Apprentice Lineman - Delta

Delta Montrose Electric Association • Delta, CO

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Apprentice Lineman assists with construction, maintenance, and repair of overhead and underground electrical distribution and transmission systems. This role is part of a formal apprenticeship program leading to Journeyman certification. Apprentices develop the knowledge and skills required to progress through program levels through on-the-job training and coursework directed by the Joint Apprenticeship Committee. Program performance is evaluated by the committee to ensure satisfactory and timely progress.

The position involves frequent daytime travel and on-call response throughout the cooperative’s service territory for construction inspections, installation services, and outage restoration. The Apprentice Lineman may respond to emergencies and storms, including extended work in adverse conditions. The position is unionized, and the employee must join the applicable union upon hire. It requires living within a 30-minute radius of the cooperative’s service area and working non-standard hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts when required.

DMEA serves approximately 37,000 meters and 30,000 members in Southwest Colorado, primarily in Montrose and Delta counties, as well as a small portion of Gunnison County. The position is full-time, non-exempt, and pays $44.96 per hour.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Actively enrolled in or a recent graduate of an accredited Electric Line Worker program.
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn safe and effective linework practices.
• Ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, and in all types of weather conditions.
• Physical ability to perform linework duties, including climbing poles, lifting heavy materials, and working in varying weather conditions.
• Must reside within a 30-minute radius of the cooperative’s service area.
• Must be willing to join the applicable union upon hire.
• Must possess valid First Aid and CPR certification or be able to obtain it within six months of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class A CDL or be able to obtain it within six months of hire.
• Ability to frequently climb poles or ladders and maintain balance on rough or uneven terrain.
• Ability to frequently lift and carry 50 pounds, occasionally lift 100 pounds, and push or pull approximately 150 pounds.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call when required.
• Ability to communicate by two-way radio and phone and hear radio transmissions, faint arcing sounds, or transformer humming.
• Adequate vision, depth perception, and color vision for driving, patrolling, and constructing lines.

Responsibilities

• Receive on-the-job training from Journeyman Linemen, Line Foremen, and other line crew personnel to learn the essential functions of a Journeyman Lineman.
• Complete training required by the Joint Apprenticeship Committee and progress through the apprenticeship program.
• Respond to emergency outages and storm restoration, often working extended hours in adverse conditions.
• Assist with restoration efforts, including trimming trees around transmission and distribution lines.
• Assist with fiber installation and maintenance.
• Re-fuse distribution lines and transformers and assist with installing transformers, meters, and other electrical equipment.
• Communicate with members and team members about work progress, outages, and service concerns.
• Climb poles and work at heights using approved safety gear and fall-protection equipment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage through NRECA’s UHC Choice Plus network.
• 10% base company contribution to the retirement plan, plus a 4.5% match when the employee contributes.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Short-term and long-term disability plans.
• Discounted membership to Montrose Recreation Center or Bill Heddles Recreation Center.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential mental, emotional, and financial well-being resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED