Line Technician Apprentice I - Journey (Great Bend)

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation; Colby (KS); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is seeking a Line Technician Apprentice to assist in inspecting and repairing transmission lines and substation sites under supervision. You will support field crews, operate equipment safely, and help frame poles and install components on structures.

The role requires a high school diploma and a preference for completing a recognized Line Technician Program; obtaining a Class A CDL within six months is required.

Qualifications

• Completion of CAST Test.
• Able to read and comprehend line construction drawings.
• Basic mathematical skills and unit conversion.
• Understanding and applying Lock Out/Tag Out (LO/TO) procedures.
• Knowledge of testing voltage potential and safe grounding practices.
• Safety culture and adherence to policies.

Responsibilities

• Assist with inspection and repair of transmission lines and substations.
• Support safe operation and setup of heavy equipment under supervision.
• Assist with framing poles and installing components on structures.
• Participate in emergency work to restore service.
• Maintain safety gear and follow clearance procedures.

Skills

CAST Test

Reading schematics

Math basics

LOTO procedures

Voltage testing

Safety practices

Education

High school diploma

Line Technician Program (preferred)

Electric distribution/transmission/substation knowledge

Job description

Responsibility Outline Job Title Line Technician Apprentice Department

Lines Pay Status Hourly Reports To Line Technician Supervisor FLSA

Category Nonexempt Location Various

SUMMARY Assist with inspection and repairs of transmission lines and substation sites under the direct supervision of a journey or higher-level Line Technician.

Essential Responsibilities

Transmission Lines

• Assist with performing field inspections of property and equipment to include, but not limited to, identifying sagging/damaged transmission lines on 69kV, 115kV, 138kV, 230kV, and 345kV lines; broken/missing insulators; damaged, broken, or unstable poles or cross arms; and any other potential problems or hazards related to line equipment.
• Assist with performing assigned maintenance, repair, or replacement of all overhead transmission hot line equipment, cross arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment on poles and structures.
• Assist transmission line crew and ensure the locations are safe for authorized staff.
• Assist with framing poles, installing pole top assemblies, and installing air break switch assemblies.
• Operate required heavy equipment in a safe and efficient manner under direct supervision.
• Ensure that self and others safely and effectively climb transmission structures, set and align poles, string and sag conductors on poles and structures, dig pole holes, install and anchor poles, make up and install guys, and utilize appropriate rigging equipment. Assist with framing poles, installing pole top assemblies, and installing air break switch assemblies.
• Assist with emergency work to restore service in adverse weather conditions and respond, as needed, during off hours for such emergency work.

Substation Sites

• Assist with performing field inspections of substations to identify substation property and equipment that is broken or unstable or have unkept facilities that could hide hazards or conditions that would otherwise be unsafe, inefficient, or unsightly.
• Assist with the installation and removal of breakers, transformers, voltage regulators, voltage and current transformers (CTs), and capacitor banks; installation and adjustment of gang-operated air break and motor operated switches; and construction of all substation related structures.
• Assist with fitting and welding rigid bus, making up jumpers to all equipment including ground grid and grounding of all equipment associated with high voltage substations.

Safety

Sunflower employees are expected to approach their personal safety and their coworker's safety with a positive attitude and commitment.

Sunflower employees will maintain the highest level of responsibility and accountability in compliance with all safety policies, practices and procedures to ensure a safe working environment. This includes properly maintaining and caring for applicable safety gear and equipment; identifying, correcting or assisting in resolving safety concerns, including communicating all hazardous conditions; reporting all injuries and near misses immediately to appropriate personnel; and understanding and complying with the Clearance Procedure as applicable.

Culture

Demonstrate personal responsibility and commitment to Sunflowers culture and core values of technical competency, respect and dignity, accountability, integrity, trustworthiness, and servant leadership to empower or otherwise enable others to optimally perform their job responsibilities. Demonstrate and promote ethics and behaviors consistent with Sunflower's culture, Board policies, and business practices. Understand and fulfill the role and responsibility for all internal policies and procedures of the company to comply with laws, rules, and regulations.

Other Responsibilities

Perform other tasks as assigned or required to support Sunflowers mission and operations.

Qualifications

Certifications and Licenses

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Class A Manual Commercial Drivers License (CDL) within six months of employment.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma.
• Completion of a recognized Line Technician Program is highly preferred.
• Electric distribution lines, transmission lines, or substation
• Construction Experience Is Strongly Preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Successful completion of the Construction and Skilled Trades Selection System (CAST) Test.
• Able to learn to read and comprehend line construction specification drawings.
• Able to perform basic mathematical skills and use and relate units of measure.
• Able to understand and comply with the Lock Out/Tag Out (LO/TO) Clearance System.
• Able to understand and comply with testing the line or equipment for voltage potential and how to properly apply personal protective grounds.
• Able to gain knowledge of safety practices and become knowledgeable at implementing the