Transmission Line Foreperson

Job Summary:

This position provides leadership to assigned personnel and ensures safe, efficient construction, maintenance, inspection, and repair of energized and de-energized transmission assets.

Business and Relationships:

• Reports to: Transmission Line Superintendent
• Direct Supervision: Lead Lineperson(s), Journey Lineworkers, Apprentice Lineworkers
• Indirect Supervision: Works closely with department supervisors, coordinators, forepersons, and employees across MWEC.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the guidance of the Transmission Line Superintendent, the Foreperson will perform:

Leadership & Crew Oversight:

• Lead and supervise crews in transmission line construction, maintenance, inspection, and emergency restoration.
• Promote and enforce safety rules, work methods, and hazard control measures.
• Conduct daily job briefings and provide clear work direction.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate apprentices and subordinate Lineworkers to ensure competency and safe performance.

Operational Responsibilities:

• Coordinate maintenance, switching, and work planning with the Transmission Line Superintendent.
• Maintain working knowledge of substation switching, system apparatus, and protective devices.
• Review project requirements and recommend necessary personnel, materials, and equipment.
• Ensure proper care and use of Cooperative vehicles, tools, and equipment.
• Assist in developing and executing work plans and system programs.

Administrative & Communication Duties:

• Complete, review, or delegate required documentation accurately and on time.
• Coordinate activities with other crews, departments, landowners, contractors, and utilities.
• Attend safety meeting and required training.
• Recommend improvements to operational methods and procedures.
• Apply OSHA, NESC, and Cooperative safety regulations in all work activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge:

• Comprehensive knowledge of electric transmission line construction, inspection, maintenance, and emergency restoration practices.
• Working knowledge of substation switching procedures, system apparatus, and protective devices.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, NESC standards, and applicable federal and state safety requirements governing high-voltage utility work.
• Knowledge of hazard recognition, job briefing procedures, and safe work practices in energized and de-energized environments.

Skills:

• Demonstrates leadership and crew supervision skills.
• Skills in training, mentoring, and evaluating personnel.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Abilities:

• Ability to recommend process improvements to enhance safety and efficiency.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Ability to maintain required certifications and complete ongoing mandatory training.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Education & Certification:

• Highschool diploma or GED required
• Journey Lineworker certification from an IBEW/DOL or equivalent certification.

Experience:

• Minimum four (4) years of journey lineworker experience.
• Strong knowledge of transmission construction, maintenance, troubleshooting, and inspection.
• Two (2) years of leadership/crew lead experience preferred.

Licensing:

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required, without restrictions and in accordance with MWEC policy.

Other Requirements:

• Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Proficient with Microsoft applications and basic computer use.
• Ability to work independently and interpret drawings, maps, and schematics.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.

Physical Requirements:

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

• The employee is required to regularly handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, climb, or balance, stop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is required to sit and taste or smell.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; frequently lift and/or move up to more than 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position requires outside work under various weather conditions, including rain, high winds, blowing snow, ice, freezing rain, and sudden weather changes, with frequent exposure to temperatures ranging from –20°F (or lower with wind chill) to over 100°F. The role involves working at heights exceeding 100 feet and performing some heavy lifting. Employees are subject to irregular hours, overtime, emergency callouts, storm restoration assignments, and must be available to work outside normal office hours.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.

MWEC reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, or working schedules based on their duty to accommodate individuals with disabilities

The Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.