Right-of-Way Utility Crew Member

Summary

The Right-of-Way (ROW) Utility Crew Member performs various duties related to the ROW, live-line tree trimming, inspection, maintenance, construction, fire mitigation, clearing and re-clearing.  Safely cuts, piles, sprays, and disposes of trees and brush as necessary to maintain adequate ROW clearance for power lines.  Ensures all clearing is accomplished in a safe manner in accordance with State, Federal, Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (may include other duties as
assigned)

• Safely performs the clearing and/or re-clearing of the ROW; grubbing, herbicide/chemical application and trimming of trees completed in accordance with the Cooperative policies and procedures.


• Observes and inspects the ROW for conditions, including hazardous, that may cause a power interruption or failure to UEC’s members. Gathers inspection data and provides accurate reports to the supervisor in a timely manner.  


• Properly uses and maintains the ROW tools and equipment, including but not limited to hand cutting tools, power saws, chain saws, chippers, mulchers, clearing machinery and other various utility equipment, as necessary, in a safe and efficient manner. May work independently using described equipment in remote locations. 


• Ensures assigned vehicles, tools, equipment, and supplies are properly used and kept in good working condition.  Maintains proper care for all assigned motor vehicles and working equipment.


• Ensures completion of duties within the Cooperative’s fire mitigation plan, as directed. Applies fire mitigation protection, such as fireguard, and recommends specific actions necessary to prevent and/or mitigate fire damage to the supervisor as appropriate.

JOB DUTIES (may include other duties as
assigned)

• Uses Cooperative tools and equipment to accurately inspect, report, track, document, and present various metrics and findings from the ROW tasks; maintains records, interdepartmental and departmental workflows in a timely manner and on a regular basis.


• Cooperates with landowners to maintain good public and member relations, representing the Cooperative. 

• Drives and/or operates motorized equipment involved in construction, maintenance, and the ROW clearing for overhead and underground facilities.


• While operating motorized equipment, complies with all traffic laws, safety rules and regulations, and safe practices. Ensures the safety of the vehicle, its occupants, and vehicle loads. 


• Assists line crews in determining and locating the cause of power interruptions, especially as it relates to vegetation.


• Assists in the inspections of installed electrical equipment for conformance to specifications and safety standards. Performs various facility inspections and repairs, such as wood or steel structures, thermal imaging camera hot spot identification, pole attachment conformance, etc. as needed or directed.


• Performs tasks in a manner that demonstrates self-motivation and reliability, tracking progress and reporting accurately.


• Demonstrates safe working behaviors while operating various safety equipment, as needed. 


• Understands the electrical safety hazards and stays up to date on all required safety trainings applicable to the position.


• Contributes to a safe and secure working environment for the Cooperative’s members, visitors, co-workers, and oneself by following established safety regulations and state and federal laws.


• Maintains punctual, regular, and predictable
  attendance.


• Works collaboratively with colleagues and fosters a spirit of cooperation in the
  workplace.


• Conducts themselves in
  a
  manner
  that positively reflects UEC
  and
  contributes
  to
  harmonious relations with members and the general public.


• Respectfully takes direction from supervisor and/or
  manager. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without
posing a
direct
threat
to the
safety
or
health
of the
employee
or
others.
To
perform
this
job
successfully,
an individual
must
be
able
to
execute
each
essential
duty
satisfactorily.
The
requirements
listed
below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

Not applicable unless assigned to temporarily upgrade to serve as ROW Crew Leader.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED required. Must have successfully completed an accredited Line Clearance Tree Trimming Program or have completed a minimum of two (2) years of right-of-way work experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

MATH SKILLS

Ability
to
add,
subtract,
multiply,
and
divide
in
all
units
of
measure,
using
whole
numbers,
common fractions,
and
decimals.
Ability
to
compute
rate,
ratio,
and
percent
and
to
draw
and
interpret
bar graphs.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Job requires minimal skills necessary to operate a computer and/or tablet. Can log on to computer system, navigate in Windows, enter information into a database, communicate by e-mail and use scheduling software.

REASONING ABILITY Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES and LICENSES

Must possess a valid Oregon State Class “A” CDL Drivers’ License.  Position requires driving alone. National Crane Certification preferred but not required.  

Must maintain an Oregon Public Applicator License necessary for clearing of the ROW by chemical means.

Must possess and maintain First Aid/CPR and Flagger certifications.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully
perform
the
essential
functions
of
this
job.
Reasonable
accommodations
may
be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions.

PHYSICAL SKILLS

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance
vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of
this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with
hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; climb or
balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit and work
in cramped or awkward
positions.

PHYSICAL EFFORT

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an
employee encounters
while
performing
the
essential
functions
of
this
job.
Reasonable
accommodations
may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions.

While
performing
the
duties
of
this
job,
the
employee
is
frequently
exposed
to
outdoor
weather conditions and the risk of electrical shock. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or
humid conditions (non-weather); work in high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and
vibration. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. Job is performed near highways,
public streets and an occasional business while operating loud equipment.

EOE/M/F/Minority/Disability