Groundman - Lake Placid - Glades Electric Cooperative

SUMMARY

The Groundman job is an entry level position that assists lineman in the construction, replacement and maintenance of electric distribution lines, transmission lines, structures and equipment. This position coordinates with the Control Center, Consigned Inventory Vendor, Member Services and Fleet. The Groundman has no direct reports and he/she reports to the Power Supply Manager.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in substation work. Work will be on de-energized parts with the station usually energized. Follow all instructions given by substation technicians.
• Prepare daily for work in field, remove all returned and salvaged material from the truck and place it in warehouse with the material ticket. Clean the truck of any debris and load materials for day’s work.
• At the construction site, participate with the other members of the crew or perform alone the following:

• • Set poles: Assist in framing, dig holes by hand, operate water jet, guide poles into hole, fill hole and tamp firm, set anchors and attach guy wires.
  • String wires: Assist as instructed, in short spans or where the truck cannot be used, pull out wire by hand; using a hand line, pull wire up to lineman; send up hoists, materials, tools, etc., to lineman, as required.
  • Hang transformers: Assist in getting out material and equipment in preparation for handling transformers, hand line, slings, transformer gin, etc.; attach ground bonding wire to the transformer tank; hoist transformer to lineman using winch or block line, as may be required. Follow lineman’s directions at all times when pulling up the transformer.
  • Make service drops: Assist in running out service wire and make connections at the weather head.
  • Line retirement: Assist in recovering the dropped wire by operating the take up reel, or roll up wire by hand as required; load wire and hardware on the truck.
  • Pole removals: Assist in removing pole from hole and removing top assemblies or other hardware; back-fill hole; load pole on truck or trailer and tie down.
  • Circuit breaker and regulators: Get tools, equipment and materials from truck and assist in the installation, change out or maintenance of circuit breakers and regulators as directed; load old equipment and material on truck and ensure it is returned to the warehouse.
  • Trouble calls; Assist a journeyman lineman, lead lineman or Certified lineman to restore power.
  • Right-of-way preparation: Clear land of trees, bushes, weeds, etc.

• Able to safely operate equipment such as: power saws, hand saws, axes, bush hooks, chain hoist, splicing tools, pole hole digger, two-way radios, etc. Be trained in the use of all automotive powered equipment, but not limited to the operation of such equipment.
• Positively promote GEC programs such as: Safety, System Restoration, Strategic Planning, Surge Protection, Outdoor Lighting, etc.
• Maintain an attitude of respect for other persons and property, which will reflect well on the Cooperative.
• Responsible for the safety of oneself and that of others, by knowing his/her job and giving it his/her complete attention.
• Remain knowledgeable and familiar with GEC’s safety manual, policies, procedures and all OSHA rules and regulations.
• Participate in all safety programs and training.
• Follow all safety rules, policies, work practices and regulations.
• Maintain top priority on safety.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

By virtue of education, experience, knowledge, ability, skill or personal attributes, applicants for this position should meet the following specifications:

• Education: High school diploma or GED is required.
• Experience: Basic understanding of line work and company’s policies and procedures.
• Knowledge: Able to operate a two-way radio.
• Ability & Skill: Skilled in meeting and dealing with customers.
• Must be able to work flexible and/or abnormal working hours.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Class A CDL license.
• Must have training in First Aid and CPR
• Must represent the company in a professional manner, be a productive team member and have a positive impact on the morale of others.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB

On a frequent basis: lifting, pushing, pulling up to 50 pounds, bending at the waist, gripping tools and objects, stretching or reaching, kneeling, standing, sittings, walking, crouching, twisting (rotating body while in a sitting position), twisting (rotating body while in a standing position), grasping or gripping (to grasp with thumb in opposition to fingers or palm), driving automobile equipment and working alone.