Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Timeline
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James Spurgeon

Bluefield,VA

Summary

A seasoned Lineman with a robust background at Appalachian Power, I excel in emergency response and team leadership, having successfully mentored apprentices and spearheaded complex repair projects. My expertise encompasses both hard skills, like advanced electrical installations, and soft skills, such as effective communication and problem-solving under pressure. Achieved Journeyman status post-completing an intensive Apprentice Program.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Lineman

Appalachian Power
Bluefield, VA
10.2015 - Current
  • Assisted in the repair of damaged lines due to storms or accidents.
  • Constructed distribution systems using hand tools such as shovels, hammers, saws and drills.
  • Removed old wires from utility poles before replacing them with new ones.
  • Conducted safety inspections of all power line equipment prior to use.
  • Assisted in the maintenance of underground cables and conduits.
  • Installed, spliced and tested overhead power lines.
  • Participated in emergency response teams during natural disasters.
  • Followed OSHA regulations related to safety procedures at job sites.
  • Measured distances between posts when installing wire support structures.
  • Maintained, repaired and replaced poles and cross-arms.
  • Connected new customers by running service drops from existing main line wires to customer premises.
  • Read blueprints and diagrams for proper installation techniques.
  • Installed transformers, meters, regulators and other electrical components.
  • Troubleshot problems with distribution systems to identify root cause of issue.
  • Operated bucket trucks to install or maintain high voltage power lines.
  • Replaced defective or burned out conductors on utility poles using aerial lift devices.
  • Provided technical assistance to apprentices while they learned the trade.
  • Performed pole climbing, digging holes and backfilling trenches for line installation.
  • Cleaned up work sites after completing projects.
  • Worked closely with electricians on complex construction projects.
  • Inspected equipment for faults or damage to determine repair needs.
  • Shortened or lengthened wires by removing or adding wire and used different types of splices, connectors and clamps.
  • Assisted in various capacities during construction, repair and maintenance of electrical lines.
  • Assessed power lines, poles and electrical equipment for wear and damage and reported deficiencies to appropriate supervisor.
  • Adhered to strict federal and corporate rules to promote overall safety of workers and members of public.
  • Opened switches or attached grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines.
  • Communicated effectively with customers, addressing concerns and explaining the nature of work.
  • Installed electric watthour meters in pre-installed meter-connection boxes to connect service.
  • Utilized volt meters, ammeters, and other testing devices to assess and ensure system functionality.
  • Conducted routine maintenance on transformers, insulators, and switches to ensure optimal performance.
  • Installed street lights and security lights, including wiring and fixture mounting.
  • Tested and inspected electric distribution equipment and wiring outside and within buildings to verify conformance of installation with construction and building code specifications.
  • Compared layout and methods of installation to blueprints and sketches and marked differentiations on drawings.
  • Participated in safety meetings and workshops to stay updated on industry practices and standards.
  • Spliced wires and soldered connections to complete circuitry for effective power distribution.
  • Identified site hazards and utilized safety and protective equipment to comply with safety rules.
  • Operated bucket trucks, diggers, and other equipment to erect poles and light or heavy power lines.
  • Adhered to local, state, and federal regulations governing electrical transmission and distribution.
  • Utilized GPS and mapping tools to locate and diagnose issues within the electrical distribution system.
  • Patrolled lines and reported defective equipment or unsafe conditions to supervisor for resolution.
  • Coordinated with team members to remove trees and other obstructions from lines and equipment.
  • Inspected and tested power lines and auxiliary equipment to identify and repair faults.
  • Tested conductors to identify corresponding conductors and prevent incorrect connections.
  • Coordinated with other utilities to ensure safe working conditions and prevent service disruption.
  • Responded to emergency outages and storm damage, working under challenging conditions to restore power.
  • Installed and maintained overhead and underground power lines to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
  • Troubleshot overhead distribution lines to restore power service.
  • Trained and mentored apprentice linemen, sharing knowledge and reinforcing safety practices.
  • Read and interpreted work orders, diagrams, and specifications to determine repair or installation requirements.
  • Followed strict safety protocols to ensure personal and public safety around electrical lines.
  • Performed ground work, setting up traffic cones and safety signs to secure work areas.
  • Climbed poles to compare printed data on transformers with work orders and examine wires and auxiliary equipment on poles.
  • Documented work performed, including repairs made and materials used, for record-keeping purposes.
  • Handled repair work for overhead and underground electrical power lines.
  • Helped out by participating in extra shifts when emergencies or outages required additional assistance in adverse weather conditions.
  • Performed pre-installation procedures to attach cross-arms, insulators and auxiliary equipment to poles.
  • Completed resagging on older or improperly installed lines.
  • Maintained electric work tools and equipment.
  • Climbed wooden poles, ladders and towers or used bucket trucks to reach power lines and complete work.
  • Assessed job sites for cleanliness and organization and loaded trucks with materials at completion of shift.
  • Worked with team to install cables, poles and transformers.
  • Assigned tasks to employees and monitored productivity, performance and task completion.
  • Rebuilt transformers by dismantling, removing and assembling core components.

Skills

  • Completed the Apprentice Program
  • Became Journeyman Lineman
  • Filled in the on the service truck multiple times

Timeline

Lineman

Appalachian Power
10.2015 - Current
James Spurgeon