Right-of-Way Utility Crew Member

Umatilla Electric Cooperative is headquartered in Hermiston, Oregon (population 18,000+), the largest and fastest-growing city in Eastern Oregon. Located seven miles south of the Columbia River, Lake Wallula and the McNary Dam, the Hermiston area has become a hub for logistics and data center activity. The area is 30 minutes south of the Tri-Cities in Washington, two-and-a-half hours south of Spokane, three hours east of Portland, and three-and-a-half hours northwest of Boise. Cost of living is lower than the national average. Blue Mountain Community College and Eastern Oregon University have branch facilities in Hermiston; Columbia Basin College and a branch campus of Washington State University are a 40-mile drive. Area activities are plentiful, and include golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, camping, hiking and snow skiing.

UEC Company Benefits & Perks:

4-10 Schedule (Friday's Off)

401(K) up to 11% Company Match

Pension Plan (100% Employer Sponsored)

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision Benefits options

Competitive Wages

Vacation, Sick Leave and 11 paid holidays

Gym Membership Subsidy

Employer Sponsored Training

Various Opportunities for Fundraising and giving back to the community

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.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled