We are excited to share this series featuring the careers that make our cooperative tick. Whether you are a member curious about how the co-op runs or a student wondering how to get into the cooperative world – now is your chance to learn more!
Co-op Careers: Line Design
Jeremy Jones, Line Design Superintendent
How long have you held this role: Line Design Superintendent since August 2019
Operations/Contract Superintendent began December 2018
Senior Line Tech. began November 2013
Line Tech. began February 2006
Information System Tech. (KVN) began March 2003
Primary responsibilities:
- Inside Nolin (employee facing) – Daily positive interface with employees at all levels within the Cooperative. And help coordinate work activities in line design within the engineering department.
- Outside Nolin (member facing) – contractors, consumers, city/county/government representatives, engineers, community agencies, architects, and other cooperatives.
How does your role fit into the organizational structure: My job reports to the manager of engineering. Also work closely with the operations department.
What employee roles report to you:
Line Design Technicians – These employees design new power lines, obtain easements and calculate potential construction cost for residential and commercial projects. Typically, they meet on site or conversate with the member to explore the members’ needs and wants. Once they design the line that meets Nolin and NESC specifications, they will create a staking sheet that is given to construction to build.
- Paul Baker: C&I Line Design
- Brian Hamilton: Line Design Technician
- Caleb Embry: Line Design Technician
- Todd Drake: Line Design Technician
- Chester Shoffner: Apprentice Line Design Technician
Line Design Staking Contractor – Responsible for the design of construction work plan jobs. Typically designs line relocates for KYTC.
Joint Use Coordinator – Processes permits, coordinates make ready and responsible for working attachers (i.e. BBTEL, Windstream, Xfinity, etc.) that want to install their facilities on Nolin poles.
- Chad Denney: Joint Use Coordinator
Line Locators (Wide Open)- Mark underground electric based on calls from 811
- Danny Holderman: Line Locator
- Chaney Weick: Line Locator
Line Inspectors (Contractor)- Inspect entire electrical infrastructure (Overhead & Underground)
Pole Change Crew (Contractor)- Changing out existing poles that are needed based on age/condition
CWP Line Crew (Contractor)- Installs or upgrades lines to help with providing reliable electric service.
POC – Utility Division with KYTC for roadwork.
Knowledge, skills, abilities needed for your role:
Knowledge of National Electric Safety Code, Nolin Spec. Book, Nolin Tariffs, IVUE & computer skills. Knowing how to construct powerlines has been beneficial. Pole loading requirements. Use CAD related software to draw specifications for use in the Nolin spec. book and members diagrams.
Education needed for your role (to be hired into the role, any continuing education once in role):
High school diploma and 10 years experience or bachelors degree and four years of experience. Trade school classification in electricity or electronics, or possession of a current certification in line training is preferred. Must obtain an accredited certification in Line Design and Staking within 2 years of employment.
Most challenging part of your job: Finding the best solution when members may disagree with our design. Explaining why Nolin specifications are in place and to get the members to understand.
Your favorite part of the job: Majority of workdays go by fairly quickly. There is never a dull moment at work with this job.
