Utility Field Inspector

This job is for qualified overhead technicians with the basic knowledge of equipment in the field. The Technicians are to do visual inspections on the distribution (including Pad-Mount Transformers) and transmission equipment for duke energy. Three-year program with optional follow-on years. This job set requires the tech to visually inspect the following:

 

Wood Poles on the Duke Energy System

• Decay, loose soil, green mossy growth, damp conditions, or other signs of possible weakness in the surrounding soil

• Wood separation, bird holes, rot, cracks, and burn marks

• Rust or rot in guy wires and anchor rods that are attached to the pole or structure

• Any slack in guy wires, which could indicate that anchor rods have pulled out of the ground

• Sound the pole by striking it with a hammer weighing approximately 3 pounds, starting at the groundline and continuing upward to a height of 6 feet. Strike the pole in each quarter section at 2 to 3 foot intervals.

• Probe/prod testing the pole with an approved probing tool. Probe downward through the soil into the pole, keeping continuous pressure on the probing tool. Probe the pole in at least four points in each quarter section of the pole, from the groundline to 6 inches below ground.

 

All concrete and metal distribution poles and structures owned by Duke Energy shall be surveyed per the following procedure:

• Footing and pad cracks, erosion, spalling, and rust

• Confirm bolts, guy wires, and other anchors are tight and free of rust, corrosion, and rot

• Loose soil, green mossy growth, damp conditions, or other signs of possible weakness in surrounding soil, paying attention to landscape as runoff can collect around the base accelerating deterioration

• Any signs of instability in adjacent poles and structures

 

All pad-mount transformers shall be surveyed per the following procedure:

• Signs of oil leaks

• Holes, rust, exposed cable, breakage, or other abnormal conditions

• Transformers shifted off pads

• Pad tilt

• Erosion around the pads or trench line exposing conductor

• Record data plate and design information, if possible, without opening the transformer lid to support end-of-life replacements

• Validate live-front transformer candidates, based on existing candidate GIS lists by opening the lid

 

All overhead infrastructure shall be surveyed per the following procedure:

• Visually survey overhead infrastructure units of property, looking for

• Cutouts for broken and abnormal conditions

• Overhead equipment, such as transformers, regulators, reclosers, and capacitors for oil leaks, rust, damage, and other abnormal conditions

• Arresters for broken, missing, and abnormal conditions

• Clearance issues with line to line, line to ground, and buildings or structures on right-of-way

• Transformers that do not meet current retrofit standards

 

Reporting and Documentation

• Originating event number (survey work order)

• Reason for replacement/repair

• Urgency, typically based off the Priority system

• Existing inspection or reject tags on pole

• Accessibility (truck versus climb)

• Additional information deemed pertinent by surveyor Pictures, if available

• Address, asset ids, directions, comments, etc. to aid design and construction resources

 

Requirements:

• Fire resistant clothing required

• Valid Drivers License

• AWD vehicle

• Work M-F with possible weekend work

 

Provided:

• FR clothing allowance

• Inspection tools

• Vehicle stipend

• Computer/iPad