Richard Rakow
BIRMINGHAM
Summary
Experienced Lineman Foreman skilled in overseeing safety protocols and guiding teams through complex projects. Delivers operational efficiency while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Knowledgeable in electrical systems with strong problem-solving and leadership capabilities.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Lineman Foreman
Southern States Utility
Wetumpka
04.2024 - Current
- Supervised electrical installation and maintenance projects for utility infrastructure.
- Trained apprentices on electrical systems and safety protocols in the field.
- Conducted inspections of electrical systems to ensure adherence to regulations.
- Managed equipment and tools inventory to maintain operational readiness on-site.
- Facilitated communication between team members and management for workflow efficiency.
- Enforced safety standards to minimize risks during electrical operations on site.
- Followed electrical code manuals to install and repair electrical systems.
- Ensured that all personnel onsite adhered to OSHA requirements regarding workplace safety.
- Ordered necessary supplies and parts required for completion of electrical jobs.
- Analyzed blueprints, drawings, plans, sketches, or other engineering documents prior to beginning any electrical project.
- Supervised job site operations to maintain consistent safety and hazard-free work area.
- Communicated with clients to convey deadlines, scope of work, and potential challenges throughout project timeline.
- Supervised installation and maintenance of overhead and underground power lines.
- Coordinated team activities to ensure timely project completion and safety compliance.
- Trained new linemen on safety protocols and operational procedures.
- Conducted inspections of equipment and work sites for safety hazards.
- Managed emergency response operations during power outages and severe weather events.
- Ensured proper use of tools, equipment, and personal protective gear by team members.
- Communicated project updates and safety reminders to all crew members daily.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while adhering to company policies.
- Ensured that all tools were properly maintained and stored correctly when not in use.
- Coordinated with local utility companies to plan outages for scheduled maintenance work.
- Evaluated employee performance and provided constructive feedback.
- Performed quality assurance tests on newly installed or repaired power lines.
- Assessed job sites to determine the most efficient way of completing tasks safely.
- Supervised a team of linemen in the installation, repair, and maintenance of power lines.
- Monitored crew progress to ensure timely completion of projects.
- Ordered materials necessary for successful completion of projects.
- Reviewed project plans prior to execution to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Assisted with troubleshooting electrical problems related to power lines.
- Provided technical guidance and support to linemen during difficult tasks.
- Developed strategies for responding quickly to emergency situations involving downed power lines.
- Scheduled regular maintenance checks on equipment used by the lineman crew.
- Maintained detailed records of all line repairs, upgrades, and installations.
- Participated in continuing education programs related to industry best practices.
- Operated bucket trucks, lashers, core machines and powered hand tools safely and efficiently.
- Identified defective sectionalizing devices, circuit breakers, fuses, voltage regulators, transformers, switches, relays or wiring using wiring diagrams and electrical-testing instruments.
- Trained others with less experience and supported and participated in growth of co-workers and company.
- Kept equipment in good operating condition by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, performing preventive maintenance and informing management of needed repairs.
- Opened switches and attached grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.
- Inspected and tested power lines and auxiliary equipment to locate and identify problems using reading and testing instruments.
- Bolstered customer confidence by keeping installation information confidential and maintaining professional job site demeanor and correspondence.
- Prepared installations by analyzing staking sheets and job sites, gathering required materials and supplies and locating existing cables and other utilities.
- Prepared and planned worksites to help jobs run smoothly.
- Reported project progress, site problems and labor status to supervisors.
- Trained and monitored employees to teach daily tasks and improve performance.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Determined schedules, sequences and assignments for work activities, based on priority, quantity of equipment and personnel skill.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Established and enforced clear safety policies to protect workers from injury.
- Monitored employee work levels and optimized performance with strategic approaches.
Lineman Foreman
Lee Electrical Construction LLC
Aberdeen
10.2018 - 04.2024
- Supervised electrical installation projects ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Coordinated team schedules and tasks to meet project deadlines efficiently.
- Trained junior electricians on best practices and safety protocols.
Lead Lineman
Volt Electrical
Hartselle
06.2018 - 10.2018
- Installed and repaired electrical distribution systems for residential and commercial properties.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure safety compliance on job sites.
- Operated heavy machinery for utility pole installation and maintenance tasks.
- Conducted routine inspections of electrical lines and equipment for safety hazards.
- Diagnosed electrical issues and implemented effective solutions promptly.
- Trained new employees on safety protocols and operational procedures.
- Utilized advanced tools and technology for efficient electrical installations and repairs.
- Followed OSHA regulations related to safety procedures at job sites.
- Repaired and replaced damaged poles and cross-arms to ensure structural integrity.
- Operated bucket trucks to install or maintain high voltage power lines.
- Assisted in the repair of damaged lines due to storms or accidents.
- Performed pole climbing, digging holes and backfilling trenches for line installation.
- Removed old wires from utility poles before replacing them with new ones.
- Participated in emergency response teams during natural disasters.
- Read blueprints and diagrams for proper installation techniques.
- Cleaned up work sites after completing projects.
- Connected new customers by running service drops from existing main line wires to customer premises.
- Installed transformers, meters, regulators and other electrical components.
- Assessed power lines, poles and electrical equipment for wear and damage and reported deficiencies to appropriate supervisor.
- Constructed distribution systems using hand tools such as shovels, hammers, saws and drills.
- Provided technical assistance to apprentices while they learned the trade.
- Shortened or lengthened wires by removing or adding wire and used different types of splices, connectors and clamps.
- Opened switches or attached grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines.
- Conducted safety inspections of all power line equipment prior to use.
- Troubleshot overhead distribution lines to restore power service.
- Replaced defective or burned out conductors on utility poles using aerial lift devices.
- Trained and mentored apprentice linemen, sharing knowledge and reinforcing safety practices.
- Coordinated with team members to remove trees and other obstructions from lines and equipment.
- Installed street lights and security lights, including wiring and fixture mounting.
- Read and interpreted work orders, diagrams, and specifications to determine repair or installation requirements.
- Adhered to local, state, and federal regulations governing electrical transmission and distribution.
- Spliced wires and soldered connections to complete circuitry for effective power distribution.
- Installed and maintained overhead and underground power lines to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
- Utilized volt meters, ammeters, and other testing devices to assess and ensure system functionality.
- Worked with team to install cables, poles and transformers.
- Climbed wooden poles, ladders and towers or used bucket trucks to reach power lines and complete work.
- Performed pre-installation procedures to attach cross-arms, insulators and auxiliary equipment to poles.
- Completed resagging on older or improperly installed lines.
- Led team in installing and maintaining overhead power lines.
- Operated bucket trucks and other electrical equipment safely.
- Trained junior linemen on best practices and safety protocols.
- Responded to emergency service calls for power outages.
- Operated bucket trucks, lashers, core machines and powered hand tools safely and efficiently.
- Adhered strictly to safety protocols while performing tasks at heights or near hazardous materials.
- Analyzed and troubleshot complex problems with power lines.
- Performed preventive maintenance on power line equipment such as transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, and other related equipment.
- Enhanced organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests and exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
- Developed plans for emergency repairs to restore service quickly after outages or disasters.
- Trained apprentices in proper safety procedures while working on high voltage lines.
- Inspected poles for structural integrity and replaced defective components.
- Opened switches and attached grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.
- Installed and maintained overhead and underground electrical distribution systems.
- Trained others with less experience and supported and participated in growth of co-workers and company.
Journeyman Lineman
Musgrove Construction
Live Oak
12.2013 - 06.2018
- Installed and maintained overhead and underground power distribution systems.
- Performed installation, maintenance and repair of overhead and underground power lines.
- Operated line trucks and aerial lifts for safe utility installation.
- Operated bucket trucks to access high voltage lines for repairs or maintenance activities.
- Operated bucket trucks, diggers, and other equipment to erect poles and light or heavy power lines.
- Climbed wood poles using approved climbing methods while wearing proper safety gear.
- Ensured proper grounding of electrical systems to prevent hazards.
- Removed trees from around high voltage power lines to prevent outages caused by tree limbs touching wires.
- Repaired or replaced damaged poles and anchors following storm damage or vehicle accidents.
- Replaced faulty components such as insulators, conductors and related hardware on energized circuits up to 69KV.
- Tested and operated switches, cutouts, regulators and voltage controllers for proper operation.
- Shortened or lengthened wires by removing or adding wire and used different types of splices, connectors and clamps.
- Spliced wires and soldered connections to complete circuitry for effective power distribution.
- Installed street lights and security lights, including wiring and fixture mounting.
- Utilized specialized tools including hot sticks, rubber gloves, cable slings and lineman pliers.
- Participated in training sessions to learn new techniques in line operations.
- Assisted in training apprentices on lineman techniques and safety protocols.
- Trained and mentored apprentice linemen, sharing knowledge and reinforcing safety practices.
- Provided technical guidance to apprentice linemen when needed.
- Collaborated with team members to troubleshoot electrical issues efficiently.
- Troubleshot overhead distribution lines to restore power service.
- Responded quickly during emergency situations such as storms or downed poles and lines.
- Responded to emergency outages, restoring power in critical situations quickly.
- Worked quickly and safely to maintain and reconduct lines.
- Performed ground work, setting up traffic cones and safety signs to secure work areas.
- Assessed power lines, poles and electrical equipment for wear and damage and reported deficiencies to appropriate supervisor.
- Opened switches or attached grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines.
- Completed resagging on older or improperly installed lines.
- Installed and maintained overhead and underground power lines to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
- Handled repair work for overhead and underground electrical power lines.
- Climbed wooden poles, ladders and towers or used bucket trucks to reach power lines and complete work.
- Helped out by participating in extra shifts when emergencies or outages required additional assistance in adverse weather conditions.
- Completed resagging on older or improperly installed lines.
Education
Overhead Electrical Apprentice - Overhead Electrical Apprenticeship Program
George C Wallace Community College
Dothan, AL 09.2013 - 11.2013
Enterprise High School
Enterprise, ALSkills
- Electrical code compliance
- Power line installation
- Electrical distribution
- Safety inspections
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Project scheduling
- Worksite organization
- Inspect completed work
- Team leadership
- Crew management
- Task delegation
- Emergency response
- Safety compliance
- Reliability
- Conflict resolution
- Effective communication
- Customer relations
- Policy implementation
- Team collaboration
- Professional demeanor
- Personnel skill assessments
Affiliations
- Enjoy doing anything to include the outdoors.
- A small business owner of an outdoor store.
- Enjoy being around friends and family.
Timeline
Lineman Foreman
Southern States Utility
04.2024 - Current
Lineman Foreman
Lee Electrical Construction LLC
10.2018 - 04.2024
Lead Lineman
Volt Electrical
06.2018 - 10.2018
Journeyman Lineman
Musgrove Construction
12.2013 - 06.2018
Overhead Electrical Apprentice - Overhead Electrical Apprenticeship Program
George C Wallace Community College
09.2013 - 11.2013
Enterprise High School