Early Years
I started in this trade as an apprentice at 30 years old for NEAT in 2012. Having come from a residential electric and maintenance background, this seemed like the logical next step.
Day in the Life
As a journeyman lineman, I’ve mostly worked on overhead distribution unit crews doing backyard/rear property work, pole sets, change-overs and reconductoring. Currently, I’m working in Queens, New York, which is a different change of pace and presents its own challenges. Even the simplest tasks are harder, such as just getting to the job site, getting vehicles moved, getting the general public to respect and adhere to a safe work zone and dealing with the existing conditions of the poles and structures. One day, I’d like to get into helicopter work. The thought of hanging beneath the helicopter, being flown around to towers and doing live-line work seems like a challenge that’s both fun and rewarding.
Challenges in Line Work
In my job, there’s always a puzzle to solve. Some tasks seem impossible at first, but you must mentally see the job completed and then work it backwards to get that result. In the end, if we can’t get it done, there’s no one coming after us who will. Meshing personalitieis and different levels of skill of those around you as well as the concerns of others can also present challenges.
Tools and Technology
My two impact guns are a lifesaver. Oddly, I use a grinder a lot more now than I ever would have imagined. Common sense and patience are the real best tools though.
Safety Lesson
Sometimes safety is in the hands and actions of those around you. It’s a team effort to bring everyone home safely. Nobody should underestimate their own importance in that role.
Memorable Storm
One night, I got called out to respond to an outage. Huge winds knocked down a 55-ft, three-phase, double-circuit pole along the railroad. One set was a dead end, and the other was a straight-through. After clearance and grounds, my pole buddy, Justin Marbot, and I had to climb it. We were on that pole for eight hours in the pitch black. It was one of those things you hate while you’re doing it, but you look back and laugh and tell stories about it.
Future Plans
You can really shape where it’s going by how you interact with the apprentices and coworkers. Each one of us controls where this ship is sailing, so put your best foot forward. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat if I could, but I’d probably start earlier. This is the best trade in the world with some of the best people in the world.
