Job Description

LINE TECHNICIAN APPRENTICE 1ST YEAR

Definitions Used Throughout the Job Description:

• Direct Supervision: Observing an employee closely enough at working level to provide immediate feedback in case the employee is about to perform an unsafe act (work practice). The purpose of this close supervision is to ensure that proper safety rules, operating procedures, and electrical safety-related work practices are being followed.
• General Supervision: A Line Technician - Journeyman observing an employee from the immediate area of the structure providing the necessary instruction and direction for the tasks being performed.

General Purpose of Work

A Line Technician Apprentice - 1st Step may, under Direct Supervision (first six months) or General Supervision (second six months) of a Line Technician - Journeyman, climb poles and work on low-voltage equipment energized to not more than 300 volts, provided they do not come within close proximity of lines and equipment energized above 300 volts. Any work done on high-voltage equipment will be performed in a de-energized and grounded zone.

General Duties:

• Under Direct Supervision, digs pole and anchor holes, assists in pole setting, ground-assembles material into larger units for line work, hoists and lowers material and tools for linemen by means of a handline, drives ground rods, and attaches ground wires.
• Under Direct Supervision, must climb poles and work on low-voltage equipment, and mounts crossarms and related equipment.
• Assists in substation and transformer vault construction and operation and maintenance of low-voltage equipment.
• Assists in the work required on emergency calls.
• Rods ducts, pulls cable, cleans and inspects manholes and transformer vaults, and otherwise assists in cable splicing work.
• Operates Company vehicles.
• Operates such tools as manually and electrically-operated hand tools; air compressors; air tools; and electric, hydraulic, and associated equipment on vehicles.
• Performs other incidental and related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• At least three months' experience as a Laborer or equivalent experience at MGE or have graduated from an accredited Electric Power Distribution program and demonstration of suitable proficiency in that classification is required.
• Must have demonstrated satisfactory aptitude and learning ability for the duties of electric distribution system construction, operation, and maintenance.
• In the first six months, must obtain a Wisconsin CDL, Class A, and maintain it.
• Must have the stamina to work outdoors under extreme weather conditions.
• Must have a temperament and personality which enable him/her to work as a member of a crew or work team.
• Must be reasonably available for overtime and emergency work assignments.

Knowledge and Skills to be Acquired:

• Acquires and demonstrates a knowledge of the name, purpose, and truck storage places of stock material and tools and how to assemble material into larger units.
• Acquires and demonstrates increased proficiency in climbing poles and gains knowledge of the proper care of climbing equipment.
• Acquires and demonstrates a knowledge of the function and component parts of electric distribution equipment and apparatus.
• Acquires and demonstrates a knowledge of how to attach slings and rigging to equipment.
• Acquires and demonstrates a greater knowledge of the standard hand signals and signs used in the department.
• Learns and practices all safety rules which apply to this classification including the use of all special protective equipment used in this type of work.
• All work on a pole and on secondary circuits outside of the training yard shall be done under the supervision of a Line Technician - Journeyman.
• Must satisfactorily complete all State requirements for Line Technician Apprentice - 1st Step including classroom instruction, testing, and on-the-job training (i.e., MGE Line Technician Apprenticeship Handbook).

This position is subject to drug testing according to the Federal Department of Transportation regulations.