Job Openings

Apprentice Lineman

SUMMARY: The Apprentice program is based on a four-year period (if the apprentice makes normal progress) in acquiring the knowledge and skill set to become a Journeyman Lineman. Over the course of the program, the Apprentice will obtain the skills necessary for the completion of construction, conversion, relocation and maintenance of the electrical lines and stations throughout the area served by the Cooperative.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. When the appropriate step of the apprenticeship program has been obtained, the apprentice will perform construction, conversion, relocation, maintenance and service work on energized or de-energized lines and stations through the area served by the Cooperative.

2. Gains and maintains a thorough knowledge of the description of units, specifications and drawings for line construction of transmission and distribution voltages presently in use or proposed to be used on the system.

3. Gains and maintains a thorough knowledge of the transmission and distribution system in the area served by the cooperative, such as location of lines, voltages, sources of power, direction of feeds, location of fuses, breakers and regulators.

4. Maintains and properly uses all trucks, equipment and tools assigned to him.

5. Takes outage calls at any time during the day or night, assuming responsibility for restoration of power as quickly as possible on assigned outages while maintaining a safe work environment.

6. Performs the duties of an Apprentice Lineman and handles the tools of the trade in accordance with accepted safety rules, regulations and practices pertinent to the trade and effects adherence to such standards on the part of any and all subordinate personnel under the employee's supervision.

7. Handles assignments and conducts oneself in such a manner as will reflect positively on the organization and contribute to a harmonious work environment with co-workers, members of the system and general public.

8. Submits reports of accountability to their immediate supervisor for all jobs performed by the employee and for all materials issued to the employee or subordinates and cares for and returns to the warehouse all unused and retired materials.

9. Performs any other assigned duties for which the employee may be qualified.

10. Completes each step of a union-approved Journeyman Lineman Apprenticeship program to obtain a Journeyman Lineman Certification.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Under direct supervision of a Journeyman Lineman or Foreman. Most assignments are covered by well-established methods, procedures and precedents. The employee is responsible for executing the details of the work and solving most problems of a recurring nature.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position is included in the Bargaining Agreement between Lincoln Electric Cooperative, Inc. and IBEW Union #768.

1. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High school graduation or equivalent. Successful completion of an Electrical Lineman school or documentation of current participation in an accredited lineman apprenticeship program. Work experience may be substituted in lieu of lineman school

2. LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions and read and understand technical drawings, specification and related information.

3. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide working with fractions. Ability to perform these operations using units of weight measurement, volume and distance.

4. REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply common-sense understanding to carry out instruction furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to solve problems involving several concrete concepts and ideas.

5. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Must maintain a minimum Class A, Type II Montana driver's license, First Aid and CPR Certification. Must enroll in a certified Journeyman Lineman Apprentice Training Program within the first three (3) months of employment.

6. OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of the description of units, specifications for line construction of transmission and distribution voltages, thorough knowledge of operating and construction procedures and practices of electric transmission and distribution organizations. Ability to deal with co-workers and members in a courteous and professional manner.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally must reach with hands or arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. There is frequent travel associated with the job.

2. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to risk of electrical shock; works in high, precarious places; and is exposed to outside weather conditions. Occasionally, the employee works near moving mechanical parts and is exposed to fumes or toxic substances.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, though at times the job does involve the use of loud tools and equipment that necessitate the use of personal hearing protection.

This institution is an equal opportunity employer and provider.