Notice of Job Vacancy
Effective immediately there is an opening for the following position and applications are being accepted.
Position: Minimum Experienced Apprentice Line Tech III and up
This job vacancy is at: Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation
At the follow ing location: West Jefferson (Ashe County)
Apply by: Friday, June 12, 2015 at 5:00 pm
Any person (including present employees) wishing to apply for this position must fill out a Blue
Ridge Electric Membership Corporation employment application form and forward it to the Human
Resources Department. Application forms may be obtained at any Blue Ridge Electric/ Energies
office. Applications from present employees must be submitted by the date indicated. Every effort will
be made to consider all applications submitted, regardless of date, but no guarantee is made of
consideration of applications submitted after the deadline indicated.
A copy of the specifications for this position is attached.
Send Applications to:
Human Resources Department
Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation
P.O. Box 112
Lenoir, NC 28645
Fax: 828-759-8938
Website: www.blueridgeemc.com
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Note: All applicants for employment shall be considered and hired on the basis of merit, and without
regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability. The employment practices of Blue
Ridge Electric/ Energies ensure equal treatment of all employees, without discrimination in rates of pay
or other opportunities for advancement because of the employee’s race, religion, color, sex, age,
national origin, or disability. Disabled applicants will be considered and hired, provided the nature of an
individual’s disability does not prevent him/ her from performing the essential functions of the position.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to an individual’s disability, as necessary.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled & vets
Deadline to Apply 6-12-2015
Job Posting for Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation
Page 1
The following forms are required to apply for this position:
These forms may be printed from http://www.BlueRidgeElectricEMC.com
1. Application for Employment (required)
2. Commercial Driver's License (required)
3. Background Check Release (required)
The following minimum position requirements must be met for this position.
Apprentice Line Technician III and up– Ashe District
Please review these requirements carefully.
Minimum Position Requirements:
1. Candidate must have a positive attitude toward the delivery of the
highest level of service possible to Blue Ridge members.
2. Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent.
3. Must have three years of related work experience in the utility
industry. Experience as an electrical power distribution line
technician is desirable.
4. Must have knowledge of electric power distribution lines,
National Electric Safety Code, electrical theory, system service rules
and regulations and pertinent policies and practices.
5. Must reside within 30 minutes of the Ashe District Office.
6. Must have a current, valid, commercial Class A driver's license at all
times and a safe driving record.
7. Must be able to work overtime and on-call.
Normal work hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Work schedules may be adjusted to four 10-hour days during summer months.
Work schedules may also be adjusted to meet customer requirements and respond to
outages.
Alternative work schedules (such as 3-days/12 hours per day work week) may be
required.
Refer to Page 6 of the Job Description that follows.
Deadline to Apply 6-12-2015
Job Posting for Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation
Page 2
I.
BLUE RIDGE ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION
Position Guide Number: 44/45/46/47-2
Last Revised: 08/12
POSITION IDENTIFICATION
1. Job Title: Line Technician
2. Group: Electric Services
3. Department: Operations (Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, and Alleghany)
II. PURPOSE OF POSITION
1. To provide outstanding customer service to the members of Blue Ridge Electric Membership
Corporation by constructing, operating, maintaining and repairing the cooperative’s overhead and
underground electric utility distribution and transmission power lines and their associated
equipment (fuses, OCR’s, OCB’s transformers, poles, and other pole/line hardware, etc.)
2. To restore electric service when interrupted promptly, safely, and efficiently regardless of time of
day or night, or weather conditions.
III. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
1. Reports to: Operations Manager
2. Supervises: None
IV. ESSENTIAL DUTIES
A. Apprentice Line Technician I (First Six Months)
Unless a person has demonstrated previous experience in electric power distribution line
construction and maintenance, he/she shall start as an Ground Person Apprentice I. This position is a
learning job only, enabling the individual to determine if he/she wants to enter training in line work
and enabling the Cooperative to determine whether the individual has the basic skills, interests, and
abilities for Line Technician training.
1. Nature of Work - The Apprentice I works only on the ground and is not expected to participate in
any type of construction or maintenance activity on poles; however, during the training period,
he/she shall be expected to gain experience on practice poles so that, upon entering the second six
months of training, he/she can be involved actively in work upon "cold" poles.
2. Line Conditions - Under no conditions will an Apprentice I have a work assignment which will
place him/her within the minimum distance of a hot line.
3. Materials and Equipment - The Apprentice I shall be introduced to the Distribution Specifications
Manual and will be expected to work with all basic materials and equipment used in line
construction (OH and URD). The Apprentice I will be responsible for learning the proper care of
all equipment used by assigned crew(s). He/she must learn to:
a. Frame poles properly on the ground
b. Install poles, anchors, and guys
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Job Posting for Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation
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c. Cut and clear right-of-way properly, using power equipment as necessary, assist on URD
installations (dead) as directed
d. Assist other crew members, as requested and directed
4. Safety Practices and Training - The Apprentice I will receive training in safe practices of
performing all of the above duties and of handling all tools and equipment which are used. In
addition, he/she will receive basic training in first aid, including CPR
5. Electrical Theory - The Apprentice I will begin learning basic electrical theory, learn the voltages
of lines worked on, and should begin to develop an understanding of the distribution system
layout.
6. Records, Reports, and Related Information - The Apprentice I will learn basic work order
procedures and will gain an understanding of the Cooperative's basic residential and commercial
rates.
7. Supervision, Training Period, and Progression - The Apprentice I will work under the general
supervision of the Operations Manager and the direction of an assigned Line Technician or Crew
Leader. He/she shall remain in the Apprentice I’s Classification for a period of six months. At the
end of that time, a decision will be made by the Operations Manager as to whether he/she can be
advanced to the next training step - Apprentice Line Technician I. Before advancement, he/she
shall demonstrate the skills and acquired knowledge expected of an Apprentice I.
B. Apprentice Line Technician I (Second Six Months)
At this time, this position becomes one of active training in line work with the focus upon line
construction. Before entering this phase of training, the person shall have demonstrated elementary
ability to work effectively on a pole. At this time, he/she shall obtain a complete set of personal tools.
1. Nature of Work - The Apprentice I shall climb in a learning situation on a regular basis; but only
when a qualified Line Technician is present.
2. Line Conditions - The Apprentice I will never work on a pole which has energized lines. Pole
work should be limited to new construction and completely de-energized poles. The Apprentice I
will never work on an energized URD system.
3. Materials and Equipment - The Apprentice I shall be expected to perform any of the duties of a
Ground Person and, in addition, must learn to:
a. Frame erected poles and install guys on the pole.
b. Make service connections, and transformer and other equipment connections on cold poles,
and cold URD systems.
c. String and tie-in conductor.
4. Safety Practices and Training - The Apprentice I shall receive training in more advanced first-aid
work, including pole-top and bucket rescue. He/she will also receive instruction and practice in
the use of hot line tools, grounds, and rubber hoses, and personal protective equipment.
5. Electrical Theory - The Apprentice I will receive additional instruction in basic electrical theory,
including circuits and grounding connections.
6. Records, Reports, and Related Information - The Apprentice I will learn to read staking sheets to
determine types of construction and needed materials. He/she will also begin learning to prepare
material tickets.
7. Supervision, Training Period, and Progression - The Apprentice I is under the direction of a
qualified Line Technician or crew leader to which he/she is assigned. The qualified Line
Technician is responsible for his/her training activities. He/she shall remain in the Apprentice
Deadline to Apply 6-12-2015
Job Posting for Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation
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Line Technician I classification for a period of six months (a total of 12 months as Apprentice Line
technician I ). At the end of that time, a decision will be made by the Operations Manager as to
whether he/she can be advanced to the next training step - Apprentice Line Technician II. Before
advancement, he/she shall demonstrate the skills and acquired knowledge expected of an
Apprentice I .
C. Apprentice Line Technician II (Second Year)
After having demonstrated the abilities to work effectively on the job in the assignments of the two
previous steps, the Apprentice Line Technician II receives progressively more challenging
assignments toward achieving the skills and knowledge necessary for a Line Technician. During this
year he/she does the first planned work in proximity with energized secondary lines. He/she shall be
expected to continue to perform duties of his/her previous positions as necessary and as assigned.
1. Nature of Work - The Apprentice II will continue to climb on a regular basis in a learning situation;
but still only and at all times with another qualified Line Technician.
2. Line Conditions - The Apprentice II will do work on secondary voltages under the close
supervision of a qualified Line Technician. The major part of the work will be upon construction
work or short extension lines.
3. Materials and Equipment - He/she will continue to develop skills in the safe handling of
equipment and the various materials used in line construction and maintenance.
4. Safety Practices and Training - The safety training for the Apprentice II will include techniques of
working on hot lines, continuing practice in first aid skills and pole-top and bucket rescues, and
emergency use of radio.
5. Electrical Theory - The Apprentice II will during this time gain a working understanding of the
feeds throughout the work center service area and the directions in which each section can be fed.
The Apprentice II will also become familiar with the theory relating to low voltage connections
and basic knowledge of a distribution substation and a URD system.
6. Records, Reports, and Related Information - In addition to gaining knowledge and skill in understanding and using the information from the previous steps, the Apprentice II will learn Blue
Ridge Electric’s and RUS’s specifications for single-phase and three-phase line construction and
maintenance during this period.
7. Supervision, Training Period and Progression - The Apprentice II is under the direction of a
qualified Line Technician on the crew to which he/she is assigned for work and training activities,
and will remain in this classification for a period of twelve months. At the end of that time, a
decision will be made by the Operations Manager as to whether he/she can be advanced to the
next training step - Apprentice Line Technician III. Before advancement, he/she shall
demonstrate the skills and knowledge expected of an Apprentice II.
D. Apprentice Line Technician III (Third Year)
As well as being a step in the training progression, this position is one of increasing responsibility for
the construction and maintenance of the Cooperative's distribution system. The Apprentice III learns
during this time to perform work on both secondary and primary voltages on energized lines. By the
end of this period he/she will have developed the skills necessary to use most of the equipment
utilized by a Line Technician.
1. Nature of Work - The Apprentice Line Technician III continues to work at all times with another
qualified Line Technician. He/she will do routine work on secondary voltages and some work on
primary voltages on energized lines. He/she may now be assigned to an on-call crew with a
qualified Line Technician. He/she will start construction and framing on the transmission lines.
2. Line Conditions - The Apprentice III will be expected to work regularly on secondary voltages
Deadline to Apply 6-12-2015
Job Posting for Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation
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under the direction of a qualified Line Technician and to work occasionally on primary voltages
under the close supervision of a qualified Line Technician.
3. Materials and Equipment - The Apprentice III shall be expected to perform any of the duties or
his/her previous positions; and, in addition, will learn how to:
a. Install transformers and reclosers, and make connections on transformers under the close
supervision of a qualified Line Technician.
b. Operate and work from aerial bucket trucks on (cold) work under the supervision of a
qualified Line Technician.
c. Properly operate and maintain all types of vehicles used in line work.
4. Safety Practices and Training - The Apprentice III will gain continued skill in the use of safe
practices in all line work. He/she will understand the purposes for the use of all protective
equipment and demonstrate the ability to use such equipment properly.
5. Electrical Theory - The Apprentice III will receive advanced training in electric theory and will
understand transformers and transformer bank connections.
6. Records, Reports and Related Information - The Apprentice III will, during this period learn Blue
Ridge Electric’s and RUS’s Specifications for three-phase line construction and maintenance.
He/she will learn to read and follow system maps and will become familiar during this time with
all electrical codes and electrical safety codes which apply to the work of the distribution system.
He/she will learn to prepare and maintain all necessary transformer and meter records.
7. Supervision, Training Period, and Progression - The Apprentice Ill is under the direction of a
qualified Line Technician on the crew to which he/she is assigned for both work and training
activities, and he/she will remain in this classification for a period of twelve months. At the end of
this time, a decision will be made by the Operations Manager as to whether he/she can be
advanced to the next training step - Apprentice Line Technician IV. Before advancement, he/she
shall demonstrate the skills and knowledge expected of an Apprentice III.
E. Apprentice LineTechnician IV(Fourth Year)
This position is the final step in the training process to develop a well-qualified, competent Line
Technician. During this time the Apprentice will complete the development of skills and knowledge to
be able to perform all types of distribution line construction, operations, and maintenance. He/she
will be expected to perform work regularly on energized primary and secondary lines
1. Nature of Work - The Apprentice IV assumes greater responsibility for completed pole work. He/she
will continue to work with a qualified Line Technician when climbing poles. He/she can; however,
perform as a one-person crew - except for those activities requiring climbing.
2. Line Conditions - The Apprentice IV can be expected to perform all kinds of work on both energized
and de-energized lines. Work on energized lines; however, must still be under the close supervision of
a qualified Line Technician.
3. Materials and Equipment - The Apprentice IV shall be expected to perform any of the duties of his/her
previous positions and, in addition, will learn to:
a. Operate and work from aerial bucket trucks performing maintenance work on energized lines
under supervision.
b. Install capacitors, voltage regulators, and instrument transformers.
c. Assist in substation installations and maintenance.
d. Assist in installation, operation and maintenance of underground distribution system.
Deadline to Apply 6-12-2015
Job Posting for Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation
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4. Safety Practices and Training - He/she should be able to assist in training activities as an instructor.
He/she should set an example of safe practices for other Apprentice Linemen. Apprentices shall be
permitted to perform off-system work.
5. Electrical Theory - The Apprentice IV will continue to receive advanced training in electrical theory with
an emphasis during this time on understanding wiring diagrams.
6. Records, Reports, and Related Information - The Apprentice IV should already have learned how to
properly fill out all required records and forms. He/she should continue to expand his/her knowledge of
three-phase line construction and maintenance specifications, and electrical codes.
The Apprentice IV must become familiar with the Cooperative's billing procedures and be able to explain
them as a part of the responsibility for bill collecting. He/she must also become familiar with the
complete member location procedure (maps and computer printout interpretation, etc.)
7. Supervision, Training Period, and Progression - The Apprentice IV is under the direction of a qualified
Line Technician of the crew to which assigned for both work and training activities. He/she shall remain
in this classification for a period of twelve months. At the end of this time, a decision will be made by the
Operations Manager as to whether he/she can be advanced to the position of Line Technician B.
Before advancement, he/she shall demonstrate skills and knowledge expected of an Apprentice IV.
F. Line Technician B (Conclusion of 48-Month Apprenticeship Program)
This position is the culmination of an extended training period planned to develop a competent crafts
person who can provide the needed services for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the
Cooperative's electrical distribution system. The Line Technician B is qualified to perform most
aspects of line work without direct supervision.
1. Nature of Work - The Line Technician B assumes full responsibility for completed work.
2. Line Conditions - The Line Technician B is expected is to perform all kinds of routine line work
without close supervision.
3. Materials and Equipment - The Line Technician B is expected to perform any and all of the duties
of his/her previous positions, in a competent manner without close supervision.
4. Safety Practices and Training - He/she should assist regularly in job training and safety activities
as an instructor. He/she should set an example of safe work practices for Apprentice Linemen.
5. Electrical Theory - The Line Technician B should constantly use the electrical theory he/she has
previously learned.
6. Records, Reports, and Related Information - The Line Technician B must continually keep abreast
of all changes affecting any records, reports, and related information for which he/she is
responsible.
7. Supervision and Related Assignments - The Line Technician B is under the general supervision of
the Operations Manager and the immediate direction of the qualified Crew Leader of the crew to
which assigned. The Line Technician B will be assigned to specific crew(s) as directed by the
Operations Manager for daily work.
G. Line Technician “A”
A person must have a minimum of twelve months experience as a Line Technician B before promotion
to line Technician A. No person shall be promoted until he/she has met all of the criteria listed below.
Before advancement, he/she shall demonstrate the skills and knowledge expected of a Line
Technician A.
1. Nature of Work - The Line Technician A routinely constructs, maintains, repairs and troubleshoots
every type of overhead and underground electric power transmission and distribution lines and
Deadline to Apply 6-12-2015
Job Posting for Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation
Page 7
all associated equipment which exists in the cooperative’s electric plant inventory..
2. Line Conditions - The Line Technician A performs every kind of routine and emergency line work
without the necessity of direct supervision.
3. Materials and Equipment - The Line Technician A is able to install or repair every material item
and operate every piece of equipment customary to the trade.
4. Safety Practices and Training - The Line Technician A is thoroughly knowledgeable of each and
every hazard which exists in the industry/trade, personally observes and follows every safety rule
and procedure without fail and thoroughly trains all assigned apprentices in safe work practices.
5. Electrical Theory - The Line Technician A is thoroughly familiar with theories of voltage
regulation, fault currents, and coordination of line protection devices in order to perform his/her
responsibilities in emergency and on-call work, and must also be able to accurately apply theory
to his/her knowledge in the sizing of single-phase transformers (calculating transformer loads).
6. Electrical Operations - The Line Technician A must be completely familiar with the feeds of all
transmission and distribution lines and the operation of all substations and switching stations in
his/her work center service area.
7. Records, Reports, and Related Information - The Line Technician A must be completely
knowledgeable and proficient in the use and application of all forms, records, and reports
required by the cooperative.
8. Supervision, and Related Assignments - The Line Technician A is under the general supervision of
the Operations Manager and the direction of the Crew Leader of the crew to which assigned.
9. Customer Service - The Line Technician A is expected to perform his/her duties with the highest
degree of concern for customer service, doing everything possible to exceed customer
expectations for prompt, timely, accurate, error-free work done with courtesy, concern and
professionalism.
V. JOB REQUIREMENTS/CLASSIFICATIONS
1. Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Associate degree in line technology preferred
before promotion to Line Technician B.
2. Experience: Minimum of five years of cumulative line work experience for fully qualified Line
Technician A.
3. Job knowledge and skills: (See criteria for classification of Line Technician.)
4. Normal work hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Work schedules may be
adjusted to four 10-hour days during summer months. Work schedules may also be adjusted to
meet customer requirements and respond to outages. Alternative work schedules (such as 3days/12 hours per day work week) may be required.
5. Driver’s license requirement: Operates company vehicle (heavy) as job requirement. Must have
current, valid commercial driver’s license at all times. Must have safe driving record (7 years).
Must pass, on a continuing basis, all required drug screens/tests. Must have current D.O.T.
physical exam (continuously).
6. Overtime status: Is subject to the overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act, as
amended.
7. Non-Discrimination: This position shall be filled on the basis of qualifications and ability to
perform essential job functions, and without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national
origin, or disability.
Deadline to Apply 6-12-2015
Job Posting for Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation
Page 8
8. EEO Classification: Operatives (7-A) Apprentice Line Technician, Line Technician B); Crafts (6-A)
Line Technician A
9. Physical Activity Requirements (Type): A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R
10. Physical Demands Requirements (Degree): E
11. Visual Acuity Requirements: C
12. Working Condition Requirements: C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J
13. Residency Requirements: Must live in the service area of work center where employed or within
a 30-minute drive of the work center office.
14. On-Call Requirement: Performance of on-call duty and timely response to outages, both routine
and major, is required.
Deadline to Apply 6-12-2015
Job Posting for Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation
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