houses, or meter centers while working out of a bucket truck, off a pole using climbers, off a ladder, or standing on the ground.
• Must have 20/20 corrected vision and have sufficient color vision perception to distinguish normal color coding used in electrical distribution/transmission work. Must have sufficient depth perception to effectively utilize line equipment (i.e., hot sticks, crimping tools, extension instruments) from distances between 5 feet to 50 feet.
• Must possess a valid CDL Class A with DOT Health Card and be able to drive unrestricted on EPB’s system. Driving a vehicle of weight greater than 26,000 GVW is required for transformer change-outs, which may occur at any time during the shift.
• Must be proficient in computer skills; must have the ability to learn computer skills to be used daily with training; i. e. laptop in truck for CGI System—map reading, directional information, minimal typing.
• Normal or corrected hearing proficiency is necessary to understand verbal instructions/information/warning communicated from top of pole; from ground position and from one pole span to the next (approximately 250 feet).
• Climbing required includes ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles (with climbers), and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized. This factor is important if the amount and kind of climbing required exceed that required for ordinary movement.
• Must be able to bend body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full use of the lower extremities and back muscles.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and exert force constantly to move objects, and/or up to 50 pounds frequently, and/or up to 100 pounds of force occasionally. Must use upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward, or outward, and to draw, drag, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Must possess physical strength for lifting and carrying large coils of wire, carry and maneuver 10 foot long cross-arms (approximately 75 pounds) from both a ground position and pole position using climbing gear.
• Must possess equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery or erratically moving surfaces walk without aids; work off ladders up to 30 feet above ground aerial devices to any height, climb poles, towers, or structures to any height. Must be able to work on uneven terrain in and around the work area during daylight and darkness.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; outside weather conditions; risk of electrical shock; risk of radiation; and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to extreme cold and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and explosives. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.