First Class Lineworker - Apprentice

City of Rochester•Rochester MN 55906, MN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Rochester invites applications for a First Class Lineworker - Apprentice position with Rochester Public Utilities (RPU). RPU is the largest municipal utility in Minnesota, serving over 57,000 electric and 42,000 water customers. The City of Rochester is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, striving to create a community where all members feel a sense of belonging and are equitably served. This position is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and repair of overhead and underground electric distribution and transmission facilities, operating under the direction of a lead worker. Duties include setting poles, installing conductors, splicing cable, operating switching devices, locating and repairing faults, and maintaining underground equipment. Individuals may also be assigned to locate RPU's underground electric utility lines and equipment. The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. The starting wage is $43.42 per hour, with advancement to $54.28 in four years, based on the 2025 collective bargaining agreement. Applications close on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM. The City of Rochester will not sponsor or transfer visas for this position. Applicants invited to interview will complete a climbing exercise and a written skills assessment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Completion of an accredited line worker training program
Valid Minnesota Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
Willingness to accept overtime assignments, standby duty, and to work in inclement weather.
Ability to meet medical qualifications for the use of a respirator and be able to work in confined spaces.
Must be willing to accept overtime assignments, standby duty, and to work in inclement weather.

Nice To Haves

Construction experience, preferably with an electric or telecommunications utility or contractor
Experience operating equipment, such as loader, skid steer, backhoe, tractor, aerial lift, telehandler, and/or trenching equipment.

Responsibilities

Perform construction and maintenance of electric lines and equipment.
Perform overhead electrical distribution system construction and maintenance work, including installation, operation, maintenance, and dismantling of equipment, poles, towers, and other supporting structures; cross-arms, braces, pins, insulators, secondary racks, brackets, guys, wires, and other conductors; single-phase and poly-phase transformers, meters, switches, fuses, cutouts, lighting arrestors, terminators, instrument transformers, voltage regulators, and other related electric equipment.
Perform underground electrical distribution system construction and maintenance work including, but not limited to installing, operation, maintenance, and dismantling of underground conduit, cable pulling, pad-mounted single-phase and poly-phase transformers, secondary pedestals, cable terminations, switches and other devices.
Perform substation construction, including structures and equipment as directed.
Respond to trouble and emergency calls.
Perform necessary repairs or maintenance.
Respond to after-hours callouts.
Diagnose electrical faults.
Complete required labor and equipment records.
Operate all vehicles and related equipment used in both overhead and underground construction and maintenance activities including trucks, trenchers, backhoes, hydro-vac, stringing equipment, and wood chippers.
Perform tree trimming and removal.
Install and remove electric meters and related service connections.
Observe and inspect the operating condition of the electric transmission and distribution system and report to the crew Lead Lineworker or Electric Construction Supervisor any structures or equipment requiring maintenance, repair, or other special attention.
Assist the lead worker or supervisor in all work as directed.
Perform field operation of distribution equipment.
Request outages and proofread switching procedures for the safe isolation of equipment.
Perform switching duties as directed by the crew Lead Line Worker or the System Operations department or as needed for critical situations.
Perform or assist others in testing, inspecting, constructing or maintaining electrical lines and equipment.
Assist Electric Construction Supervisor(s) to coordinate work with other sections regarding electric lines and equipment.
Recommend revisions and updates to record drawings or GIS.
Recommend changes to safety programs and procedures to ensure safety of personnel.
Perform locating of underground electric utility lines and equipment.
Locate underground electric facilities using specialized locating equipment.
Based on Gopher State One Call, City and RPU criteria, mark the location of electric facilities to within an accuracy of two feet.
Investigate damages to underground facilities and report findings.
Maintain familiarity with RPU's circuit maps, service rules, National Electric Safety Code and applicable OSHA requirements.
Keep test equipment, vehicles and tools clean and in good working condition.
Ensure that proper procedures and computerized record keeping are followed for all location requests.
Comply with appropriate safety rules and traffic regulations in performing work.
Meet specific time schedules for site meetings, represent RPU's interests in the field and provide a congenial interface with field contacts.
Work contractors' construction hours.
Properly operate, inspect, and maintain assigned vehicles, tools, and equipment.
Promptly report damage or loss and prevent use of defective equipment.
Complete required labor and equipment records as required for all assigned tasks.
Read and interpret electrical drawings, maps, and technical manuals.
Regularly use computers and mobile electronic devices for work communications.
Prepare written requisitions for stores materials.
Contribute to the on-the-job training of apprentices and report the work experience and specific training for which written documentation is required.
Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.