Service Crew Foreman (6B.24) - American States Water Company

At Bear Valley Electric, we work hard to provide our customers, with superior customer service, and safe, reliable, and quality power. We do it each and every day, safely and with confidence.  Bear Valley Electric Service has served the Big Bear Valley since 1929.  Today, we provide electric power to approximately 24,750 customers.  We serve a resort community with a mix of full-time and part-time residents.  These 23,250 residents represent more than 93 percent of our customers. We also serve approximately 1,500 commercial, industrial and public authority customers, including the Bear Mountain and Snow Summit ski resorts.  Bear Valley Electric Service has implemented a comprehensive wildfire mitigation program, inserted cutting edge technology into all aspects of its business and operations and is aggressively pursuing a greener energy supply portfolio and a sweeping electrification strategy.

THIS POSITION REQUIRES RESIDENCY IN OUR SERVICE AREA

POSITION DEFINITION: Under the general supervision of the Field Operations Supervisor, lead and participate on a Service Crew made up of himself and one skilled or semi-skilled worker performing a variety of construction, maintenance and repair of the electrical overhead and underground transmission, distribution and substation systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Lead Service Crew on assigned service tasks as called out by the BVES, Inc. service dispatch process and the Field Operations Supervisor. Coordinates work with Field Engineering and Planning, Meter Readers, and Customer Service Representatives. Maintains close working relationships with customers in the field.
• Supervises and inspects the work of Linemen, Linemen Apprentice, Groundmen and other support personnel to ensure compliance with required quality and construction standards and adherence to prescribed operating and safety requirements and procedures.
• Plans and assigns tasks to crew members; leads and participates in the construction, maintenance and repair of the overhead and underground electrical systems.
• Performs the duties of a Lineman and assist the Light Crew or heavy Crew in the installation and repair of high and low voltage wires and cables, transformers, poles, and street lights; string lines both overhead and underground. Installs and maintains service lines, meters and other equipment required to supply power to customers.
• Operates a variety of tools and equipment common to line work. Understands how to use and read all types of indicating or measuring instruments used on the electrical system. Operates boom and bucket trucks. Operates power-driven
machinery, such as hydraulic compression pumps, chain saws, jackhammers, etc. Operates switches and related equipment. Uses common hand tools to construct and maintain overhead and underground power lines. • Reads and interprets construction plans and schematics (related to the installation of electrical power distribution lines). Comprehends and makes inferences from written material. Analyzes voltage recordings, charts, and electric trouble reports to make recommendations on replacing or upgrading transformers, services, or related equipment. Establishes and maintains electric line clearances.
• Determines the equipment, tools, materials, and manpower needed to complete assigned projects. Prioritizes work assignments.
• Uses a personal computer (PC) and laptop PC for reports, basic GIS (Geographic Information System) access to maps and data, e-mail, and routine office applications for personnel reviews, and other purposes. Meets scheduling and attendance requirements. Locates the cause and repairs interruptions for high and low voltage lines both overhead and underground. Trims trees and vegetation around energized electrical power lines. Sets up traffic cones and barricades.
• Conducts voltage and load surveys and, when occasion demands, performs sectionalizing, switching and refusing according to authorized operating procedures.
• Continually develops a good working knowledge of the principles and practices in line construction, service operation and maintenance requirements in an overhead/underground electrical system and trains others in these practices. Learns job-related material through on-the-job training and in classroom settings.
• Installs personal protective grounds. Removes broken or defective conductors. Assists in constructing and wiring electrical high-voltage substations. Installs and terminates underground high-voltage cable between vaults, manholes, and pole risers.
• Assumes rotational on call duties and participates in planned and emergency overtime as required.
• Checks material, equipment and manpower requirements, and conducts pre-job meetings and job safety analysis with crew. Checks time sheets, material stores orders, work order face sheets, construction sketches, and other reports for procedural accuracy. Contacts Field Operations Supervisor requesting hold tags, switching changes, or other operating requirements.
• Reviews and analyzes jobs with the Field Operations Supervisor to determine the safest and most efficient method to be used in completing these assignments. Plans, coordinates, and directs the work of crew, which may include different crew compositions.
• Promotes and maintains harmony among assigned crew personnel, customers, and the general public. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with management, coworkers, other City employees, and customers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: May include but not limited to standing, climbing, walking, lifting, bending, pulling and/or pushing, grasping, reaching, stooping and crouching, sitting, typing, walking, reading, writing, color determination, speaking and listening for extended periods of time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Three years of experience at the journey level in construction, maintenance and repair of both overhead and underground electrical systems.
• Completion of high school diploma or equivalent
• A valid Class A California Driver’s License.
• Knowledge of:
o Methods, materials and tools used in electrical overhead and underground construction, maintenance and repair work.
o Principles of electrical theory as applied to electrical circuits and wiring systems, G.O. 95 and 128, service requirements and all applicable codes, accident prevention rules and ordinances.
o Inspection program requirements of G.O. 165 and G.O. 174.
o Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions necessary in work.
o Principles and practices of supervising and training.

BENEFITS

Our Company supports our employees with rich benefit programs and resources to help them thrive today and prepare for tomorrow.  Benefit options include medical, dental, and vision plans with the Company currently paying 85% of the monthly premium for employees and their eligible dependents.  We also offer paid vacation and sick time and twelve Company paid holidays per year.  To help our employees plan for the future, we offer both a 401(k) retirement plan as well as a Defined Contribution Profit Sharing retirement plan.  Additional benefits include life, AD&D, and LTD insurance as well as health savings account and flexible spending plans.

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The compensation range provided is in compliance with state specific laws.  Multiple factors are used to determine the actual starting rate of pay for all of our positions, including specific skills, years of experience, education, certification(s), and other job related factors.

The responsibilities of this position will involve access to information that may be considered confidential, private and sensitive. Therefore, the individual filling this position will be required to both allow and pass a background check.

NOTE: Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with special needs to perform the essential functions.