Equipment Operator - Underground (AP)

Pike•Tuscaloosa, AL

About The Position

The Underground Equipment Operator is an entry-level position supporting the construction, maintenance, and repair of electrical underground distribution systems. The work takes place at various locations and may require travel to another state based on customer demands. The operator works safely on energized and de-energized underground systems, assists with transformer installation and fuse replacement, and helps clear faulted circuits and systems. The role frequently involves working around energized high-voltage systems and requires care to protect the employee and others. The position includes maintaining company vehicles, equipment, and tools; operating heavy equipment; performing basic rigging; and using hand tools. The operator must be able to follow directions, learn and identify materials, recognize primary and secondary voltage, understand induced voltage and minimum approach distances, and assist with single-phase transformer installation and hookup. Duties also include equipment setup and grounding, checking transformer voltage, following flag and tag procedures, installing and removing services, inspecting rubber goods and personal protective equipment, and using Kellum grips. The employee must be willing to glove or work live high-voltage distribution lines and perform other related work as needed. The job requires rigorous physical labor, including lifting more than 50 pounds, and the ability to work at heights and in confined spaces. Work is outdoors, frequently in inclement weather, and may involve long-distance travel and extended periods at different locations. The work environment may include airborne particles, fumes, moving mechanical parts, vibration, extreme construction-site conditions, and loud noise. Employees are expected to follow company safety rules and policies and demonstrate self-motivation, teamwork, and customer orientation.

Requirements

At least 5 years of recent field experience.
Able to read and communicate effectively in English.
Able to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License permit within 60 days of employment.
Able to travel long distances on short notice and work for extended periods in various locations when required.
Able to lift more than 50 pounds.
Able to perform rigorous physical labor and work at heights and/or in confined spaces.
Willing to glove or work live high-voltage distribution lines.
Able to work outdoors, including in inclement weather.
Willing to work overtime and outside the normal schedule, including weekends and holidays, as required.
Able to follow directions and company safety rules and policies.
Able to understand the proper use of company radios, heavy equipment, rigging, hand tools, materials, equipment setup and grounding, induced voltage, and transformer work.
Able to properly inspect rubber goods and personal protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

A Commercial Driver’s License is preferred.

Responsibilities

Safely perform construction, maintenance, and repair work on energized and de-energized underground electrical distribution systems.
Assist with installing underground transformers and replacing transformer fuses.
Assist with clearing faulted circuits and systems.
Work carefully around energized high-voltage systems to protect oneself and others.
Maintain company vehicles, equipment, and tools in good working order.
Operate heavy equipment and perform basic rigging.
Use and maintain hand tools properly.
Assist with installing and hooking up single-phase transformers.
Set up and ground equipment.
Identify primary and secondary voltage and check transformer voltage.
Follow flag and tag procedures and understand minimum approach distances.
Install and remove services.
Inspect rubber goods and personal protective equipment and wear PPE as appropriate.
Use Kellum grips when appropriate.
Perform other related work as required to complete the job.