Apprentice Lineman

Wharton County Electric Cooperative, Inc.; El Campo (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Wharton County Electric Cooperative, Inc. is seeking an Apprentice Lineman to support the Line Crew in constructing, replacing, and maintaining electric distribution lines, structures, and equipment.

The role focuses on gaining Journeyman lineman skills through a structured apprentice program, under supervision during the early stages. The position requires a valid Class A CDL, DOT-ready, and the ability to work in varied conditions.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state Class A CDL.
• Must reside within a 30-minute radius of WCEC headquarters.
• Strong Customer Service skills required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe working environment by adhering to policies and regulations.
• Perform line construction, maintenance and service duties as directed.
• Assist with tree trimming and pole setting as needed.
• Inspect and maintain equipment and vehicles.
• Assist Line Superintendent in developing staff competencies and teamwork.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including overtime and after-hours work.
• Construct power lines per staking sheets and handle line equipment.
• Support preventative maintenance by inspecting lines.
• Read meters, check voltage, and complete necessary paperwork.
• Locate work sites using maps and computerized systems.
• Assist with material handling and general clean-up.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CDL

Job description

Apprentice Lineman

Department: Line Crew

Job Description

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly

BASIC FUNCTION

Construction and maintenance work completed in a safe, accurate and efficient manner. Serves as an apprentice to a lineman by constructing, replacing, and maintaining electric distribution lines, structures, and equipment. Actively engages in an apprentice program in an effort to acquire Journeyman lineman skills and status.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Maintains a safe working and living environment for employees, members, and the general public by adhering to policies, procedures, and regulations.
2. Serves members by providing services requested, performing line construction, retirement and maintenance on de-energized line. After one year in the position, an Apprentice Lineman may work on energized conductors only under the direct supervision of a Foreman or Journeyman; acquiring a thorough knowledge of applicable traffic laws and rules governing safe driving practices; meets all Department of Transportation (DOT) and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements; answering member questions and offering assistance.
3. Conserves resources by inspecting and maintaining assigned vehicle and cooperative property and equipment.
4. Ensures the present and future accomplishments of departmental and organizational goals by assisting the Line Superintendent in developing the competencies, teamwork, and professionalism of the departmental staff.
5. Helps others by performing other related duties as may be requested; cooperating with other employees; being able to work during regular hours and after hours when needed and during emergencies and at all annual meetings.
6. Constructs power lines according to staking sheets by performing tree trimming on the ground or out of an aerial device, helping with groundwork, hauling, framing, setting, and tamping poles.
7. Enhances the cooperative’s preventative maintenance program by inspecting power lines.
8. Maintains electric service by reading and setting meters, checking voltage and completing paperwork.
9. Finds location of work site by reading maps on phone/tablet; and by adequately utilizing the computerized mapping system.
10. Helping with material handling by loading and unloading vehicles, performing general cleanup when assembling and disassembling line equipment.
11. In addition, other responsibilities may be assigned to perform other duties from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. High School Diploma or GED.
2. Must possess and maintain a valid state Class A commercials driver’s license (CDL); must have and maintain an insurable driving record.
3. Must reside within a 30-minute radius of WCEC headquarters.
4. Strong Customer Service skills required.

WORK BEHAVIOR

1. Must be a great team player.
2. Must have a positive attitude.
3. Must be professional and dependable.
4. Must have a positive attitude.
5. Problem-solving/Analysis/Decision Making
6. Must maintain strict confidentiality in performance of duties.
7. Must be able to communicate effectively with fellow employees and members.
8. Must have a good working knowledge of company safety rules and practices.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Good physical condition: Sitting (50%), Standing/walking (50%), Climb (65%), bending, lifting (100 lbs. maximum in ideal conditions).
2. The physical requirements of this position are very heavy work, exerting in excess of 100 lbs. of force of lift occasionally and/or in excess of 50lbs. of force or lift frequently, and/or in excess of 20lbs. of force or lift constantly to move objects.
3. This position requires the ability to perform pole top and bucket rescue.
4. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
5. Must be able to perform the physical activities related to the position.
6. Must have the physical ability and manual dexterity to operate all machines and equipment in the department.
7. Must become skilled at pole climbing and in using lineman’s tools while working on a pole.
8. Common and complex eye, hand, and finger dexterity required.
9. Essential functions require talking, hearing, and seeing.
10. Must be able to work in the presence of environmental factors such as heat/cold, dust, rain, and high winds and noise.
11. Must be available for on-call duty as required.
12. Must be available for planned and emergency overtime as required.
13. Must be able to travel for training.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to:

Foreman

Journeyman Lineman

Line Superintendent