Job Description

As an Apprentice Lineman at the cooperative, you will be an integral part of our operations and maintenance team. Your primary responsibilities are to learn installation, repair, and maintenance of overhead and underground electrical transmission and distribution systems. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of our power grid, working to promptly restore power during outages and emergencies. WEC’s main office is in The Dalles, OR.  With the size of our service territory operations personnel should live within a 40-minute response time to their assigned work location for outage response.

About Us

WEC has been a pillar of the community for over 80 years, providing exceptional electric services to the residents and businesses outside of The Dalles, Oregon, and its surrounding areas, reaching to areas including Dufur, Grass Valley, Maupin, and Mosier. We serve approximately 5,000 square miles serving Wasco and Sherman Counties along with portions of Jefferson, Wheeler, and Gilliam Counties. Even with a large service territory, we take immense pride in fostering a close-knit and supportive work environment where teamwork and safety are paramount. As we continue to grow, we are committed to maintaining our tradition of excellence in service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

The essential functions of this position require prioritizing and completing all assigned tasks in a timely and efficient manner, adjusting for changing priorities and availability of resources, and demonstrating initiative in identifying additional job-related tasks to be completed when time permits. The amount of time performing each function may vary day-to-day. All duties shall be performed in an efficient and professional manner in accordance with applicable labor agreements and the WEC Safety Manual and under the direct supervision of a designated supervisor.

• Learn and be responsible for completing duties of an Apprentice. Assisting experienced Lineman and Crew Leaders from the ground, on the pole, or in a bucket.
• Expected to work with and care for all basic materials and equipment used by their assigned crew (s) in line construction.
• Be trained and learn the Distribution Specification Manual, Basic Electrical Theory, including circuits, and grounding connections, read system maps, learn the voltage of the lines their crew works on, begin understanding the layout of distribution system.
• Learn basic work order procedures and prepare material tickets.
• Learn to climb safely in a learning environment.
• Learn to work on poles that are de-energized/new construction and always in the presence of a qualified lineman in the beginning of training.
• Frame erected poles and install guys on the pole, string, and tie-in conductors.
• The proper care and storage of all tools including personally assigned lineman tools and equipment.
• Learn to read system maps and staking sheets to determine the needs of individual jobs.
• Learn to use hand tools, chainsaws, hot line tools, grounds, and rubber goods.
• Assist crew members as requested and directed. Complete reports and paperwork as instructed in an accurate and timely manner.
• Operate a forklift in a safe manner following all WEC safety policies and procedures. Complete all inspections and daily reports. Use the forklift to move materials and supplies.
• Ability to safely secure job sites to protect the public, workers, and environment.
• Promptly notify your manager and/or crew leader of any operational or personnel issues so that corrective actions may be taken.
• As a member of the Cooperative team, you are expected to attend meetings to include but not limited to The Annual Meeting, committee meetings, safety and employee meetings and training.
• All apprentice linemen shall be trained in and be familiar with all WEC safety-related work practices, safety policies and procedures and other safety requirements. It is the employee’s responsibility to participate and follow WEC safety policies and procedures that include but are not limited to alcohol and drug testing, CPR and first aid training, May-day procedure, pole-top rescues, WEC Emergency Action Plan, and other WEC safety policies and procedures.
• It is the employee’s responsibility to work in a safe manner following the practices and procedures set by WEC.
• The employee may be asked to perform other related duties assigned by management that are not listed.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates for this position will have relevant education and experience necessary to perform the essential functions and meet the minimum performance expectations for this position with or without accommodation.

Perks & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on the apprentice step and the Union Contract
• Excellent benefits package including:
  1. Generous NRECA medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  2. NRECA Retirement and Security Plan (R&S) at an upper-tier multiplier.
  3. Life Insurance
  4. Monthly contribution to employee 401 (k)
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.
• The chance to make a positive impact on the community you serve.
• This is an hourly/non-exempt Union position – IBEW Local 125

Location

The Dalles, Oregon, is nestled in the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge and offers an array of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, hunting, and boating. With its charming small-town atmosphere and scenic surroundings, The Dalles provides an exceptional quality of life for individuals and families alike.

Join us at Wasco Electric Cooperative and become part of a team that embraces innovation, safety, and service excellence. Apply now to embark on a rewarding and fulfilling career journey as a Apprentice Lineman.

How to Apply:

Please submit cover letter, resume, and application to:

Wasco Electric Cooperative, Inc
Attn: Operations Supervisor
PO Box 1700
The Dalles, OR 97058