Apprentice Lineworker

The South Hadley Electric Light Department (SHELD), a municipal electric utility company with 8,000 customers and over a century of service to the people of South Hadley, is seeking a qualified Apprentice Lineworker who will be responsible for developing the technical skills necessary to perform a variety of functions related to the construction, installation and maintenance of underground and overhead high and low voltage electrical distribution systems.  Incumbent will apply basic knowledge of electricity to work performed.

Position Responsibilities:     

1. Participate in a formal forty-eight (48) month Lineworker Apprentice Program administered by the Northeast Public Power Association with the goal of completing the program within the time allotted to progress to First Class Lineworker status.
2. Serve as an apprentice member in a team effort to construct, install and maintain underground and overhead lines, transformers, and associated equipment.
3. Develop skills necessary to operate a variety of electrical construction equipment and vehicles.
4. To successfully obtain a Massachusetts 1B Hoisting License.
5. Develop skills necessary for compliance with environmental regulations and procedures, including but not limited to spill reporting and response, waste management, oil spill prevention, transportation of hazardous materials and waste.
6. Maintain records, logs, and work reports of daily and off-hour work.
7. Work required overtime as needed and be available for emergency call-in.
8. Must live within a reasonable driving distance and be able to report to work within 30 minutes as defined in the Union contract.
9. Work on fiber optic project and plant construction, installation as directed.

Physical and Mental Requirements: Apprentice Lineworker must be able to: work easily and skillfully with hands; climb and maintain balance on ladders, utility poles and in other elevated positions; see well (naturally or with correction) and to distinguish colors; reach for and handle and grasp wires and hand tools; bend, crouch, and work in small spaces; coordinate the use of eyes and hands or fingers; and lift and carry objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.  Must have ability to work in extreme weather conditions, to work effectively and safely under pressure and in stressful situations. See Job Task Analysis Physical Demands Checklist for Lineworker. Must be available for emergency call-in which can be any time of day, any day of the year.

Qualifications:

1. Education: High School diploma or GED
2. Licenses: Class B Massachusetts Commercial Driver’s License, ability to obtain a Massachusetts 1B Hoisting License.
3. Experience: The ability to demonstrate electrical knowledge through technical schooling or prior experience.
4. References: Excellent references to attest to attitude, conduct, work ethic, and work habits.

Job Knowledge/Skills Required:

1. Position requires incumbent to drive commercial vehicles, pass and maintain a Department of Transportation (DOT) Physical. Random drug/alcohol testing is required.
2. Position requires the incumbent to speak, write, spell, understand and communicate in English.
3. Position requires the incumbent to possess knowledge of safety rules/codes and work practices and possess an understanding that safety comes before everything else.
4. Familiarity with OSHA 1910.269 requirements, National Electrical Safety Code, APPA Safety Manual, National Electrical Code sections pertaining to utility work.
5. Position requires the incumbent to demonstrate the ability for professional growth and improvement and display an excellent attitude, conduct, work ethic, and work habits.
6. The position begins with a probationary period and is based upon successful completion. Thereafter, a mandatory evaluation by the Operations Manager and Director of Operations will determine if the candidate has the attitude and aptitude to move forward in the Apprentice Lineworker program.

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits including a Massachusetts Public Employee Pension Plan.

Qualified candidates can apply for this position by submitting a cover letter and resume via email to kmendoza@sheld.org , Kim Mendoza at South Hadley Electric Light Department.