Equipment Operator - Overhead (Blue Bonnet Electric Coop)

Pike•Austin, TX

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Equipment Operator uses heavy-equipment operating knowledge to support construction and maintenance of the nation’s power grid. The role assists a team in building, repairing, and maintaining overhead electrical distribution systems. Work includes new construction, maintenance, and repair of energized and de-energized overhead systems, often outdoors and in varied weather conditions. Team-members may also perform other related duties as needed to meet the organization’s ongoing needs. The position requires safe and professional operation of vehicles and equipment, teamwork with line-workers, participation in storm restoration when needed, and continued training to improve technical and leadership skills. The operator maintains company vehicles, equipment, and tools, follows safety rules and company policy, and may work extended periods at different locations, including overtime, weekends, and holidays as required.

Requirements

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 more than 50 pounds and perform rigorous physical labor.
Willing to work overtime when requested, and outside the normal work schedule, including weekends and holidays, as required.
Able to work outdoors, including frequently in inclement weather.
Able to climb different types of structures, including wood and steel.
Able to receive and follow directions.
Possess basic knowledge of materials used in line work and be able to identify different line-work materials.
Able to identify primary and secondary voltage on a circuit and be familiar with induced voltage.
Understand proper use and maintenance of hand tools, basic rigging, hand lines, lineman knot tying, equipment setup and grounding, minimum approach distance, and excavation and shoring requirements.
Able to perform basic bucket rescue or escape.
Able to work at heights and/or in confined spaces.
Understand how and when to use Kellum grips.
Able to install and remove a service and assist with single-phase transformer installation and hookup.

Responsibilities

Secure personal and team safety and follow established safety rules and company policy.
Assist fellow line-workers in meeting project objectives.
Join storm restoration efforts when needed.
Operate vehicles and heavy equipment professionally.
Continue training to improve technical and leadership skills.
Support safe construction, maintenance, and repair of energized and de-energized overhead powerline systems.
Inspect rubber goods and personal protective equipment, and understand when PPE is required.
String overhead wire and set poles and anchors.
Assist with installing transformers, lightning arrestors, cutouts, cross-arms, insulators, switches, and switchgear.
Assist in replacing transformer fuses and clearing faulted circuits and systems.
Work carefully around energized high-voltage systems to protect people from harm.
Maintain company vehicles, equipment, and tools in good working order.
Use company radios, hand tools, rigging, hand lines, lineman knots, and Kellum grips appropriately.
Assist with installation and hookup of single-phase transformers, checking transformer voltage, and installing or removing services.
Work at heights and in confined spaces when required; perform bucket rescue or escape when needed.
Follow equipment setup and grounding practices, minimum approach distances, and excavation and shoring requirements.
Climb wood, steel, and other structures using necessary tools.
Perform other related work as required to complete the job.