Line Equipment Operator Assistant with class A

Under general supervision, learns and performs a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled duties in support of Line Equipment Operators and related operations involved in the construction, maintenance and repair of SMUD transmission and distribution substations, lines, and network systems.

This classification is assigned to Distribution Services and primarily functions as a helper to Line Equipment Operators running backhoes, boom trucks, rock saws, and hole diggers. Employees in this classification will learn and become proficient in general construction methods, procedures, and safety practices related to digging, trenching and back-filling operations to ensure that open ditches and trenches are at proper depth and backfilling occurs in an efficient and timely manner. This job also provides general labor assistance where needed in the construction and maintenance of SMUDs distribution system.

• Serves as assistant to Line Equipment Operators involved in running backhoes, rock saws, boom trucks, trenchers, hole diggers, and related equipment; guides operators to ensure that open ditches and trenches are at proper depth.
• Probes open ditches and trenches to locate existing utility lines and underground structures (i.e., gas, water, and/or sewer service lines, mains, conduit, etc.) and guides Line Equipment Operators in digging around these structures ensuring that proper clearances are maintained.
• Operates dump trucks and other line trucks to transport and deliver equipment and materials to and from job sites.
• May serve as a member of a small work crew engaged in a variety of manual tasks associated with: concrete repairs; backfilling, jetting, shoring, and compacting trenches; landscaping after cable installation, replacement and repair; street repairs; installing conduit and conductors; setting pads and transformers; and digging pole holes.
• Orders and amasses materials to be delivered to work sites and obtains permission from property owners to leave delivery materials.
• Frames poles; assembles, and installs anchors and guys; installs shoring, backfill, jett and compact trenches and other various excavations; digs holes/splice pits manually or using power equipment.
• Operates hand lines in order to send tools, materials, or equipment to advanced workers on poles or steel structures; performs basic rigging techniques involving winches, block and tackle, ropes, and slings.
• Performs minor maintenance on electric, hydraulic, gas, air, and hand tools; assembles/disassembles/pre-fabricates various materials/parts; installs/removes work site protection devices; uses various types of tools to paint.
• Line Equipment Operators Assistants w/Haz may use chemicals for various tasks; cleans up PCB spills and transports hazardous material; uses chemicals for various tasks including pole testing, treatment and weed abatement.
• Assists crews in traffic control and flagging operations.
• Assists in installing and/or making repairs to conduits and vaults; pulls cable in conduits; installs/repairs cubicle/transformer wells, transformers, sprinkler systems, fences, landscaping, driveways; walkways, sewer/water pipes, and storm drains; mixes, pours and finishes cement/concrete; and, lays asphalt.

High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience in a position which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills required.

Must possess and maintain a valid California Drivers License and a satisfactory driving record (not more than two 2 moving violations in the years). A Class A drivers license is required and in addition, may require a hazardous materials and tanker endorsements within six (6) months of hire. Candidates appointed to positions requiring the possession/retention of a Class A Drivers license must undergo an initial and alcohol screen and submit to random drug and alcohol screens required by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

Basic safety rules; use of hand and power tools; hazard identification; basic math; and, material and tool nomenclature.

Operate line motor vehicles to transport equipment to and from jobsites; read and understand job/training manuals, safety procedures and their application on and around high voltage conductors and equipment; read, interpret and follow written and oral instructions; learn SMUD radio equipment operation; read a wire print; climb ladders; maintain a positive work relationship/environment with peers; and perform physically demanding work for extended time periods. Ability to learn overhead and underground line construction practices and procedures; methods, materials, tools and equipment used in construction and maintenance work; backfilling, compaction and grading principles and procedures; shoring and road base materials; and, SMUD standards and procedures.

• Experience in the operation of equipment such as power-driven hole diggers or tractors with accessory equipment like angle dozers, backhoes, front loaders,trenchers, or hydrovacs.
• Two (2+) plus years Underground utility instillation wet or dry.
• Two (2+) plus years electrical utility/utility experience.
• Current and valid Class A license.