Log In
Sign Up
Union Power Cooperative has an immediate opening for an Underground Cable Installer through Underground Journeyman, dependent on skill level, who will render reliable electric service to all members/customers through proper installation, maintenance and operation of underground facilities effectively, efficiently, accurately and following all safety rules and regulations while continuously remaining focused on the Cooperative’s Mission and Vision Statements, and the promotion of the Cooperative’s Guiding Values in the Monroe District.
Essential Duties
The essential duties of our six positions (Underground Cable Installer, Underground Line Tech 1, Underground Line Technician 2, Underground Line Technician 3, Underground Line Technician 4, Underground Journeyman) are listed below. The successful candidate will perform a skills test to demonstrate which position level is most appropriate for them based on their skill set. Essential duties pertaining to all positions include:
• Ensure safe working condition and proper use of equipment assigned.
• Ensure efficient, appropriate and effective use of materials.
• Reports all incidents to direct
• Perform all duties assigned by supervision.
Underground Cable Installer – Essential Duties:
• Follows all safety rules in performing duties and handling of tools and equipment.
• Acquires complete set of Underground Line Technician/Underground Journeyman tools per Union Power’s specifications.
• Demonstrates and performs the following under close supervision and guidance of an Underground Journeyman or Superintendent:
• Proper operation of all vehicles and equipment for underground operations.
• De-energized single-phase meter base connections.
• Routine underground secondary installation.
• NC811 rules and regulations for the installation of underground facilities including but not limited to, notifications, colors and proximity to various utilities.
• Radio operations (transmission and emergency protocol).
• Timely checks and responds to electronic communications on a regular basis.
• Accurate entry of work time using approved method.
• Perform vault rescue and work in confined spaces as needed following all OSHA and state regulations with supervision on an annual basis.
Underground Line Tech 1 – Essential Duties:
• Demonstrates mastery of essential duties of all previous levels (Underground Cable Installer).
• Demonstrates and performs the following under close supervision and guidance of an Underground Journeyman or Superintendent:
• Knowledge of basic electrical theory.
• Knowledge of voltages of Union Power Cooperative lines, primary and secondary.
• Understanding of the layout of the distribution system for underground operations using iPad, workorders and paper maps.
• Knowledge of Union Power Cooperative’s primary and secondary hardware and materials.
• Installing, connecting, repairing and locating de-energized underground primary and secondary conductors.
• Installation and connections on de-energized single-phase meter base and meter.
• Secondary connections in a de-energized single-phase transformer and pedestal.
• Performs duties with overhead crew as assigned.
• Performs all after-hours duties as assigned.
Underground Line Tech 2 – Essential Duties:
• Demonstrates mastery of essential duties of all previous levels (Underground Line Tech 1, Underground Cable Installer).
• Demonstrates and performs the following under close supervision and guidance of a Underground Journeyman or Superintendent:
• Planned contact with energized underground primary lines using live line tools.
• Secondary splicing.
• Primary load-break terminations.
• Grounding of de-energized underground primary conductor.
• Back feeding of underground 200-amp primary for power restoration.
• Operation of underground single & three-phase equipment (PME, PMH and cut outs).
• Operation of underground diagnostic equipment for underground cable.
• Knowledge and understanding of all underground units.
• Secondary connections in an energized single-phase transformer and pedestal.
• Use of rubber coverups on energized single and three-phase equipment.
• Procedure for Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO).
• Learns basic recordkeeping related to underground duties including the reading of staking sheets, meters and system maps.
Underground Line Tech 3 – Essential Duties:
• Demonstrates mastery of essential duties of all previous levels (Underground Line Tech 2, Underground Line Tech 1, Underground Cable Installer).
• Demonstrates and performs the following under close supervision and guidance of an Underground Journeyman or Superintendent:
• Primary switching.
• Cable splices and repairs.
• Non-load-break termination of cable.
• Grounding of primary conductor.
• Performs 600-amp switching.
• Utilization of phase indicators (Sticks).
• Installation and trouble-shooting of single and three-phase secondary metering equipment.
• Demonstrates and performs installing, connecting, repairing and locating of underground secondary conductors, with minimal supervision.
• Assists with all duties and training of Underground Line Technicians 1 & 2 and Underground Cable Installer.
Underground Line Tech 4 – Essential Duties:
• Demonstrates mastery of essential duties of all previous levels (Underground Line Tech 3, Underground Line Tech 2, Underground Line Tech 1, Underground Cable Installer).
• Demonstrates and performs the following under close supervision and guidance of an Underground Journeyman or Superintendent:
• Install, connect and repair underground open delta transformer bank.
• Setting reclose and ground trip block at a substation.
• How and where to check rotation on existing and new three-phase services.
• The identification of the following substation components:
• Transmission side.
• Power transformers.
• Current transformers.
• Regulators.
• Breakers.
• Distribution side.
• Demonstrates and performs the following under minimal supervision and guidance of an Underground Journeyman or Superintendent:
• Primary switching
• Cable splices and repairs
• Termination of cable.
• Grounding of primary conductor.
• Switching for power restoration.
• Utilization of phase indicators (Sticks).
• Knowledge in single and three-phase secondary metering equipment, connections and installation of current transformer (CT) equipment.
• Understands and performs advanced recordkeeping relating to underground duties.
• Assists with all duties and training of UG Line Technicians 1, 2, 3 and Underground Cable Installer.
Underground Journeyman – Essential Duties:
• Demonstrates mastery of essential duties of all previous levels (Underground Line Tech 4, Underground Line Tech 3, Underground Line Tech 2, Underground Line Tech 1, Underground Cable Installer).
• Performs as the “authorized person” as needed.
• Demonstrates and performs the installation and connections of complex line equipment (i.e. viper switch, primary meter cabinet) with minimal assistance.
• Act as a “Qualified Observer” when energized work or working around energized equipment is being performed.
• Responsible for safe working conditions and proper use of equipment assigned to the crew.
Working Conditions
The Working Conditions for all Operations personnel include fieldwork in various weather conditions; some work in general office environment; requires flexibility to work irregular hours when required; requires occasional out-of-town travel to schools, seminars, conferences, and to assist other utilities with emergency restoration.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status.
Work Qualifications
All underground positions must meet the following work qualifications:
• Must have high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be able to understand and follow RUS specifications and OSHA safe work practices.
• Must possess and maintain a valid class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) or obtain within first six months of employment.
• Work in all types of weather while performing duties during normal working hours and after hours as needed
• Must be able to work after hours reconnect call duty on a rotation (once qualified to do so).
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance.
• Must be able to communicate verbally, electronically and in writing to perform the essential function of the job.
• Ability to read and interpret both digital and paper maps.
• Must be able to identify other utilities (phone, cable, gas, water).
• Must be able to pass skills test for this position in order to advance to next level.
• Must have the physical ability to perform the essential functions of the position which may include: use hand tools, dig holes, set and tamp poles, use chain saws to cut right-of-way, climb poles, assist in loading and hauling poles, lay in and tie wire, hang guys, pull wire and have the physical ability to lift up to 100 pounds. Must be able to talk and hear. The employee is required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb, or balance, and to stoop, kneel and crouch. The employee may be required to sit periodically and various types of computer equipment. Vision abilities required by this job include distance and close vision.
