First Class Lineperson

Summary/Objective

The First Class Lineperson performs all duties associated with the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Cooperative’s electric distribution system. This position performs skilled and diverse work erecting, repairing, and operating overhead and underground distribution facilities, including energized lines, structures, and equipment. The role also includes building service drops and extensions, locating and resolving service interruptions, and supporting the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of electric and broadband utility systems.

The First Class Lineperson ensures compliance with all applicable safety, health, environmental, Cooperative, and regulatory requirements while performing work that supports reliable electric and broadband service to members.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Perform all phases of overhead and underground line construction, maintenance, and repair on energized and de-energized lines with minimal or no supervision, demonstrating a working knowledge of distribution systems, including circuits, equipment, and all safety requirements. Recommend and/or complete corrective actions as needed.
2. Operate, install, and maintain system equipment and apparatus, including regulators, and maintain current knowledge of materials, tools, equipment, and procedures used in line construction and maintenance.
3. Read and interpret maps, specifications, staking sheets, and complex diagrams to accurately perform assigned work, and inspect completed work to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
4. Perform work in compliance with Cooperative policies and procedures, Rural Utilities Services (RUS) specifications and applicable safety codes and regulations.
5. Complete and maintain accurate operational and service records, including but not limited to transformer and meter installation and removal records, outage reports, material tickets, and service connections and disconnect orders.
6. Observe the system for hazardous conditions that may result in power outages, equipment damage, or safety risks, and promptly correct or report such conditions to the Supervisor or Crew Chief.
7. Respond to system outages and severe weather events as part of an on-call rotation and perform line maintenance and outage restoration activities as required.
8. Adhere to all AEC policies, procedures, rules, and practices; follow applicable OSHA, NESC, and NEC requirements; participate in safety meetings and required training sessions; and promote a positive image of AEC to employees, members, and the general public.

Competencies

1. Ethics and integrity
2. Oral and written communication skills
3. Negotiation skills
4. Analytical and critical thinking
5. Organizational awareness and alignment
6. Collaboration and teamwork
7. Professional and technical credibility
8. Project and time management
9. Adaptability
10. Risk awareness and compliance
11. Service orientation

Supervisory Responsibility

Employee will act as Crew Leader as required.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock; explosives. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Works around trenchers, line trucks, live wires, oils spills and clean up, pole top rescue, etc.

The employee will be working during inclement/extreme weather conditions – heat, cold, rain, snow, ice, high winds, day and night

Physical Demands

The employee may be required to walk or stand regularly, use hands, fingers to handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

Travel

Periodic travel to state and local destinations, as well as some interstate travel is required.

Required Education and Experience

1. High School Diploma or equivalent.
2. Completion of an accredited lineperson training or apprenticeship program.
3. Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience as a Lineperson.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Associates degree or two-year technical degree with specialized training (live-line school, underground and overhead school).
2. Working knowledge of Rural Utilities Service (RUS) construction specifications.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

1. Valid Driver’s License.
2. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
3. Certification in First Aid, CPR, Flagger Safety, and Pole-Top and Bucket Rescue, or ability to obtain and maintain required certification.
4. Must reside within twenty-five (25) miles of the assigned district area office.
5. Legally authorized to work in the United States.

EEO Statement

Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

At-Will Employment Statement

This job description is intended to outline the general duties and responsibilities of the position and is not a binding contract. Employment with Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AEC) is on an at-will basis, which means that either the employee or AEC may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and for any lawful reason.

This document does not create an employment contract, expressed or implied, nor does it modify the at-will nature of employment.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Due to the nature of an electric and broadband utility, all employees are subject to working extended hours, holidays, nights, and weekends with or without notice. All employees of Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc. may be required to work during Annual Meeting. Additional duties or responsibilities may be assigned.