Lineman Apprentice I

Description

Approximate Starting Rate: $16.92 per hour.

Job Summary

Under direct supervision, performs new construction and maintenance work on overhead and underground distribution and transmission lines.

Examples of Duties

The following is a representative list–other duties may be required.

• Builds and maintains distribution overhead and underground and/or transmission lines and facilities, both energized and de-energized.
• Assists in planning jobs to ensure compliance with approved safety and construction standards and procedures.
• Maintains work records.
• Assists in stocking line trucks and maintaining tools and equipment.
• Drives, maintains, and operates Lines vehicles and properly stations them for the work to be done.

Basic Requirements

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience: Successful completion of a recognized line worker training program (such as Northwest Lineman College).

Licenses/Certifications: Valid Class A CDL. Valid First Aid/CPR card, or must obtain one.

Competencies: Safety awareness; communication; decision making; adaptability; applied learning; initiating action; managing work (includes time management); contributing to team success; building strategic working relationships; building customer loyalty.

Physical Ability

Perform occasional overhead work, lifting up to 75 lbs shoulder-height and above; occasionally lift 100 lbs chest-, waist-, and knee-high; occasionally carry items up to 125 lbs with two hands (75 lbs with one hand); occasionally push and pull weight in excess of 50 lbs; climb and work off of poles, ladders, and other structures that may be 40–150 feet high; work in and around energized lines; work long hours (up to 10 hours on average and occasionally up to 24 hours) in extreme weather conditions.

Applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat of harm to self, others, or property.

Job placement is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment, post-offer Functional Capacity Assessment.

Additional Requirements

The successful candidate must live or relocate within 20 miles of the assigned location, complete required company and safety training, and abide by the company's safety rules and regulations.

He/she will be required to work on-call rotation and may be subject to non-traditional hours, including daytime, evenings, weekdays, and/or weekends.

The successful candidate must also enroll in, and successfully progress through, the company-sponsored Lineman Apprentice Training Program.

Meter Technician

Description

Approximate Starting Rate: $22.79 per hour.

Job Summary

Under the direct guidance of Meter Technicians, learns to plan, coordinate, and perform meter site verifications, metering installations, planned and unplanned metering maintenance, and meter accuracy testing in accordance with industry standards and the Meter Quality System requirements. Apprentice is responsible for learning the Meter Quality System requirements in his/her area of control and is accountable for adherence to the systems requirements.

Meter Technician Apprentices will learn to plan, execute, and keep records of projects related to periodic and statistical maintenance programs, new technology implementation, and control of meter quality system nonconformance. They will also learn to investigate power quality problems.

Examples of Duties

The following is a representative list—other duties may be required.

• Satisfies the requirements of the apprenticeship training program and becomes certified by the Bureau of Apprenticeship Training.
• Learns to perform verification and testing of metering equipment and installations, including self-contained secondary, 480V metering, transformer-rated secondary, transformer-rated primary, transformer-rated substation, and transformer-rated transmission station.
• Learns to plan, coordinate, and/or perform metering installations and maintenance activities.
• Learns to energize and de-energize distribution and service facilities to facilitate metering installations, maintenance, and customer connections and disconnections.
• Learns to use a personal computer and mainframe applications to maintain all pertinent records related to metering.
• Becomes proficient at detection and correction of non conformities to meter quality system requirements, including troubleshooting, corrective action, calculation of billing corrections, and assisting in implementation of preventative action.
• Communicates with customers and other stakeholders regarding metering issues.
• May occasionally be required to perform connects/disconnects and field collections and will function as a Mentor for the Meter Specialists on the metering team.

Basic Requirements

Education: Associate’s degree in electronics, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver’s license.

Competencies: Safety awareness; decision-making; managing work (includes time management); quality orientation; communication; initiating action; applied learning; energy; contributing to team success.

Licenses/Certifications: DOT Medical Card.

Physical Ability

There is occasional lifting of items weighing up to 50 lbs. shoulder height and above, waist-high, and knee-high; frequently use exertional force greater than 50 lbs. pulling meters. Frequently use both hands or one hand to carry items weighing up to 50 lbs. Requires the ability to manipulate hand and foot controls, as well as to grasp hand tools, power tools, bucket truck levers, and to use fine manipulation when operating small tools and when keyboarding. Must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the position without posing a direct threat of harm to self, others, or property. The successful applicant for this position will have to take and pass a pre-employment/post-offer Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA).

Additional Requirements

The Meter Technician Apprentice will be required to satisfy the requirements of the apprenticeship training program and achieve state certification within the timeline defined in the apprenticeship agreement. Work on-call outside regular business hours. Work outside in seasonal adverse weather conditions. Some overnight travel required.

Line Operations Technician

Description

Approximate Starting Rate: $22.79 per hour.

Job Summary

Under the guidance of a Lines Operation Technician II, is responsible for the installation, operation, and maintenance of capacitors, reclosers, regulators, sectionalizers, line relays/controls, distribution automation systems, remote device communications systems, and commercial/industrial customer switching schemes. Provides technical expertise and support for lines operations and emergency restoration. Works closely with the regional engineering teams. Monitors devices for correct operation and appropriate settings.

Examples of Duties

The following is a representative list—other duties may be required.

• Participates in automated capacitor programs and integration into the Automated Capacitor Control (ACC) system.
• Oversees the installation of growth-related capacitor banks.
• Prepares existing capacitors for summer peak.
• Sets up and troubleshoots communications with remote line devices and various automation systems.
• Sets up and troubleshoots automated switching schemes for large commercial and industrial customers, including customer interaction.
• Monitors and upgrades line voltage regulators and controls.
• Manages line recloser and capacitor periodic maintenance programs.
• Creates the relay/control setting and maintenance database.
• Collects actual field measurements of feeder loadings and voltage levels for model verification and calibration.
• Provides training to teams and line crews on line equipment controls, and distribution automation systems.
• Performs field and bench repairs of electronic and microprocessor line equipment controls.
• Assists in the analysis of lines systems operations.
• Ensures protective schemes are performing to lines design/performance expectations, by test or analysis.
• Initiates action to resolve apparatus problems that arise, and evaluates changes to ensure accurate, timely, and efficient implementation.

Basic Requirements

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver’s license.

Competencies: Safety awareness; applied learning; communication; adaptability; initiating action; managing work; quality orientation; energy; innovation; stress tolerance.

Licenses/Certifications:First Aid/CPR card.

Physical Ability

Perform field work 70 percent of the time; carry ladders and test equipment weighing up to 60 lbs; install and remove (approximately four times a day) meter-base-mounted controls requiring up to 100 lbs of exertional force; operate (approximately ten times a day) extendo hot sticks up to 40 ft long and requiring 85 lbs of above-the-shoulder exertional force; work from a ladder or a bucket truck with a total weight capacity of 300 lbs; operate and use an ATV and/or snowmobile; perform the essential functions of the position without posing a direct threat of harm to self, others, or property. Job placement is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment, post-offer Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA).

Additional Requirements

Successful candidate must be at least 18 years of age. Extensive travel with occasional overnight stays. Successful applicant’s total weight, while wearing job-specific tools, is not to exceed the 300-lb capacity of ladders and buckets the applicant will be working from.

Relay Technician

Description

Approximate Starting Rate: $23.65 per hour.

Job Summary

Under supervision, the Relay Technician Apprentice ensures secure, interconnected electrical power-system operation by installing, commissioning, troubleshooting, repairing, testing, and maintaining power-system monitoring equipment, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) remote terminal units (RTU), remedial action schemes (RAS), and protective relay, control, and communication systems.

Examples of Duties

The following is a representative list—other duties may be required.

The apprentice performs these duties under the supervision of a Relay Technician and/or SPC Leader.

• Performs both routine and emergency testing and maintenance on power system protective relaying, monitoring, and communications equipment.
• Ensures all transmission system operations are analyzed for cause and proper operation, and implements corrective actions, as required, in coordination with system-protection engineering.
• Interprets and analyzes power, control, and communication system test data.
• Calibrates power-system monitoring equipment, transducers, and protective relays.
• Reads and properly interprets substation drawings (e.g., single-line drawings, AC and DC schematics, panel wiring diagrams, and panel layout drawings).
• Installs, tests, and terminates fiber-optic circuits.
• Tests instrument transformers.
• Works as a member of project teams to assist with scoping, detailed design review, shop-panel testing, project construction, and commissioning.
• Responds to power system emergencies, and is available to stand as after-hours system support/on-call.

Basic Requirements

Education: Associate’s degree in electronics, OR an equivalent combination of the appropriate education and experience that provides the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver’s license.

Competencies: Safety awareness; applied learning; communication; decision making; adaptability; quality orientation; managing work (includes time management); contributing to team success; innovation, stress tolerance.

Licenses/Certifications: Valid First Aid/CPR card, OR the ability to obtain one within six months of employment.

Physical Ability

Occasionally lift and carry relay and test equipment weighing up to 55 lbs; work in areas with limited space; ascend/descend microwave towers up to 150 ft high; and perform all duties of the position without posing a direct threat of harm to self, others, or property. Job placement is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment, post-offer Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA).

Additional Requirements

The successful candidate must live within 20 miles of the assigned location. The apprentice–level candidate must enroll in the IPC Relay Technician Apprenticeship Training Program.

Generation Specialist

Description

Approximate Starting Rate: $19.50 per hour.

Job Summary

Performs necessary daily operating and maintenance functions essential for the safe and efficient operation of the area, plant, and facilities. Completes assigned tasks, including preventive and corrective maintenance, and assumes lead role when necessary. Ensures necessary generation by performing manual switching and operation in the event of an emergency (i.e., failure of automated generation dispatch systems).

Examples of Duties

The following is a representative list—other duties may be required.

• Operates electrical equipment; generators, governors, exciters, voltage regulators, transformers, motor generators, cranes and hoists, power circuit breakers, turbines, pumps, air compressors, building and vehicle wiring, and other auxiliary equipment.
  • Operates dams, waterways, intakes, spillways, penstocks, gates, turbine runners, bulkheads, and other related equipment. Reads switchboard meters and gauges to verify that units are operating at specified capacity; listens for sounds from machinery that warn of mechanical malfunction. Records control board meter and gauge readings. Performs security inspections of the facilities and leads public tours.
  • Performs preventive maintenance on the power facilities, buildings, fish facilities, roads, villages, and other associated equipment.
  • Coordinates with Generation Dispatch to ensure required generation will be available.
  • Cleans and lubricates equipment to prevent equipment failure or deterioration. Performs minor maintenance on equipment such as replacing governor brushes. Maintains records and reports of maintenance and operations information in a complete and legible manner.
  • Adjusts load and voltage support. In emergent situations, determines number of generators required to meet power demands according to Generation Dispatch.
  • Designs, fabricates, assembles, installs, and performs modifications to existing and new equipment.
  
  

  Basic Requirements

  Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

  Experience: Experience in power plant operations and maintenance.  

  Competencies: Safety awareness, communication, adaptability, decision making, contribute to team success; manage work (includes time management) initiate action, quality orientation; innovation; build customer loyalty.

  Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver's license.

  Physical Ability

  This job will require occasional, physically strenuous work for long periods of time and in adverse conditions. Job requires the ability to bend, stoop, squat, crouch, crawl, climb into and out of vehicles, twist, kneel, balance and reach. Rarely lift shoulder height and above, waist high and knee high items weighing up to 75 lbs. Occasionally using exertional force to push/pull items weighing up to 50 lbs. Occasionally carrying items with two hands or one hand weighing up to 75 lbs. Requires the ability to operate foot pedals while driving a vehicle. Must be able to grasp and hold simple hand tools and testing equipment and use fine motor skills to use a computer keyboard, test equipment, and replace parts. Applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat of harm to self, others, or property. Job placement is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment, post-offer Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA).  

  Additional Requirements

  Job requires the ability to respond to emergencies outside of and/or in excess of normal working hours; also requires being on call on a rotating basis for the power plant and ability to respond in an appropriate time frame. Job requires occasional travel with overnight stays. Successful candidate may be required to provide a basic set of hand tools. Job requires the EE obtain and wear approved safety footwear.

  Notes for This Position

  Required to work swing shifts on a rotational basis.

Generation Dispatcher

Description

Approximate Starting Rate: $27.45 per hour

Job Summary

This is a training position to prepare a qualified employee for progression to journeyman Generation Dispatcher. During on-the-job training, and under direct supervision, the apprentice will learn to coordinate and perform the necessary operating functions essential for the safe, correct, and efficient operations of hydro and combustion turbine power plants and their associated transmission and switching stations. Provides supervisory control and direction to local plant operators.

Examples of Duties

The following is a representative list—other duties may be required.

• Issues and receives clearances on all delegated project facilities. Prepares and checks clearances and switching programs for correctness and compliance with operating procedures. Receives clearance requests and determines whether or not equipment can be removed from service. Coordinates electrical clearances with Generation Specialist, System Reliability Operator, and Regional System Operator.
• Handles system emergencies, testing, and restoring system facilities to service following outages. Takes necessary action and reports information as required by standard operating procedures and Emergency Action Plans. Calls out and coordinates activities with power plant operations and maintenance crews.
• Monitors instruments and remote data recording equipment; analyzes and evaluates operation interruptions, assists in determining equipment problems and reports problems and failures to appropriate personnel.
• Adheres to load schedules for generation as required to conform with system operating criteria. Coordinates with the Real Time Transaction Specialist in making economic decisions regarding the operation of hydroelectric and thermal generating systems.
• Formulates and communicates daily generation and river management plans with power plant personnel. Coordinates loading of IPC's share of thermal units in conjunction with IPC's thermal generation partners. Schedules and coordinates natural gas usage for combustion turbines, ensuring all contractual operational agreements are in compliance.
• Performs operations by centralized control, directs switching and tagging operations. Accomplishes appropriate system voltage and reactive control.
• Utilizes data necessary for proper operation of equipment.
• Manages river flows and elevations, ensuring they are maintained according to regulations, instructions, and license requirements. Computes and makes necessary changes in spill gate positions using supervisory or manual control.
• Checks and/or corrects Generation Energy Accounting documents for completeness and accuracy.

Basic Requirements

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience: Previous power plant experience: Nuclear, Gas, Thermal, or Hydro.

Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver’s license.

Competencies: Communication; decision making; initiating action; information monitoring; stress tolerance; planning and organizing; continuous learning; adaptability; innovation.

Physical Ability: Physically able to perform all the essential job functions without posing a direct threat of harm to self, others, or property.

Additional Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age and posses an understanding of generation transmission and control areas. Must obtain NERC Operators Certification within one year of hire. Must enroll in and successfully complete Idaho Power Company's Generation Dispatcher Apprentice program.