Apprentice Distribution Lineman

Job Summary

Assist lineman in the installation or repair of cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems in accordance with all applicable plans, specifications, codes, and industry standards. May erect poles and light or heavy-duty transmission towers.

Key Responsibilities

Use appropriate hand (i.e., drill, screwdriver) and power tools to properly measure, cut, assemble, install, test or repair cables or wires; and install all other related items in accordance with the applicable plans and specifications.

Help install, maintain, inspect, test, and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems, including conduits, cables, wires, and related equipment, such as transformers, circuit breakers, and switches according to electrical diagrams and specifications.

Open switches or attach grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.

Climb poles or use truck‐mounted buckets to access equipment.

Drive vehicles equipped with tools and materials to job sites. Travel in trucks, helicopters, and airplanes to inspect lines for freedom from obstruction and adequacy of insulation.

Identify defective sectionalizing devices, circuit breakers, fuses, voltage regulators, transformers, switches, relays, or wiring, using wiring diagrams and electrical‐testing instruments.

Dig holes, using augers, and set poles, using cranes and power equipment.

Place insulating or fireproofing materials over conductors and joints.

Splice or solder cables together or to overhead transmission lines, customer service lines, or street light lines, using hand tools, epoxies, or specialized equipment.

String wire conductors and cables between poles, towers, trenches, pylons, and buildings, setting lines in place and using winches to adjust tension.

Attach cross‐arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them. Replace or straighten damaged poles.

Coordinate work assignment preparation and completion with other workers.

Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string it through conduit running through the trenches.

Clean, tin, and splice corresponding conductors by twisting ends together or by joining ends with metal clamps and soldering connections.

Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks.

May utilize equipment to excavate for foundations, layout and install ground grid, utilize equipment to spread rock, or operate manlift.

Participate in all safety related processes and programs as requested. Engage with your work team to ensure we achieve zero injuries. Understand that no job is so important that your safety and that of your crew will be compromised. Watch for hazards and report any concerns to your supervisor or safety professional. If needed, use your stop work authority until the issue is resolved.

Report all accidents and near misses to supervisor; participate in investigation process as needed.

Participate in all pre‐job work planning and safety discussions; Identify safety hazards you or other employees may be subject to and take all necessary corrective action to eliminate and/or mitigate hazards.

Understand and respond appropriately to all safety hazards and warning devices (i.e., back‐up alarms, smell of smoke, different colored warning tags, warning sirens).

Understand, support, and follow lockout/tag out procedures. Attend site specific training and assure you follow all procedures as out lined in training.

Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean work environment.

Use effective verbal and written communication skills. Add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers and fractions rapidly and accurately.

Listen to co-workers’ suggestions, safety concerns, and recommendations giving full attention to what they are saying and take the time to understand the points being made, asking questions, and providing feedback when appropriate.

Coordinate work with other crafts and co‐workers on the job.

Management Responsibilities

Individual Contributor

Preferred Qualifications

NCCER Construction Craft Laborer

NCCER Core Curriculum or equivalent Craft Training Program

Minimum Qualifications

4000 documented hours and proven DOL approved lineman apprentice program participation. Working knowledge of the lineman craft. Developing knowledge of the installation or repair of cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems and transmission towers and lines. Ability to understand and follow directions. In addition, must have all necessary tools (see Lineman helper tool list). Must be at least 18 years of age

Certifications

NCCER Construction Craft Laborer

NCCER Core Curriculum or equivalent Craft Training Program

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Typical construction site environment

Requires working in cramped workspaces and getting into awkward positions.

Requires working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32F degrees) temperatures and exposure to inclement weather such as dust, wind, snow, rain, etc.

Requires working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions

Includes exposure to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.

Work around hazardous equipment.

This position is considered a safety sensitive position

Lift and carry heavy items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Stand, Kneel, Bend, Stoop, move in and around confined and cluttered places, and uneven areas, see and hear naturally or with correction.

Full range of motion and flexibility consistent with requirements of the job duties.

Requires using hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls according to a set procedure.

Requires repetitive movement.

Climb and maintain balance on steel framework, stairs, ladders, and scaffolds.

Work up to a 12-hour shift doing hard physical labor in varying temperature extremes and other outside conditions.