Lineman Apprentice - El Paso, TX

Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc. • El Paso, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Rio Grande Electric Cooperative Inc. (RGEC) offers a comprehensive five-year Lineman Apprenticeship Program that provides training and hands-on experience in electrical line work. Training combines on-the-job instruction, distance-learning curriculum using manuals associated with ANSI and OSHA, study-guide activities, and off-site courses covering safety protocols, electrical systems, and industry standards.

The program has eight steps. The first six steps last six months each, and the final two last one year each. Advancement requires satisfactory job performance and fulfillment of the position requirements in the program curriculum. Extensions may be granted on a supervisor’s recommendation with CEO approval. Apprentices must follow the curriculum and complete the steps in consecutive order.

Requirements

• Must reside or be willing to relocate near the assigned duty station; while on stand-by or on call, must reside or lodge within 30 minutes of the duty station, subject to potentially different El Paso/Dell City requirements.
• Successful completion of an accredited lineman college course, or at least six months of prior lineman work experience in electric utility distribution operations, including distribution system construction and maintenance.
• Valid Class A Texas Commercial Driver’s License; an intrastate CDL may be temporarily accepted for specific service areas.
• Qualified Employee certifications in Pole Top Rescue, Bucket Rescue, Digger and Aerial Device Operation, and Wood Pole Climbing, or ability to obtain them within six months of hire.
• First aid, CPR, and AED certification, or ability to obtain the required certification.
• Proficiency interpreting system maps and staking sheets in any format and capability to acquire comprehensive knowledge of various types of metering.
• Ability to learn to operate assigned equipment, including bucket trucks, digger trucks, lift trucks, forklifts, trenchers, winches, drills, chainsaws, and high-compression tools.
• Knowledge of Microsoft 365 and ability to learn Cooperative computer software programs.
• Knowledge of communication technology, including internet, email, and satellite radio.
• Must meet the Cooperative insurance provider’s eligibility requirements for auto insurance coverage.
• Proficient oral and written communication in English and ability to perform basic mathematical computations.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to maintain harmonious working relationships with employees, members, and the public.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to learn and comply with RGEC safety rules, policies, and procedures.
• Basic technical utility skills; prior experience and certification are required to qualify for Apprentice II and higher, and training and experience requirements apply to advancement between steps.
• Program acknowledgement is required upon hire.
• Ability to work in adverse weather, including extreme heat or cold, high winds, and storms.
• Availability for stand-by, on-call, and emergency situations; willingness to work overtime and irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays; and flexibility to travel away from home during emergencies or when another office needs support.
• Ability to work around noisy equipment and visually inspect work to ensure safe connections.
• Sufficient health to perform essential job functions and meet Department of Transportation medical certification requirements.
• Ability to work from an elevated platform; lift and pull cable; dig with a shovel; use hand tools; and climb ladders and poles.
• Ability to climb, lift, bend, push, pull, and carry weights; frequently lift materials and equipment up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods and traverse uneven or rugged terrain on foot or by vehicle.
• Quick and accurate hand-eye coordination.
• Must complete applicable pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable-cause, and random drug and alcohol testing.

Responsibilities

• Follow the apprenticeship curriculum and complete the program steps in consecutive order, meeting the performance and position requirements to advance.
• Learn and apply safety protocols, electrical systems, and industry standards through on-the-job training, distance learning, study activities, and off-site courses.
• Learn to operate assigned equipment, including bucket trucks, digger trucks, lift trucks, forklifts, trenchers, winches, drills, chainsaws, and high-compression tools.
• Interpret system maps and staking sheets and develop knowledge of various types of metering.
• Comply with policies for operating weight-restricted equipment and follow RGEC safety rules, policies, and procedures.
• Be available for stand-by, on-call, emergency response, overtime, travel away from home, and irregular hours as required.
• Perform electrical line work involving climbing, cable handling, digging, and use of hand tools.
• Maintain confidential information and harmonious working relationships with Cooperative employees, members, and the public.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed