Apprentice to Journeyman Station Maintenance Mechanic

Western Farmers Electric Cooperative•Anadarko, OK

About The Position

At the option of the hiring official, this position could be filled as an Apprentice Station Maintenance Mechanic or as a Journeyman Station Maintenance Mechanic based on experience, knowledge, education, and abilities for the position. SUMMARY - APPRENTICE STATION MAINTENANCE MECHANIC - Level I of this position is the entry level job in the Station Maintenance Mechanic apprentice training program. The apprentice training program requires a minimum of five years to complete. It includes extensive on-the-job training and study, some of which must be completed outside of work hours. Satisfactory performance and continuous progress toward completion of the program is required. Under close supervision, the incumbent is responsible for the maintenance of building facilities and equipment, and maintenance and construction of electrical substation, switch stations, and communications sites. Candidates are required to achieve a minimum score in a math and language basic adult education test. SUMMARY - JOURNEYMAN STATION MAINTENANCE MECHANIC - Under the general supervision of the Station Maintenance Supervisor, the Journeyman Station Maintenance Mechanic is responsible for projects related to the maintenance and construction of WFEC facilities, including substations, switch stations, communications sites and buildings and grounds of the headquarters' campus and outpost line crews.

Requirements

Must be a High School graduate and have a minimum of one (1) year experience in two (2) or more of the following areas to qualify for level I: Operation of light and/or heavy equipment such as tractors, mowers, backhoes, or other related machines. Construction, maintenance, or operation of an electrical distribution or transmission system. General construction or building experience including welding, plumbing, carpentry, electrical wiring, heating and air conditioning, and concrete work. Previous schools or training (including military) related to the construction or electrical industry. Working at heights up to or above 450 feet.
Must have completed the apprentice training program and have a minimum of five (05) years' experience in the following: Operation/use of various tools and light and/or heavy equipment. Construction, maintenance, and/or operation of an electrical distribution or transmission system. General construction or building experience (welding, plumbing, carpentry, electrical wiring, heating/air conditioning, and concrete work). Working at heights up to or above 450 feet.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals; ability to write routine reports and correspondence; ability to speak effectively to other employees.
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 percentage to draw and interpret graphs.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram and schedule form.
Ability to use a personal computer to access the intranet, departmental software and Microsoft Office software as required.
This job requires the incumbent to have or obtain a current and valid State of Oklahoma Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and a State of Oklahoma Pesticide Applicators certificate.
This job requires extensive overnight travel.
Incumbent must live within a thirty-mile radius of specified base work location.
Incumbent must be willing to work overtime, weekends and holidays and travel on short notice.
Requires successful completion of DOT physical and certification requirements.
MUST MEET ALL PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Nice To Haves

Experience with various software applications used for asset management, component programming and equipment testing is preferred.

Responsibilities

Makes satisfactory progress in the education and on-the-job training requirements of the apprentice training program.
Safely operates and maintains in good repair, light equipment such as back-hoes, skid loaders, trenchers, tractors and implements.
Assists Journeyman in performing welding, including thermal welding, in maintenance and construction duties.
Assists Journeyman in pouring concrete foundations, footings, and floors to include building and setting forms, cutting and tying rebar, and pouring and finishing concrete.
Assists Journeyman in safely installing grounding systems in substations, switch stations, and communications sites.
Assists Journeyman in performing general maintenance, remodel, construction, and repairs of facilities and equipment to include plumbing, carpentry, electrical wiring and lighting, and heating and air conditioning work.
Assists Journeyman in performing general landscape and yard maintenance including performance and documentation of herbicide application and maintenance and repair of equipment such as small tractors, zero-turn mowers, edger's, blowers, weed eaters, sprinkler systems and small engine repair and upkeep.
Assists Journeyman in performing maintenance, testing, and troubleshooting on DC electrical systems including batteries and battery chargers.
Assists Journeyman in performing maintenance on communications towers and antenna systems, which will require the apprentice to climb the towers.
Assists Journeyman in performing gravel and dirt work including leveling to grade in and around energized electrical substation sites.
Keeps equipment, vehicles, and work environment in a clean, safe, and orderly condition.
Completes safe and proper installation, maintenance, and repair of all components and systems within area of responsibility for substation, switch station, and communications sites.
Performs maintenance activities on communication and station equipment, including communications towers, tower lighting systems, VHF, UHF, microwave antenna systems, battery systems, and grounding systems.
Performs activities related to the construction of new communications sites and electrical stations, as well as upgrades to existing sites and equipment, including proper installation and commissioning of new and replacement equipment to ensure compliance with all applicable standards.
Maintains working knowledge of Federal Communications commission (FCC), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) rules and regulations regarding area of responsibility.
Directs and/or oversees contractor work to ensure installation, configuration and testing of equipment or related components adheres to WFEC standards and applicable FCC, FAA, and NERC requirements.
Manages and keeps current all activities and records associated with maintenance and testing of equipment and systems within area of responsibility as regulated by FCC, FAA, and NERC.
Safely operates and maintains in good repair light equipment such as backhoe, trencher, tractor and trucks to fulfill position duties.
Maintains vehicles, tools, equipment and working environment in a clean, safe and orderly condition.
Performs welding, including thermal welding, in maintenance and construction duties.
Works with and near high voltages in a safe manner, at times in adverse weather conditions.
Pours concrete foundations, footings, and floors to include building and setting forms, cutting and tying rebar, and pouring and finishing concrete.
Supports all functions within the work group by planning, organizing, and coordinating assigned work with member cooperatives, contractors, and internal WFEC groups.
Performs gravel and dirt work and leveling to grade in and around station sites.
Follows all safety procedures to ensure personal safety and the safety of others and to maintain compliance with all OSHA and WFEC safety rules, policies and procedures.