Position Summary
The Operations Intern will support multiple departments within Craighead Electric Cooperative, with a primary focus on field construction operations. Under direct supervision, the intern will assist crews and staff in performing entry-level tasks related to the construction, maintenance, and operation of the electric distribution system, while gaining hands-on experience in utility operations, safety practices, and workforce expectations. This is a 10-week paid summer internship. Applicants must be actively enrolled in a college, technical school, or continuing education program to apply.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Construction Department
Assist line crews with material handling, job site preparation, and general support of daily construction activities.
Support the installation, maintenance, and retirement of overhead and underground distribution facilities under direct supervision.
Assist with pole framing, setting, and hardware installation in accordance with established standards and safety procedures.
Observe and follow all safety rules, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools.
Maintain a clean and organized worksite and assist with inventory and material tracking.
Facilities Department
Assist with general upkeep of facilities, including grounds maintenance (mowing, trimming, basic landscaping).
Support basic building maintenance tasks and ensure office areas remain clean, safe, and presentable.
Fleet Department
Perform routine preventative maintenance on fleet vehicles and equipment under supervision, including oil changes, tire rotations, and air filter replacement.
Assist with inspecting vehicles and equipment to ensure proper operation and identify basic maintenance needs.
Clean and maintain fleet vehicles, including vacuuming interiors and removing trash and debris.
Support the organization, cleanliness, and overall upkeep of the shop and work areas.
Properly use and maintain tools and equipment in accordance with safety and operational guidelines.
Other Related Duties
Demonstrate a willingness to learn and actively participate in assigned tasks.
Follow all company policies, procedures, and safety standards.
Will properly use and keep in good condition all tools and equipment.
Perform all other duties as assigned or directed.
Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent.
Actively enrolled in college, technical school, or continuing education program.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Basic understanding or willingness to learn the electric utility industry
Skill and proficiency in the use of computers, copiers, calculators, and Microsoft Office Platforms.
Skill in verbal and written communication.
Skill in time management, organization, and attention to detail.
Ability to follow instructions and apply basic problem-solving skills
Ability to prioritize the completion of multiple, time-sensitive tasks, and meet deadlines.
Ability to treat confidential information with sensitivity.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to exhibit a professional and courteous demeanor.
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and team members
Ability to understand, interpret, and observe Craighead Electric policies, procedures, programs, and safety rules and regulations to effectively carry out job duties.
Special Requirements
- Must have a valid Driver's License.
Working Conditions and Mental or Physical Requirements
The following characteristics described are representative of those an intern encounters while performing essential functions of this job. The intern is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions, risk of electrical shock; occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts, work in high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals. Work is performed outside and in all types of weather. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. The intern is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk or hear; and frequently required to climb or balance. The intern must occasionally lift and/or move more than 75 pounds; frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; continuously lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; distance vision; color vision; and depth perception.
Job Description Acknowledgement
Must be able to perform the essential elements of Operations Intern competently. Must possess personal characteristics that will make intern a productive work team member, including high integrity, good personal habits, and regular attendance at work. Should be friendly and able to meet people easily and adjust to different personalities. Should be able to gain and maintain respect of others, both inside and outside of the organization. Must be reliable and dependable and to help create, foster, and maintain a good work environment with all co-workers.
This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an intern will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Management reserves the right to change position descriptions, job duties, or working schedules based on their duty to accommodate individuals with disabilities.