Service Mechanic C - A (Weslaco, TX)

American Electric Power•Weslaco, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an apprentice-level position focused on assisting with the installation, rearrangement, maintenance, operation, and inspection of electrical transmission and distribution facilities. The role involves driving and operating line trucks and associated equipment, responding to trouble calls, and supporting construction and repair crews. Duties apply to both overhead and underground facilities, and the employee is expected to perform related and incidental work as needed. The successful candidate must reside within the service territory, with the reporting location being Weslaco, TX.

Requirements

High School graduate or General Equivalency Degree (GED).
Minimum of one year distribution electrical power line work experience, OR one year of related line experience defined as: successful completion of a one year electrical power line school certificate plus a minimum of 16 weeks internship or distribution electrical power line experience, or an Associate degree from an electrical power line school which includes a minimum of 16 weeks internship or distribution electrical power line experience.
Valid Class A Commercial Driver License.
Must have the ability and desire to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the duties and/or responsibilities of the key job (Service Mechanic A, within the time frame determined by the Company, in this family and be qualified through demonstration, examination and/or performance appraisal or vacate the current job classification.
Must have a good working knowledge of various circuit connections, voltage identification of lines, phasing, transformer connections and switching devices.
Must know the fundamentals of electricity and have the ability to interpret field prints and switching diagrams, simple blueprints, one-line diagrams, instruction manuals and construction drawings.
Must possess the ability to deal with employees, customers and the general public in a courteous and proper manner.
Must have the ability to use a computer and electronic devices and write legibly and record accurately.
Must be able to distinguish colors.
Must have the ability to work aloft on poles, towers and structures, use various tools, and operate equipment and finger manipulation of bolts/screws, etc.
Tolerate awkward or stretched positions while working aloft and suspended from safety belt.
Must be able to work at heights of up to 250 feet.
Must be able to lift 75lbs. overhead.
Must demonstrate familiarity with Company safety rules and practices and be proficient in the application of resuscitation and first aid.
Must possess the ability to plan work and to properly instruct others.

Responsibilities

Assist with maintenance and repair of overhead distribution/transmission lines, structures, and equipment while adhering to Company safety rules, regulations, and practices.
Report unsafe conditions and practices.
Work on conductors and equipment energized up to 260 volts under general supervision during the first six months.
Assist with work on conductors and equipment energized at secondary voltages to 600 volts under immediate supervision.
Work on conductors and equipment energized up to 600 volts under general supervision after six months.
Operate cutouts, line switches, reclosers, and other sectionalizing devices under direct supervision.
Test de-energized lines and equipment and place or remove grounds under direct supervision.
Progress from direct supervision to immediate and general supervision as skill level dictates.
Perform duties of the first six months of the SMB classification under direct supervision after 18 months in this classification.
Assemble, install, maintain, remove, and inspect conductors, fixtures, and associated equipment on overhead and underground facilities.
Operate mechanized equipment for installing, removing, or maintaining overhead and underground transmission and distribution facilities.
Become familiar with the use and care of live line tools.
Become familiar with and use volt-amp meters, ground meggers, continuity testers, and other electrical test equipment up to 600 volts.
Load, unload, handle, install, maintain, and remove poles, towers, and structures.
Assemble and erect equipment mountings such as regulator and transformer platforms.
Apply insulating protective equipment on facilities energized at voltages qualified to work on.
Build overhead transformer installations.
Identify single and three-phase lines and determine their voltage and conductor size.
Become familiar with series and parallel circuits.
Gain poles in the air and install single, double, and buck arms.
Perform inspection and troubleshooting of lines and report irregularities and abnormal conditions.
Maintain tools, equipment, and work area in a clean and orderly condition.
Maintain records and submit reports as required.
Attend and participate in training as assigned and assist in training other employees.
Perform similar or less skilled work and assist employees of equal or higher classification.