Grounding Technician

Posting Date:November 14, 2025

Job Posting Number:            2025-085

Pay Grade:6

Department:Operations, Construction/Contract Admin

Location:Keystone Heights

Classification:                        Non-Exempt

Notes:This is a current position.

Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. does not sponsor employment visas.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request by emailing [email protected] or by calling 352-473-8000, EXT 8264 or 8270.  Please be advised that this assistance is available for individuals who require accommodation due to disability.

Classification Summary:

Individuals in positions allocated to this class perform skilled work operating various pieces of equipment necessary to carry out the objectives within the Department of Operations. Primary responsibility includes the operation and maintenance of ground rod trucks, road tractor and trailers of all lengths, and forklifts in order to install driven ground rods at various locations and to load and haul materials for underground and overhead distribution projects.

Work is performed alone and under the direct supervision of the Construction Contract Supervisor who reviews work on a daily basis through observation to ensure that the employee is adhering to all safety practices in carrying out the duties and responsibilities in an effective manner.

Essential Job Functions:

(Note:  These job functions are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed in positions allocated to this class.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.  All employees are expected to demonstrate cooperation in working with others, deal effectively with members and practice safety consciousness.)

1. Operation of Equipment.  Operates ground rod driver and other equipment as required.  Transports heavy equipment to job sites on trailers. Complies with all traffic laws and related safety rules and safe work practices.  Keeps vehicles clean and orderly, noting repairs as needed.
2. Navigating. Uses the Cooperative’s mapping system to identify and navigate to the physical location where grounding is required according to staking sheets.
3. Installation and Testing: Installs deep driven ground rods at required locations and then tests each installation using electronic equipment to ensure a 25 or less ohms reading is achieved.
4. Connections: Digs trenches as required in order to install and connect ground wire to transformers, vaults and underground enclosures according to Rural Utilities Service specifications as directed. 
5. Reports.  Records daily usage of materials for monthly and yearly reports. 
6. Use and Care of Tools and Equipment.  Is responsible for the use, care and security of tools, vehicles, equipment and materials utilized.
7. Safety.  Practices safe work habits in the performance of all job duties and is familiar with and follows those portions of the Cooperative Safety Manual that pertain to the position.
8. Other Essential Duties.  Each employee is responsible to perform other duties as required to benefit the Cooperative and its members, includes responding to and/or assisting in emergency situations.

Other Job Duties:

1. Reports any hazards or damage to lines or equipment observed.
2. Cuts or clears right-of-way in accordance with detailed instruction provided by responsible person in charge.

Minimum Training and Experience:

This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of experience in electric utility ground rod/grounding system installation.

This position requires a Florida Class A non-restricted commercial driver's license and a forklift certification be obtained within the first 6 months.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of state and federal Department of Transportation’s rules and regulations.

Knowledge of Department of Transportation’s height and weight permits used to transport heavy and over height and weight loads and equipment.

Knowledge of the Cooperative’s electrical system and the ability to navigate the electrical system using the Cooperative’s mapping system.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and other technology software/tools used in the department.

Ability to operate personal computers, iPad and other company-issued electronic devices used in the field.

Ability to read and comprehend written instructions as well as understand operational and maintenance manuals involving the equipment to be operated.

Ability to maintain equipment maintenance logs and to comprehend and interpret staking sheets, construction drawings, RUS specifications and Cooperative Safety Manual.

This position requires after hours work due to work load and/or outage situations.

The Grounding Technician training curriculum must be completed within the first year of employment.

Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All applicants for employment shall be considered on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, physical or mental handicap or disability, where otherwise qualified, or marital or veteran status.  Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. treats all employees equally without discrimination in rates of pay and other opportunities for advancement.

Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. has a drug-free workplace policy.

Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. participates in E-Verify.  E-Verify electronically compares information entered on the Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9, with records contained in Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) databases.  This helps employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees.

JOB ANALYSIS FORM

for

GROUNDING TECHNICIAN

This form is used to determine the essential function and physical requirements of each

job class for recruitment purposes to comply with the American With Disabilities Act.

Tools, Equipment, Vehicles, or Machinery Used:

Semi-lowboy, forklift, ground rod truck, power tools and hand tools, such as, shovel, axe, bush hook, etc.

Work Conditions:

Communication Requirements:

Physical Requirements of the Job:

Note: - In terms of an 8-hour workday, "Occasionally" equals 1% to 33% of the time, "Frequently" means 34% to 66% of the time, and "Continuously" means 67% to 100% of the time.

Definitions:

1. Simple Grasping- Apply pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
2. Pushing-Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
3. Pulling-Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
4. Fingering-Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling.

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters or must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Some requirements may exclude individuals that cannot be reasonably accommodated or who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.