Journeyman Lineman

Northwest Iowa Community College; Coldwater (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Coldwater Board of Public Utilities is seeking a skilled Lineman to build, operate and maintain overhead and underground distribution systems up to 15kV in Coldwater, MI. The role requires readiness for after-hours on-call and staying within a 25-mile radius.

Qualified candidates will have a Journeyman apprenticeship, high school diploma, and electrical utility experience. CDL Class A with tanker endorsement preferred; valid Michigan license required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of electricity fundamentals for distribution and transmission lines.
• Proficiency in electrical safety incl. bucket/pole top rescue, arc flash, grounding, shock hazard.
• Constructing, maintaining and repairing overhead/underground systems and substations.
• Reading electrical prints, maps and schematics.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Ability to perform under emergency conditions and time pressure.
• Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel).

Responsibilities

• Operate, construct, maintain and repair distribution and substation equipment up to 15kV.
• Install poles, transformers, cross arms and related equipment on the system.
• Operate 15kV/138kV substation equipment including breakers and switches.
• Locate faults and oversee testing of electrical systems up to 15kV.
• Operate bucket trucks, derrick diggers, excavators, forklifts and cranes.
• Respond to emergencies affecting power delivery and public safety.
• Install metering equipment for aerial and pad-mount systems.
• Work on URD services and street lighting; manage service drops.
• Train Apprentices and assist Line Lead/ Superintendent as needed.

Skills

Electrical knowledge

Electrical safety

Lineman skills

Read schematics

Communication skills

Decision making

Time management

Microsoft Office

Team collaboration

Emergency response

Education

High school diploma

Journeyman apprenticeship

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Electric Superintendent, this position is responsible for the construction, operation, maintenance and repair of overhead and underground electric distribution systems and associated equipment up to 15kV throughout the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities nine (9) square mile service territory. This position is subject to frequent after-hours duty, will be required to be on stand-by status and live within a 25-mile radius.

RESPONSIBILITIES, ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

• Operate, construct, maintain and repair all electrical distribution and substation equipment from 120 volt to 15kV power distribution overhead and underground
• Install poles, cross arms, transformers, switch assemblies, voltage regulators and other related equipment on the distribution system
• Operate 15kV and 138kV substation equipment including circuit breakers, circuit switchers, disconnect switches and fused switches
• Locate malfunctions in system through troubleshooting and oversee and participate in testing of system from 120 volts to 15KV equipment
• Operate bucket trucks, derrick diggers, excavators, fork trucks, cranes and other related vehicles and equipment
• Respond to emergency situations involving the flow of electricity or public safety
• Install medium and high voltage metering equipment for aerial and pad-mount systems
• Install and repair overhead and underground URD secondary services
• Repair and maintain street lighting and dusk to dawn lighting
• Work on secondary systems including service transformers, aerial and underground conductors, service drops, public outdoor lighting, and metering
• Perform work in accordance with all applicable safety policies, programs, procedures to assure a safe working environment for all personnel and the general public
• Keep abreast of relevant profession, industry, and utility developments
• Responsible for special projects as may be assigned by the Line Lead, Line Crew Leader or Electric Superintendent
• Assist in training of Apprentice Lineman
• Perform all other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be physically mobile
• Must be able to climb elevated structures or into confined spaces
• Must be able to climb poles up to 100’ above ground
• Must be able to operate heavy equipment such as bucket trucks, fork lifts, backhoes, trenchers, etc.
• Must be able to lift 100 pounds or more
• Must be mechanically inclined
• Must be able to stand, use hands to finger, handle/feel, reach with hands/arms, walk, talk, hear, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
• Must be able to work outside in varying weather conditions

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of fundamentals of electricity related to the operation, construction, maintenance of distribution and transmission lines and equipment
• Knowledge and proficiency of electrical safety including bucket and pole top rescue, arc flash, grounding, and shock hazard
• Proficiency in constructing, maintaining and repairing overhead and underground electrical systems and substations
• Working knowledge of practices, materials, tools and equipment of the trade
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with crew, management and the public
• Ability to make decisions under duress of emergency situations, time constraints or long hours
• Ability to read and interpret electrical prints, maps and schematics
• Ability to organize and prioritize to meet critical deadlines
• Ability to work closely and effectively with personnel
• Ability to remain calm under high pressure situations
• Ability to problem solve and able to make precise and complete evaluations of problems
• Effective time management
• Self-motivated
• General understanding of Microsoft Office products (i.e., Word, Excel, etc.)

** This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employee will perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. The CBPU reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• High school graduate or equivalent
• Completion of an Apprenticeship Program resulting in recognition as a Department of Labor certified Journeyman status
• Electric utility experience preferred
• Must have a valid Michigan driver's license
• Must have a valid Michigan Class A CDL license with the ability to obtain a tanker endorsement