Line Superintendent

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Heartland), headquartered in Girard, KS, is seeking qualified candidates for the Line Superintendent position. Heartland is not your typical electric cooperative. As the needs of our consumer-members change, we are changing the way we do business to ensure we continue to power rural lifestyles for many decades to come. The Line Superintendent will lead the field crews and operations that make that possible — keeping power flowing safely and reliably across our multi-county service territory. Being a mid‑size electric cooperative, Heartland asks a lot of its Line Superintendent. The ideal candidate is an experienced, safety-driven leader with strong field judgment and the ability to manage crews, contractors, and complex operations simultaneously. This is a hands‑on role with real authority and real accountability, and we are looking for someone who knows the electric cooperative industry and is great at working with people. Responsibilities Direct and manage line crews, ROW/vegetation management crews, and outside contractors in the safe and efficient execution of daily field operations. Exercise independent judgment in assigning, directing, and evaluating field personnel to ensure quality and compliance on every job. Plan and oversee distribution line construction and maintenance activities in compliance with OSHA, NESC, and RUS construction standards. Inspect completed work to verify quality and code compliance; take corrective action when required. Supervise and coordinate all vegetation management operations, including contract crew oversight, and compliance applicable trimming standards. Lead outage restoration coordination and after‑hours emergency response; develop and maintain switching and isolation procedures in coordination with the operations/dispatch center. Recruit, hire, evaluate, and discipline field personnel; conduct performance reviews and foster a team culture grounded in safety, mutual respect, and professional pride. Manage contractor bids, invoices, equipment, and departmental budgets; monitor expenditures and provide variance explanations to the Director of Operations. Maintain and enforce all safety certifications, PPE standards, and incident reporting requirements. Conduct job site tailgate discussions and monthly safety meetings; ensure all workers are qualified and current in required training. Respond to landowner and member inquiries related to line work and ROW operations; resolve easement issues and maintain positive public relations across the service territory. Job Requirements Successful completion of a four‑year lineman apprenticeship (Merchants Job Training & Safety Program or equivalent) is required. A minimum of five (5) years of progressive journeyman lineman experience in the construction and maintenance of electric distribution lines is required. A valid Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) without L or Z restriction, required and maintained. Effective working knowledge of distribution system construction and maintenance, including sectionalizing equipment, meters, transformers, voltage regulators, capacitors, and reclosers. Familiarity with the NESC, RUS construction specifications, and OSHA as applied to line operations and vegetation management is expected. Experience coordinating ROW operations, landowner relations, and utility easement matters is desired. Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and evaluate crews; to delegate effectively; and to direct both employees and contract personnel in fast‑moving field environments. Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to prepare operational reports, switching procedures, and compliance documentation. Trained and able to perform First Aid and CPR; certification must be maintained at required intervals. Must reside within a distance of the Girard Headquarters to allow for a response time of no more than thirty (30) minutes. Work Schedule Typically Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with summer hours consisting of four 10‑hour days. After‑hours availability is required. Position requires daily travel across the service territory; occasional overnight travel for storm response or training. Heartland is a financially sound, member‑owned, electric distribution cooperative providing service with 11,500 meters on over 3,850 miles of line. Heartland provides electric service to its consumer‑members, which are located in parts of 12 different counties in Southeast Kansas. Heartland’s headquarters is located in Girard, Kansas, the county seat of Crawford County, 120 miles south of Kansas City and 45 miles northwest of Joplin, Missouri. The area offers all the advantages of small communities, low cost of living, and an abundance of outdoor activities. Heartland offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications, excellent retirement plan, employee benefit programs, and is an equal opportunity employer. Interested parties are to direct inquiries to Human Resources and submit the following: (1) cover letter; (2) resume; (3) three professional references. All applications must be received by June 26, and sent to: Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. c/o Human Resources PO Box 40 Girard, KS 66743 Notice of Equal Opportunity Employment We expect employees to be honest, trustworthy, and operate with integrity. Discrimination and all unlawful harassment (including sexual harassment) in employment is not tolerated. We encourage success based on our individual merits and abilities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or employment status. We support and obey laws that prohibit discrimination everywhere we do business. We fully consider all qualified applicants including those with a criminal history. #J-18808-Ljbffr