Electric Utility Coop Groundman - Parke County REMC - Rockville, IN

Objectives and Responsibilities:
Provide service to the members and maintain a reliable electric distribution system. Determine the problem and restore the distribution system following interruptions of any kind. Provide office employees with paperwork as necessary to complete timely billing, payroll, material control, etc… Assist in providing safe work sites for employees and customers. Treat all customers with respect and dignity.

The specific objectives for this position and the responsibilities to be fulfilled include but are not limited to:

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
A. Restores quickly and efficiently electric service and other services supplied by the REMC.

B. Looks for efficiencies and reports problems that hinder the efficient completion of work.

C. Participates in monthly safety meetings.

D. Follows policies and procedures and seeks input when information is unclear, inadequate, or requires interpretation.

E. Completes any necessary paperwork accurately and timely for office operations.

F. Studies, learns, and complies with all safety practices, procedures, instructions.

G. Operate vehicles as directed obeying all safety requirements.

H. Cuts right-of-way, trims trees, and chips brush if needed to restore service.

I. Performs routine equipment maintenance.

J. Loads and unloads material and equipment and sees that line trucks are kept stocked with sufficient inventory of supplies to make emergency repairs.

K. Returns all job locations to a neat, safe condition following completion of work, removing all cartons and discarded materials.

L. Operates radio communications equipment, abiding by the Federal Communications Commission’s Rules & Regulations. Uses radio or cell phone to allow the logging of daily activities.

M. Refrains from using profane language, obscene actions, or any other negative behavior that would reflect unfavorably upon the REMC.

N. Reviews daily work schedules and orally confirms the understanding of the assigned work.

O. Attends and participates in Annual Meeting as required or directed.

P. Performs other work of this or any other classification requiring equal or lesser skills when assigned by supervisor.

Q. Reads meters and handles disconnects as needed.

R. Assumes responsibility for on-call work. Is subject to “call back” after normal working hours for the purpose of providing immediate response to equipment failure. Will do two person call-outs on outages.

S. Possesses and uses the skills and knowledge necessary to perform all phases of line work, including the construction, operation and maintenance of the distribution and transmission systems.

T. Sets a positive example of safe practices for others.

U. Follows cooperative procedures and sees that job-related records, reports, and other paperwork are correct, complete, and on time.

V. Maintains currency and ability to perform first aid and artificial respiration and pole top resuscitation.

W. Remains a competent craftsman by keeping skills and knowledge current.

Physical Requirements:
This position is subject to adverse weather elements/hazards, and subject to work-related hazards while performing the job. All positions work outside with great physical exertion requiring upper body strength and stamina.

Frequently climbs poles and is exposed to the risk of high precarious places up to 55 feet or more, installing line materials and equipment such as transformers, reclosers, cutouts, insulators, etc., and often works in awkward positions requiring lower body strength.

Occasionally will crouch or bend to perform maintenance on a service or primary installation. Will frequently lift materials, tools and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and may occasionally lift material and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds. Will individually or with assistance pull or push conductors from pole to pole.

Must be certified and able to perform bucket, pole top rescue, first aid and CPR. Shovels dirt, works around noisy construction machinery and equipment and visually inspects work for safe connections and standards design.

Works on uneven terrain in areas along and off road right-of-ways, and will often encounter vehicular traffic. Will frequently work with or near energized lines (normally in voltage classes of 7.2 kV to 12.47 kV) and equipment requiring safe work habits and performed in accordance with established work procedures and specifications to avoid electric shock and injury.

Frequently sits in a line truck to drive or ride to various line sites. May be at-risk to exposure to blood borne pathogens.

Must reside within 20-mile radius of the warehouse.

May be able to operate equipment including, but not limited to digger derrick trucks, bucket trucks, chain saws and any other construction or maintenance-related equipment.

Will be exposed to chemical sprays used to clear right-of-way. Office restricted smoking areas. Subject to random drug and alcohol testing consistent with DOT regulations and the REMC policies.

Education and Training Requirements:
1. High School graduate or GED.

2. Ability to obtain and maintain a current CDL A Indiana Driver’s License.

3. Demonstrates the mechanical and physical ability to perform the trade.

4. Ability to read, write and understand sequential processes in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

5. Ability to apply craft techniques, processes and principles.

6. Necessary to provide own tools to perform the work.

7. Demonstrates initiative and judgment in decision-making.

8. Experienced in working with a team or individually.

9. Subject to random drug and alcohol testing consistent with DOT regulations and the REMC policies.

Conditions of Employment:
1. Must be able to pass random drug and alcohol tests, driver’s license checks, and criminal history background checks.

2. Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a valid Indiana CDL driver’s license.

3. Must be able to prove eligibility to work in the United States.

4. Must have a high school diploma or GED.

5. Must be willing and able to work hours in addition to regularly scheduled office hours, as business needs require.

COMMENTS:
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management personnel. Parke County Rural Electric Membership Corporation reserves the right to revise or change the job responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Attachment 1

The specific purpose of a Groundman is to provide a training position for individuals prior to being entered into the Lineman Apprenticeship program.

Groundman:
This position is one of active training in line work with a focus upon line construction. Requirements and training are the same as Apprentice Lineman without the initial classroom requirements.

Line condition: The Groundman will not work within contact distance of an energized conductor and will not work in the air either in an aerial device or on a pole. Work will be limited to construction and maintenance, in which poles are completely de-energized and grounded.

Assigned training and responsibilities include: By the end of the training period, the individual must have demonstrated the abilities to work effectively and have practical knowledge in the following areas:

1. Cooperative safety rules.

2. First aid training.

3. Identification of material, tools and equipment.

4. Proper handling and use of materials, tools, and equipment.

5. Frame poles.

6. RUS specifications and basic construction units.

7. Drive and maintain vehicles and equipment.

8. Operate radio.

9. Meet all State requirements to operate the REMC vehicles, such as CDL A license, or any other qualifications.

10. Perform other first year duties as assigned.

11. Must acquire a CDL A license before progressing into the Apprenticeship.

Training arrangements: The Manager of Operations is responsible for training, and will delegate specific activities to the Line Superintendent, Line Foreman or Journeyman Lineman in charge.

Reports to for supervision: Is under the direct supervision of the Line Superintendent or Line Foreman to which he is assigned.

Standards for being on Call: The Groundman may not go on calls with the Journeyman Lineman.

Progression: Regular reviews/appraisals will be conducted by operations supervision to determine a Groundman’s readiness and/or ability to proceed within the apprentice program as well as their continued employment with Parke County REMC.

Keywords: Electric Utility, Coop, Groundman, Lineman, Apprentice