Groundman at Flathead Electric Cooperative – Kalispell, Montana

Responsible to perform the ground work required in construction, conversion, relocation, right of way clearing, maintenance and operation of lines throughout the area served by the organization; other related assigned duties.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. As directed by a Foreman and/or a Journeyman, performs a variety of groundwork associated with the construction, conversion, relocation, right of way clearing, maintenance and operation of lines throughout the area served by FEC.
2. Drive and/or haul assigned digger derrick boom trucks, bucket trucks and chipper trucks to and from the work site; will do so in a safe and efficient manner.
3. When appropriate, sets up barriers, warning signs, flags, etc. to protect employees as well as the public.
4. Safeguards employees and public from hazards in and around the work area.
5. Provides support for the other crew members by controlling lowering ropes, limbs, and persons from aloft.
6. Keeps work area picked up and orderly.
7. Perform other duties necessary to complete the job assigned, such as: digging, lifting, carrying, sawing, etc. Ensure all work is performed efficiently and safely to include operating the equipment.
8. When approached by a property owner, or the general public, communicates in a professional and helpful manner answering any questions or concerns. If concerns still exist, seeks assistance from the Foreman or Journeyman.
9. Maintains and properly uses all trucks, equipment, and tools assigned to him/her to ensure all are in proper working order at all times. Performs daily inspection on trucks and equipment completing the inspection forms required. Cares for and returns to the warehouse all unused and retired materials.
10. Respond to duty calls as soon as possible, day or night, seven days a week, to assist as directed.
11. When traveling throughout FEC territory, be aware of the condition of the electric system. When a problem or hazard is identified, accurately complete a service order and/or communicate with the appropriate FEC department.
12. Always assist members/vendors/employees and the general public in a courteous and professional manner ensuring their continued satisfaction with FEC. Work in harmony and show respect to all fellow employees in order to promote an effective and pleasant working environment.
13. Maintain ongoing communication with supervisor regarding situations requiring immediate attention due to hazardous conditions, problems/concerns, questions, etc. Regarding hazardous conditions, contact a Journeyman when unable to contact direct supervisor.
14. In pursuit of zero workplace incidents, promotes and maintains a positive safety culture while adhering to all applicable policies outlined in the Safety Manual. Reports all incidents and potential safety hazards in a timely manner to supervisor or Safety Coordinator.
15. Become familiar with and keep current with FEC objectives and applicable policies.
16. Performs other duties as assigned by management applying the same skill and enthusiasm as with regularly assigned responsibilities.

Job Related Experience: Minimal (Less than 1 year) in operating chainsaws, brush chippers, limbers, and trimmers preferred.

Supervision: No Experience Supervising Required.

• At least 18 years of age.
• Able to work 40 hours per week.
• Work schedule as defined by the Union contract, with overtime as required.
• Present a professional appearance at all times.
• CPR certified (or able to obtain certification through training provided by FEC).
• First Aid certified (or able to obtain certification through training provided by FEC).
• Accept duty calls, as needed, day or night, 7 days per week.
• Be a team player with effective verbal and written skills.
• Exhibit excellent member relations and customer service skills.
• This position is required to join the Union and is covered under the current CBA.
• Work outdoors year-round in all kinds of weather conditions and terrain, including long periods of hot, cold, wet, windy or ice conditions.
• Able to work in environment with high noise levels and be able to safely use hazardous materials.
• Able to travel occasionally out-of-area and/or overnight.
• Legible handwriting.
• Valid Montana Class A Commercial Driver’s License and be insurable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS (Based on an 8 hour work day)
Stand F (Frequently) Walk C (Constantly) Sit O (Occasionally) Handling / Grasping C (Constantly) Reach Outward F (Frequently) Keyboarding   F (Frequently)   Speaking   F (Frequently)   Vision   F (Frequently)   Hearing   F (Frequently)   Reach Above Shoulder F (Frequently) Climb R (Rarely) Crawl R (Rarely) Foot or Leg Controls   O (Occasionally)   Squat or Kneel O (Occasionally) Bend O (Occasionally) Drive O (Occasionally)	Lift/Carry 10 lbs. or less F (Frequently) 11-25 lbs. O (Occasionally) 26-50 lbs. R (Rarely) 51-100 lbs. R (Rarely) Over 100 lbs. N (Not Applicable)
Push/Pull 10 lbs. or less O (Occasionally) 11-25 lbs. O (Occasionally) 26-50 lbs. R (Rarely) 51-100 lbs. R (Rarely)

N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position
R (Rarely) Position requires this activity up to 5% of the time (0 - 2 hrs./day)
O (Occasionally) Position requires this activity up to 6% - 33% of the time (2 - 4 hrs./day)
F (Frequently) Position requires this activity from 34% - 66% of the time (4 - 6 hrs./day)
C (Constantly) Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (8+ hrs./day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Will be working mostly outdoors in all types of weather and terrain.

As a cooperative, Flathead Electric is owned by the members who get their power from our Co-op, which includes everyone in the Flathead, Libby and Cooke City areas of Montana. That means the employees are members and own the cooperative too. We treat every member like family and friends, because they are.

For 85 years, Flathead Electric Cooperative has been an employer of choice in Northwest Montana. As part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), Flathead Electric provides competitive pay, exceptional benefits including a retirement plan, a matching 401K, and generous health/dental/vision/disability insurance. We try to incorporate fun into our workdays, host employee family events throughout the year and provide opportunities for our employees to help the Board of Trustees shape the future of the Co-op by participating on exploratory advisory groups an, innovative pilot projects.

We believe in hiring the best and promoting from within. Flathead Electric provides on the job training and offers an education reimbursement program for those employees wishing to better their education to pursue opportunities at our Co-op. Flathead Electric is an equal opportunity employer. Flathead Electric Cooperative does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, or retaliation.

Some positions are “safety sensitive,” some require a CDL, and all have access to confidential member information at times. Therefore, we screen our applicants thoroughly. All employment offers are contingent upon passing a limited background check and a drug screening appropriate for the position. Once hired, employment is subject to a one-year probationary period, during which time employment may be terminated with or without cause and with or without notice.

By submitting this application, the applicant affirms that information provided is true and complete information, no requested information has been concealed, and Flathead Electric Cooperative is authorized to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information provided is found to be untrue, or concealed, employment may be denied or terminated.