Groundman - Overhead (Oncor)

About the Role

The Groundman position is an entry‑level role that supports the construction, repair, and maintenance of overhead electrical distribution systems for the nation's power grid. Groundmen work alongside line‑workers to safely build, restore, and maintain power lines, and they play a key part in storm‑restoration crews. The job involves frequent standing, walking, climbing wood or steel structures, lifting or moving more than 50 lb, and operating hand tools while wearing required personal protective equipment. Work is performed outdoors in diverse weather conditions and may expose team members to fumes, noise, vibration, and high‑voltage energized systems. Core responsibilities include safely performing new construction, maintenance, and repair of energized and de‑energized overhead lines, inspecting PPE, stringing wire, setting poles and anchors, and assisting with the installation of transformers, arrestors, cutouts, cross‑arms, insulators, switches, and switchgear. Groundmen also help replace fuses, clear faulted circuits, maintain company vehicles and tools, operate radios, perform basic rigging and knot‑tying, and conduct basic rescue or bucket‑escape procedures. • Ensure personal and crew safety at all times. • Assist line‑workers in meeting project goals. • Participate in storm‑restoration efforts when needed. • Operate vehicles and equipment professionally. • Follow ethical standards and all safety rules. • Travel long distances on short notice and work extended periods. • Perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting >50 lb and climbing structures. • Perform safe construction, maintenance, and repair of energized and de‑energized overhead lines. • Inspect and correctly use PPE and rubber goods. • String overhead wire and set poles, anchors, and cross‑arms. • Assist installing transformers, arrestors, cutouts, insulators, switches, and switchgear. • Replace fuses, clear faulted circuits, and test voltage on equipment. • Maintain company vehicles, equipment, and tools in good condition. • Identify primary/secondary voltages and understand induced voltage. • Conduct basic bucket rescue and escape procedures. • Follow minimum approach distances, excavation, and shoring requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸wire stringing
• ▸pole setting
• ▸transformer install
• ▸fuse replacement
• ▸vehicle maintenance
• ▸safety inspection

What You Bring

Successful candidates demonstrate a team‑oriented, self‑motivated attitude, prioritize customer service, and adhere to ethical standards and company safety policies. The role requires the ability to communicate effectively, obtain a Commercial Driver’s License permit within 60 days, travel on short notice, and work extended periods, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. • Demonstrate teamwork, self‑motivation, and customer‑service focus. • Obtain a CDL permit within 60 days of hire. • Communicate effectively in reading, writing, and speaking. • Use radios, rigging, hand lines, and lineman knots correctly. • Work at heights, in confined spaces, and outdoors in inclement weather. • Utilize Kellum grips and recognize line‑work materials.

Requirements

• ▸cdl
• ▸radios
• ▸rigging
• ▸kellum
• ▸teamwork
• ▸communication

Benefits

• Pursue ongoing technical and leadership training.

Work Environment

Field