Clay-Union Electric Corporation

Position Description

Crew Foreman

1. OBJECTIVES

1. To provide maximum service to member-consumers by:

1. Providing leadership in the safe and efficient performance of the tasks associated with the construction, operation, and maintenance of distribution line facilities.
2. Being familiar with operating policies and procedures.
3. Provide assistance in planning their electrical requirements.
4. Maintaining an open line of communication.

2. To contribute to effective public relations by:

1. Being familiar with the rural electric program and developing enthusiastic support for it.
2. Encouraging active participation in community and civic affairs.
3. Striving to always conduct oneself in an honorable and socially acceptable manner.
4. Maintaining a good working relationship in all contacts outside the immediate cooperative environment.

3. To contribute to effective employee relations and overall cooperative by:

1. Working with other employees in a respectful and supportive role.
2. Maintaining a good attitude in all contact with fellow employees.
3. Learning what is required for efficient job performance by observation, questioning and study.

2. RELATIONSHIPS

1. Reports to:

1. Operations Manager. Consults with and obtains information concerning responsibilities, receive instructions and training and obtain necessary approvals.

              B.  Directs:

  1. Lead Lineman and Line Crews. Directs and supervises daily work assignments.

III.       RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Prepare and conducts performance appraisal of the lead lineman with the Operations Manager.
2. Maintain optimal line of communication with Operations Manager on work schedules and work requirements.
3. Develop and maintain crew morale and enthusiasm by personal example and recognition of accomplishments and abilities.
4. Carry out the prescribed training program of the cooperative.
5. Promotes safe working habits and encourages the use of protective equipment by his crew.
6. Recommend plans, procedures, and schedules in accordance with Operations Manager’s approval, the operation and maintenance of distribution facilities for which he is responsible.
7. Coordinate work plans with members of other power systems, or other agencies within his control.
8. Plan work schedule in advance for efficient and safe construction or maintenance projects.
9. Ensure that the Job Crew Checklist is completed prior to initial activity.
10. Perform all jobs associated with operation, maintenance, and construction of distribution line facilities as necessary.
11. Operate all cooperative vehicles in accordance with local and state laws and cooperative policies.
12. Maintain physical control of all materials and supplies received for use in his control.
13. Operate radio communications facilities as prescribed by the FCC and cooperative regulations.
14. Make use of all types of cooperative firefighting equipment and understand the application of each type.
15. Supervise the use of and uses hot line tools in accordance with cooperative safety regulations and hot line tool procedures.
16. Maintain adequate supply of first aid and protective equipment on the job.
17. Keep informed of potential conflicts with other utilities, road improvements, drainage ditches and reports to the Operations manager.
18. Make routine inspection of substation and switch station apparatus and equipment and notifying Operations Manager of conditions observed.
19. May make emergency adjustments or repairs in equipment or apparatus under supervision of East River Electric Cooperative.
20. Participate in cooperative first aid and safety training and carries first aid-card.
21. Cooperates with WAPA and East River in handling emergency switching operations.
22. Report to Operations manager any hazard or information that has bearing on the business of the cooperative.
23. Study department and cooperative memoranda and procedures to be fully informed on circuit connections, switching of lines and equipment and maintenance of equipment and apparatus for which he is responsible.
24. Participate in regular and special meetings of the department to keep informed on progress of work assignments and schedules.
25. Study books and other publications to improve supervisory ability and keep informed of industry trends.
26. Supervise regular and special patrol of distribution facilities and makes aerial patrol when directed.
27. Upon approval of Operations Manager, purchase small tools and supplies as necessary within the limitations and policies set forth by the cooperative.
28. Supervise the tree trimming program including proper permission from landowner for use of chemicals, cutting brush and /or trees for right-of-way purposes.
29. Comply with SDREA and cooperative safety rules and regulations, and OSHA rules and regulations, as it pertains to this cooperative.
30. Assist in obtaining data on transformer loading and circuit balance for the cooperative. 
31. Perform other miscellaneous duties as required involving maintenance of sites, tools, buildings, equipment, radio towers and fences.
32. Obtain proper easements for the right-of-way for all construction projects.
33. Review material charge and salvage tickets to account for materials used and retired by the line crew.
34. Review all line crew time and transportation tickets for accuracy.
35. Supervise the record keeping of OCR equipment.
36. Visually inspect the condition of equipment in substations, switch stations and distribution lines.
37. Make periodic inventories of materials, tools and equipment assigned to his control.
38. Prepare staking sheets for line crew and process the staking program for proper material charge out and retirements.
39. Request all URD locates from South Dakota 811 and ensure the locate does not expire.
40. Apply for state and county road crossings for utility permits including railroad crossings.
41. Prepare estimates for new services, upgrades or moving lines.
42. Perform shipping and receiving from UPS and other delivery services.

IV.      PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Some physical skill is required. Certain coordinated finger, limb or body movements must be performed in the course of regular work routines. Extensive physical exertion is required from time to time. The position requires the ability to climb poles, lift heavy objects, and operate heavy equipment. The position requires some walking through forested and undeveloped terrain. A valid South Dakota commercial driver's license is required.

            Essential physical functions include but are not limited to:

1. Talking and listening in person and on the telephone to discuss work assignments.
2. Near vision for reading and reviewing work, and for operating a computer.
3. Use of computer keyboard and monitor.
4. Depth perception for driving, as the position requires extensive travel to job sites.
5. Ability to climb poles and use equipment necessary of construction, operation, and maintenance of the cooperative's system.
6. Must have the ability to lift 100 pounds unaided to a height of 36", and to lift 75 pounds unaided to a height of 60".

V.        WORK ENVIRONMENT

Scheduling the work of one or several crews requires the ability to analyze time requirements and enforce decisions made. Because the Crew Foreman will frequently work on customer's property, it is imperative to be trustworthy, cordial, and professional. Generally working conditions are good. There are some exposures to extremes in temperature, weather, noise, and safety and health hazards. Because this is a supervisory position, the Crew Foreman will have access to confidential information regarding employee they supervise.

VI. KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, ABILITIES, AND SKILL

1. Knowledge and experience in the utilization of computer applications.
2. Solid interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) and the ability to be an effective member of a team are required.
3. Knowledge of RUS Line Construction Specifications and National Electric Safety Code standards.
4. Must have completed a Clay-Union Electric approved apprenticeship training program and hold a journeyman lineman certificate.
5. Must be skilled in operating line vehicles, bucket and digger trucks.
6. Must have the ability to effectively supervise employees.
7. Ability to follow instructions, make decisions, and properly fill out paperwork.
8. Ability to analyze time and equipment needs of assigned jobs.
9. Ability to work independently and efficiently.
10. Ability to maintain complete confidentiality of classified information.
11. Appearance must project a professional and positive image for the Cooperative and must wear company approved safety clothing and uniforms.

IV.   SUMMARY

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. Duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of the job. They are not listed in any particular order of importance.

This position description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duty as requested by management. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.