Apprentice Line Worker I

Apprentice Line Worker I

Under supervision of the Electric Superintendent or designee, the Apprentice Line Worker I is a non-supervisory position that actively participates in the construction and maintenance of power systems to keep power outages to a minimum. This position has a high degree of contact with customers and the general public and will be expected to demonstrate exceptional customer service at all times. The Apprentice Line Worker will be assigned duties that are applicable to the training and knowledge of the incumbent, and may include, but are not limited to, constructing and maintaining electrical lines, installing transformers, operating substations, or assist with any of these duties. This position will be required to respond to service calls as part of the on-call schedule.

The Apprentice Training Program is a 4+ year program to become a line worker and includes self-study coursework, classroom training, OJT, testing and hands on evaluations for each module. Each program step is a minimum of one year. All apprentice levels are expected to advance through the training program in a timely manner.

Essential Functions:

• Plans and performs work in a safe and efficient manner, ensuring safety of self, crew members and the public.
• Participates in job site briefing for Crew including discussion of job plan, personal protective equipment (PPE) & risk mitigation.
• Must be able to courteously communicate with customers, the public and City staff.
• Assists onsite and supports other lineworkers using approved live line work methods including rubber gloves and sleeves from an insulated bucket truck or other aerial lift device. Understands zones of protection, switching, tagging, and grounding.
• Assists with or completes installation of poles; replacement of fuses in transformers; installation or removal of new service and de-energized electric meters; installation, removal or maintenance of streetlights; and the assembly of electric apparatus.
• Inspects, maintains, and appropriately wears required PPE for the jobs assigned.
• Understands and utilizes appropriate tools and supplies for the job assigned.
• Assists in replacing line fuses, fuses in transformers and clears faulted circuits and systems.
• Assists with installations of lightning arrestors, cutouts, cross arms, insulators, & switches on de-energized lines as part of Crew.
• Digs and fills in holes.
• Cuts and hauls brush.
• Cleans and maintains utility trucks and stocks with materials, poles, and transformers.
• Ability to identify wire sizes and types including insulation. Ability to identify 3rd party facilities on poles such as CATV, telephone, fire alarm, etc.
• Ability to climb various types of structures and use necessary tools to do so.
• Inspects, prepares, and safely operates bucket truck and other job-related vehicles, tools and equipment.
• Appropriately identifies and utilizes materials, tools, and equipment used in linework.
• Ability to effectively communicate with customers, the public, and all staff members.
• Demonstrate sound judgement in all situations with consideration to safety and prevention of damage or accidents.
• Demonstrates competencies through assessment and/or job evaluation in order to progress through the City of Burnet/DOL Apprenticeship Training Program.
• Regular and punctual attendance is required for all levels of the Apprentice Line Worker position.
• Must be available to stand On-Call during evenings, weekends, and holidays in a rotational schedule. Must also be available to respond to emergencies.
• Must be able to work outside in all types of weather conditions including extreme hot/cold, storms, ice, snow, wind, and rain.
• Assist other departments or divisions as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of general electrical system principles, practices, procedures, and safety codes.
• Knowledge of basic electrical design.
• Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge and understanding of electrical theory, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of the equipment and tools used in building, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems and the ability to identify the correct tools and use them appropriately on the job.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state and federal codes, ordinances, laws and regulations.
• Ability to read and write.
• Ability to accurately interpret and carry out both verbal and written instructions when completing or assisting in building, troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems.
• Ability to always remain safety conscious.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public.
• Ability to climb poles and ladders and safely work from heights
• Ability to safely operate equipment and hand tools.
• Ability to read and interpret coursework for the DOL Apprentice program and effectively progress through the course.
• Ability to apply skills and knowledge obtained during DOL Apprentice program coursework.
• Skilled in sound decision making.

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or its equivalent.
• Any combination of education, experience, and training in all types of electric distribution system elements which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Valid Texas Class A Driver's license or ability to obtain within six months.

Physical Requirements and Working Environment

This position primarily works in an outdoor environment. Duties may require exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes or airborne particles, and possible electrical shock. Incumbent may be required to operate machinery/large equipment, including completion of duties from a bucket truck, which involves high and precarious locations. Outdoor duties result in exposure to all weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, snow, ice, rain, and wind. Work may result near electrical high and low voltage lines and equipment. Duties may require sitting, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, kneeling, walking, climbing and squatting for extended periods of time. Lifting of 1-50 pounds is frequent, more than 50 occasional.