DREMC is seeking an Apprentice Equipment Technician I.

BE A PART OF POWERING MIDDLE TENNESSEE!

Be a part of powering Middle Tennessee! Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC) is a member-owned electric cooperative, serving an area of approximately 2,500 square miles across 17 counties in southern middle Tennessee. Our amazing team at DREMC distributes safe and reliable electricity at the lowest possible cost, promotes and facilitates economic development, and enhances the quality of life over 85,000 members across 6,500 miles of line.

Location: Must meet residency requirement to the Shelbyville office.

Job purpose:
The Apprentice Equipment Technician I is a team-player willing and able to learn from peers and supervisors. This position begins actively training in the installation and maintenance of substations, metering, and other equipment involved in the daily operation of DREMC’s electrical grid. Apprentice will remain in each of the classifications for a period of twelve (12) months between each step of the Apprentice Equipment Tech I, II, III, and IV to become an Equipment Technician.

Job dimensions:

Internal Responsibilities – In a courteous and professional manner consistent with DREMC policies, work with and learn from crew members in the Field Services Department. Taking the initiative to speak up for matters relating to safety.

External Responsibilities — Communicate with members explaining the Cooperative’s plans, procedures, service programs, and objectives as necessary; to provide proficient and courteous service, resulting in good member relations.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES FOR APPRENTICE EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN I

1. Consistently demonstrates an intellectual curiosity that is guided by sound judgment in the best interests of DREMC.

2. Studies, learns, and consistently applies DREMC policies, procedures, by-laws, and rules and regulations.

3. Studies maintenance testing procedures, techniques, safety precautions, and instructions for conducting shop and field test and repairs as he/she assists the Equipment Technicians in these duties.

4. Learns the operation of various equipment (e.g. transformer oil sampling equipment, recloser, regulator, capacitor, meter and substation testing equipment).

5. Gains knowledge and experience as an apprentice to be able to perform the following:

a. Maintain all job sites safely and in a professional manner with supervision.

b. Becomes familiar with the Technical Services fleet of vehicles which includes becoming familiar with stocking the service vehicles, the test equipment on each vehicle and the operation of each vehicle.

c. Studies maintenance testing procedures, techniques, safety precautions, and instructions for conducting shop and field test and repairs as he/she assists the Equipment Technicians in these duties.

d. Begins to learn switching assignments on the distribution system

e. Investigates and learns to repair and install equipment, equipment controls and metering equipment

f. Begin to learn electric meter functions, programs, and classes of meters

g. Completes material records, time sheets, and other paperwork related to work orders, transformers, circuit breakers, reclosers, meters, vehicles and other equipment or facilities as required.

h. Begins to learn how to handle and care for all equipment assigned and reports maintenance needs when detected, especially where a safety hazard may exist or could develop.

i. Gains an elementary knowledge of substation one-line drawings.

6. Attends and receives a certificate of completion in TVPPA Substation Maintenance Units 1 and 2.

7. Deals professionally and courteously with all members or others and explains work being performed as required.

8. Must reside within a twenty (20) statute mile radius of the DREMC Shelbyville office.

9. Emergency response coverage as needed.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: post-secondary degree/diploma from an accredited college/university or technical school is required. In lieu of degree, five (5) years’ experience of Industrial Maintenance or related fields may be considered.

Experience: Experience in a related field preferred, but not required

Certification/License, etc.: Must have a valid Tennessee Driver’s License and have or be able to obtain a class A CDL endorsement within their (6) six months probationary period. Must be eligible and remain insured as a driver by the Cooperative’s group liability policy for the automotive fleet.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Must maintain a continued education that supports the Cooperative’s goals. A broad understanding of the utility industry is desired and must acquire skills needed to advance to Equipment Technician Apprentice II within (12) twelve months from hire date.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to stand, walk, bend, climb, and crouch for extended periods while performing equipment maintenance and inspections. The ability to walk over uneven, steep and difficult terrain on a regular basis. Regularly lifts, pushes, pulls, or carries tools, parts, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, and occasionally heavier items with assistance. Requires good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to use hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment. Must be able to work in various body positions, including under equipment or on ladders, and operate foot and hand controls. Visual and auditory acuity are required to inspect equipment and detect mechanical issues or safety hazards. May be required to operate utility vehicles or equipment as part of training or under supervision.

Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in garages, workshops, or outdoor utility yard environments. Exposed to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity when working outdoors. Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts, loud noises, dust, grease, fumes, and potentially hazardous materials; appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is required. May work around energized equipment or in proximity to utility vehicles; safety protocols must be followed at all times. Some tasks may require working in confined spaces or at heights using ladders or lifts. Occasional travel may be required to support field operations, attend training, or assist at remote sites.

BENEFITS: DREMC provides a comprehensive program of employee benefits, including group medical, dental, vision, employer-sponsored medical clinic, life and long-term disability insurance programs, defined benefit retirement and 401K savings plans, tuition reimbursement.

This job description is intended to identify the essential functions of a position and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. An employee may be required to perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and/or management as needed. DREMC reserves the right to revise or change the job description as the need arises, or work schedules based on their duty to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Qualified candidates should apply at www.dremc.com under careers. Candidates must submit a cover letter, resume and complete application form to be considered.

DREMC does not accept resumes from third-party recruiters.

Equal Opportunity Employer EOE/AA M/F/D/V