Equipment Operator - Overhead (Blue Bonnet Electric Coop)

About the position

Overview: The Equipment Operator position utilizes heavy equipment operation knowledge in the construction and maintenance of our nation’s Power Grid. You will assist your team in building, repairing, and maintaining overhead electrical distribution systems. Job Duties: As an Equipment Operator, you will support your team by: Securing the safety of yourself and others Assisting fellow line-workers in meeting project objectives Readily joining storm restoration efforts in times of need Operating vehicles and equipment in a professional manner Continuing training to improve technical and leadership skills Physical Aspects: The physical demands described here are typical of those that must be met by a team-member to successfully perform the essential functions of their job in powerline construction. While performing the duties of this job, team-members are regularly required to talk or hear. The team-member is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle and feel; and reach with hands and arms. The team-member is frequently required to perform rigorous physical labor; sit; climb different types of structures (wood, steel, etc.); or balance; and stoop, kneel crouch or crawl. Team-members frequently lift or move up to or in-excess of 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, team-members may frequently be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. Team-members are occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions at construction job sites. The noise level in the work environment can be loud. Powerline construction work is performed outside and is subject to diverse weather conditions. General Expectations: Able to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License permit within 60 days of employment Able to operate heavy equipment used in powerline construction Able to read/write and communicate effectively Able to travel long distances on short notice, when required Able to work for extended periods in various locations, when required Able to lift in-excess of 50 lbs. Willing to work over-time when requested Willing to work outside of the normal work schedule including weekends, holidays, and overtime as required for the position Functions to be Expected in Overhead Powerline Construction: Works safely while performing new construction, maintenance, or repair work of energized and de-energized overhead work Properly inspects rubber goods and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Understands when to wear personal protective equipment Strings overhead wire Sets poles and anchors Assists with installing transformers, lightening arrestors, cutouts, cross-arms, insulators, switches and switchgear Assists in replacing fuses in transformers and clears faulted circuits and systems Frequently works with energized high voltage systems requiring skill and care to protect the lives of themselves and others Maintains company vehicles, equipment and tools in good working order Able to perform rigorous physical labor Understands proper use of company radio Understand basic rigging, hand lines, and lineman knot tying Understand the proper use and maintenance of hand tools Capable of receiving and following directions Possess a basic knowledge of materials used in line work Able to identify primary and secondary voltage on a circuit Must be familiar with induced voltage Capable of assisting with the installation and hook up of a single-phase transformer Capable of performing basic bucket rescue/escape Understands the basic concepts of equipment set up and grounding Capable of working at heights and/or confined spaces Understands minimum approach distance Understands excavation and shoring requirements Capable of checking voltage on transformers Capable of installing and removing a service Must be able to climb different types of structures (wood, steel, etc.) and possess the necessary tools to do so Understands how and when to use Kellum grips Able to identify different types of materials used in line work Must be able to work outside, frequently in inclement weather Does all other related work as required to complete the job

Responsibilities

  • Securing the safety of yourself and others
  • Assisting fellow line-workers in meeting project objectives
  • Readily joining storm restoration efforts in times of need
  • Operating vehicles and equipment in a professional manner
  • Continuing training to improve technical and leadership skills
  • Works safely while performing new construction, maintenance, or repair work of energized and de-energized overhead work
  • Properly inspects rubber goods and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Strings overhead wire
  • Sets poles and anchors
  • Assists with installing transformers, lightening arrestors, cutouts, cross-arms, insulators, switches and switchgear
  • Assists in replacing fuses in transformers and clears faulted circuits and systems
  • Maintains company vehicles, equipment and tools in good working order
  • Able to perform rigorous physical labor
  • Capable of receiving and following directions
  • Capable of assisting with the installation and hook up of a single-phase transformer
  • Capable of performing basic bucket rescue/escape
  • Capable of checking voltage on transformers
  • Capable of installing and removing a service
  • Does all other related work as required to complete the job

Requirements

  • Team-Oriented
  • Self-Motivated
  • Customer Service Focused
  • Ethical and Honest
  • Dutifully follows established Safety Rules and Company Policy
  • Able to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License permit within 60 days of employment
  • Able to operate heavy equipment used in powerline construction
  • Able to read/write and communicate effectively
  • Able to travel long distances on short notice, when required
  • Able to work for extended periods in various locations, when required
  • Able to lift in-excess of 50 lbs.
  • Willing to work over-time when requested
  • Willing to work outside of the normal work schedule including weekends, holidays, and overtime as required for the position
  • Understands when to wear personal protective equipment
  • Frequently works with energized high voltage systems requiring skill and care to protect the lives of themselves and others
  • Understands proper use of company radio
  • Understand basic rigging, hand lines, and lineman knot tying
  • Understand the proper use and maintenance of hand tools
  • Possess a basic knowledge of materials used in line work
  • Able to identify primary and secondary voltage on a circuit
  • Must be familiar with induced voltage
  • Understands the basic concepts of equipment set up and grounding
  • Capable of working at heights and/or confined spaces
  • Understands minimum approach distance
  • Understands excavation and shoring requirements
  • Must be able to climb different types of structures (wood, steel, etc.) and possess the necessary tools to do so
  • Understands how and when to use Kellum grips
  • Able to identify different types of materials used in line work
  • Must be able to work outside, frequently in inclement weather

Benefits

  • VA Approved Apprenticeship Program – GI Bill Benefits Available to Eligible Veterans
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