Distribution Instructor IV / V - Energy Delivery Operations Skills Training

FirstEnergy•Phillipsburg, NJ

About The Position

The Distribution Instructor IV/V delivers hands-on and classroom instruction to apprentices, journey-level lineworkers, and other utility personnel. The role develops trainees’ technical skills, safety awareness, and professional standards for work in the electric utility industry. Instruction covers electrical theory, system operations, equipment use, hazard recognition, safe work practices, distribution system construction, maintenance, troubleshooting, work methods, and safety procedures. The instructor demonstrates and supervises tools, equipment, climbing techniques, and rigging in simulated and live environments; evaluates trainees through written and practical assessments and field observations; and provides coaching and individualized feedback. The role also maintains training records, develops lesson plans, updates curriculum, coordinates training schedules, collaborates with instructors and operational leaders, contributes to safety and workforce-development initiatives, and may participate in storm restoration efforts. Work is performed with occasional general supervision at Instructor IV level and limited general supervision at Instructor V level. The working environment includes classrooms, a training yard, and field settings, with frequent standing, walking, climbing, and outdoor exposure. Occasional travel to remote sites or company locations may be required, up to 25% of the time.

Requirements

Distribution Instructor IV: 8–12 years of journey-level technical/field experience or experience training lineworkers.
Distribution Instructor V: 12 or more years of journey-level technical/field experience or experience training lineworkers, in addition to the Instructor IV requirements.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Comprehensive knowledge of electrical transmission and distribution systems, construction standards, and safe work practices.
Ability to climb poles, operate bucket trucks, and work at heights in varying weather conditions.
Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage and motivate adult learners.
Physical ability to demonstrate field skills such as climbing, rigging, and equipment operation.
Strong working knowledge of FirstEnergy work methods, equipment, safety standards, and distribution system design.
Thorough knowledge of OSHA requirements, NESC standards, and utility safety practices.

Nice To Haves

Additional technical training or certifications.
Basic proficiency with computers and training software, such as PowerPoint and Microsoft Office products.
Valid Class A CDL.
Instructional training, adult-education certification, or similar qualifications.
Experience training, coaching, mentoring, or leading field crews.

Responsibilities

Deliver training programs supporting field operations, including construction, maintenance, troubleshooting, work methods, and safety procedures.
Teach industry safety practices, regulatory requirements such as OSHA and NESC, and company policies.
Demonstrate and supervise proper use of tools and equipment, climbing techniques, and rigging procedures in simulated and live environments.
Evaluate trainee progress through practical assessments, written tests, field observations, and skill demonstrations; provide constructive feedback and guidance.
Maintain accurate training records, develop lesson plans, and update curriculum as industry standards and technologies evolve.
Promote a safety-first culture and model professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Coordinate training sessions with management and other instructors and support organizational goals.
Conduct classroom and hands-on instruction in electrical theory, system operations, equipment use, hazard recognition, and safe work practices.
Mentor, coach, and provide individualized feedback to support employee growth and success.
Stay informed about tools, equipment, technologies, and work methods used across FirstEnergy’s service territory.
Participate in safety initiatives, field observations, and workforce-development projects as needed.
Participate in storm restoration efforts as needed.
Collaborate with instructors and operational leaders to maintain consistency and quality across training programs.
Facilitate field-based training, including climbing, tool use, equipment operation, and distribution system construction activities.