Service Mechanic C-A

American Electric Power • Luling, TX

6d • $35 - $57

About The Position

This is an apprentice-level position assisting with service work involving the installation, rearrangement, maintenance, operation, removal, and inspection of electrical transmission and distribution facilities. The employee drives and operates line trucks and associated auxiliary equipment, responds to trouble calls, investigates and helps correct and clear trouble, and assists construction and repair crews as required. Work may involve overhead and underground facilities and is performed under supervision that varies according to the task and the employee’s developing skill level.

The role includes assisting with line and equipment maintenance and repair, operating mechanized equipment, handling and installing poles and structures, assembling equipment mountings and transformer installations, using electrical testing equipment, and learning to use live-line tools. The employee inspects and troubleshoots lines, reports abnormal conditions, maintains tools and records, attends training, and assists other employees. The position requires physical work at heights, including work aloft on poles, towers, and structures, and is classified as Heavy Work.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, qualifying distribution electrical power line experience or specified related training and experience, and a valid Class A Commercial Driver License. The employee must develop the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of Service Mechanic A within the timeframe determined by the Company and qualify through demonstration, examination, or performance appraisal, or vacate the classification.

Requirements

• High school graduate or General Equivalency Degree (GED).
• Minimum of one year of distribution electrical power line work experience; alternatively, one year of related line experience consisting of successful completion of a one-year electrical power line school certificate plus at least 16 weeks of internship or distribution electrical power line experience, or an Associate degree from an electrical power line school that includes at least 16 weeks of internship or distribution electrical power line experience.
• Valid Class A Commercial Driver License.
• Ability and desire to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to perform Service Mechanic A duties within the timeframe determined by the Company and qualify through demonstration, examination, or performance appraisal.
• Good working knowledge of circuit connections, line voltage identification, phasing, transformer connections, and switching devices.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of electricity and ability to interpret field prints and switching diagrams, simple blueprints, one-line diagrams, instruction manuals, and construction drawings.
• Ability to deal courteously and properly with employees, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to use a computer and electronic devices, write legibly, and record information accurately.
• Ability to distinguish colors.
• Ability to work aloft on poles, towers, and structures, use various tools, operate equipment, and manipulate bolts and screws with fingers.
• Ability to tolerate awkward or stretched positions while working aloft and suspended from a safety belt.
• Ability to work at heights up to 250 feet.
• Ability to lift 75 pounds overhead.
• Familiarity with Company safety rules and practices and proficiency in applying resuscitation and first aid.
• Ability to plan work and properly instruct others.
• Ability to meet the Heavy physical demand level.

Responsibilities

• Assist with maintenance and repair of overhead distribution and transmission lines, structures, and equipment while following Company safety rules and reporting unsafe conditions and practices.
• Work on energized conductors and equipment within the voltage limits and supervision requirements applicable to the employee’s time in classification and skill level.
• Under the required supervision, operate cutouts, line switches, reclosers, and other sectionalizing devices; test de-energized lines and equipment; and place or remove grounds.
• After 18 months in the classification, perform specified first-six-month SMB duties for on-the-job training under direct supervision of an employee of higher classification.
• Assemble, install, maintain, remove, and inspect conductors, fixtures, and associated equipment on overhead and underground facilities.
• Operate mechanized equipment used to install, remove, or maintain 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 for line work on voltages up to 600 volts.
• Load, unload, handle, install, maintain, and remove poles, towers, and structures.
• Assemble and erect equipment mountings, including regulator and transformer platforms.
• Apply insulating protective equipment to facilities energized only at voltages the employee is qualified to work on.
• Build overhead transformer installations.
• Identify single- and three-phase lines and determine voltage and conductor size; become familiar with series and parallel circuits.
• Gain poles in the air and install single, double, and buck arms.
• Inspect and troubleshoot lines and report irregularities and abnormal conditions.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and the work area in a clean and orderly condition.
• Maintain records and submit reports as required.
• Attend and participate in assigned training and assist in training other employees.
• Perform similar or less-skilled work and assist employees of equal or higher classification.
• Develop the knowledge and skills required to perform Service Mechanic A duties within the timeframe determined by the Company and qualify through demonstration, examination, or performance appraisal.

Benefits

• AEP describes its benefits package as comprehensive and aimed at supporting and enhancing employees’ overall well-being; no specific benefits are listed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED