Locations

Below are the duty locations where positions may be filled under this announcement:

• Brackettville, TX
• El Paso, TX

Job Purpose

The position is an entry-level position into RGEC’s Lineman Apprenticeship Program. Progression into the program is required within six months of becoming a groundman. The primary duties of this position will be to assist line personnel on the ground.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Must demonstrate competencies through assessment and/or job evaluation in order to progress to RGEC’s Lineman Apprenticeship Program within six months of becoming a groundman
• Perform various manual labor type tasks at the work site to assist line personnel (e.g. load and unload supplies and materials, cut brush, clean trucks, dig ditches and assist in preparing materials)
• Observe lineman work and anticipate needs for material and tools
• Prepare materials for use at the work site
• Perform tasks as assigned by line personnel
• Learn duties and tasks through on-the-job training
• Must become familiar with RUS Materials utilized in the construction and maintenance of underground, overhead distribution and transmission lines
• Frame poles in accordance with RUS specifications
• Rig ropes and blocks and become familiar with knot tying
• Gain knowledge of system area in order to perform job efficiently
• Ability to read system maps and staking sheets
• Assist in the proper use and care of all tools and equipment
• Exercise extreme care to protect private property while on premises
• Participate in training programs for job knowledge and technical skill
• Must learn and practice Cooperative’s safety rules and procedures
• Must complete TEEX Introductory Module Courses (1 “Electric Power Fundamentals” and 2 “Principals of Grounding”) within six months of becoming a groundman
• Must be or become certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Perform other jobs as needed Qualifications

Qualifications

• Must reside within 20 minutes from assigned area office
• Must demonstrate knowledge and willingness to advance into RGEC’s Apprenticeship Program after six months of becoming a groundman
• Must become certified in Pole Top Rescue and Bucket Rescue within six months of becoming a groundman.
• Must be able to learn to operate assigned equipment, including but not limited to bucket trucks, digger trucks, lift trucks, forklift, trencher, winches, drills, chainsaws and high compression tools
• Must be able to comply with RGEC Policy 2.7.5 – Operation of Weight-Restricted Equipment provisions. (*REQUEST COPY OF POLICY, IF NOT PROVIDED.)
• Must be able to communicate via satellite radio
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to learn program software
• Knowledge of communication technology (e.g. iPad)
• Must possess and maintain a valid Texas drivers’ license
• Must be insurable with the Cooperative's auto insurance carrier
• Must have or obtain a Class “A” Interstate CDL within six months from becoming a groundman (VISIT TxDPS COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE WEBSITE FOR QUALIFICATIONS)
• Must possess oral and written communication skills in the English language
• Perform basic mathematical computations
• Must possess good interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain a harmonious working relationship with all Cooperative employees, the members and the public

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work under adverse weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold, high winds or stormy conditions
• Must be able to work “On Call” and during emergencies
• Overtime hours may be required
• Subject to travel away from home during emergencies or when assistance from another office is required
• Irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays

Physical Requirements

• Shovels dirt, works around noisy equipment and visually inspect work for safe connections
• Use shovel, hammer, pliers, and basic hand tools
• Must have sufficient health to perform the essential functions, duties and responsibilities of the job
• Requires climbing, lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying of weights.
• Frequently lifts materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; occasionally lifts items that weigh up to 100 pounds
• Requires quick/accurate hand-eye coordination
• To ensure all employees are provided with drug-free and alcohol-free working conditions, preemployment, post-accident, reasonable cause and random drug and alcohol tests are conducted

Direct Reports

• n/a

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Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc. (RGEC) was organized in 1945 to enhance the quality of life for rural residents by providing electric service where none existed. Today, at over 35,000 square miles, RGEC has the largest service territory of any electric cooperative in the contiguous United States, serving 18 counties in Texas, and two counties in New Mexico. While it still serves rural areas, many metropolitan areas have expanded into RGEC’s territory, which now includes hospitals, schools, and urban housing developments. The Cooperative was also selected by the military to be the electrical maintenance provider for Fort Bliss, El Paso, and Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio.

RGEC currently employs a compliment of 157 people to serve 7,093 members with 14,259 meters. It maintains offices in Alpine, Brackettville, Carrizo Springs, Dell City, El Paso, and Fort Stockton, with the Brackettville office serving as corporate headquarters. The Co-op maintains 10,022 miles of energized line of which 126 miles are transmission line, 201 miles are underground line, and 9,695 are overhead energized line. RGEC maintains the electrical distribution systems for Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, and Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio, Texas.

Mission

RGEC is committed to providing safe and reliable energy services through the efficient use of resources, highly skilled employees, and technology.

Motto

Empowering communities, enhancing lives.

Values & Vision

RGEC proudly serves members based on a foundation of integrity and excellence, while striving for the betterment of communities and quality of life for those in the region it is privileged to serve.

Seven Cooperative Principles

Voluntary and Open Membership | Democratic Member Control | Members’ Economic Participation

Autonomy and Independence | Education, Training and Information | Cooperation Among Cooperatives | Concern for Community

Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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