I spent 30 years as a lineman for Pacific Telephone/Pacific Bell. That gig included a lot of different tasks and I learned a lot.
My health went in the toilet so I retired in '94.
I got better and returned to the work force and in '99 I was asked to return as a contractor providing training mostly and some inspection work. I worked 'til late '01 and was layed off. I got called back in Sept '05, which leads me to what I do now:
I am involved in utility pole replacement
representing SBC Communications. The owner of the pole (usually the local power co.) will replace the pole for many reasons mostly due to old age/decay
I insure that everything involved in the process is in the best interest of SBC (now ATT). I do this by acquiring the paperwork, going to the pole and comparing what's written to what's actual and changing or approving what's proposed.
Also I write up a plan of action for ATT as to
what they need to do to get the replacement complete, maintain service quality and comply with laws and regs. Sometimes there will be just a simple transfer of the equipment that's on the pole..Sometimes new stuff or different stuff is needed. The old pole must be removed of course. Each pole has the pole tag numbers verified (where possible) and every pole is given a GPS coordinate for ease of location by the construction crews, especially important in rural areas with few cross streets for reference.
My area is quite large and covers 2 counties, Ventura and Los Angeles.
I cover Palmdale to the north, Ventura/Ojai to the north west and the San Fernando Valley and even Agoura and Calabasas.
A typical day would have me in Palmdale in the morning and Piru and Fillmore later that day. The next day may find me in Ventura and then Ojai and surrounding area. 200 plus miles per day is not uncommon.
9/15/06 My inspector gig slowed so now I am teaching pole climbing and more....
Real retirement :mcrider: will commence when this gig poops out.
