Lineworker, Construction (Systemwide, La Crosse Service Center)

Dairyland Power Cooperative • La Crosse, WI

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lineworker, Construction is responsible for performing and overseeing the safe construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of the transmission system, including transmission lines and substations. Work must comply with company standards, industry regulations, and established safety practices. The position may be filled at the Journey, Lineworker or Indentured Apprentice Lineworker level.

This role involves outdoor work in all seasons and weather conditions throughout a four-state service area. It includes extensive overnight travel, off-duty availability, and work during evenings, weekends, and holidays to support construction, maintenance, and emergency restoration. Occasional work on energized lines may be required and must follow the National Electrical Safety Code and company-approved safety practices. The listed union hourly wage range is $37.91–$52.50. Applicants must be 20.5 years old by the time of hire.

Requirements

• Must be 20.5 years of age by the time of hire.
• High school diploma or GED.
• For Journey, Lineworker: completion of a state-approved lineworker apprenticeship or an accredited post-secondary lineworker training program, plus a minimum of two years of documented line construction experience.
• For Indentured Apprentice Lineworker: successful completion of an accredited post-secondary lineworker training program from a recognized institution.
• Proficiency in line construction, documentation, recordkeeping, and computer-based work management.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain line construction and support equipment, including derricks, bulldozers, dump trucks, pickup trucks, hoists, bucket trucks, chainsaws, skid steers, backhoes, wide trailers, tensioning equipment, and pressure diggers.
• Proficiency in pole and steel structure climbing, pole setting, wire stringing, specialized rigging, steel erection, and foundation installations.
• Thorough understanding of electrical theory and distribution and transmission principles.
• Knowledge of electrical hazards and consistent adherence to safety procedures to prevent contact with energized lines and other hazards.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, schematics, and technical documentation related to linework.
• Valid driver's license.
• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) at the time of hire and compliance with applicable federal and state regulations for interstate commercial vehicle operation, including DOT requirements.
• Must comply with DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements, including participation in random testing.
• Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work, including frequently lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifting up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to assist in emergency rescue of personnel at pole tops, shovel dirt with hand tools, and frequently climb poles or work from a hydraulic bucket at heights of 100 feet or more.
• Ability to perform work in physically awkward or constrained positions and to stand, walk, kneel, bend, crouch, crawl, twist, climb hand-over-hand, and safely manipulate tools and objects.
• Ability to safely operate motor vehicles and hydraulic equipment.
• Effective verbal communication with the Supervisor, Foreperson, and crew members; ability to hear, listen attentively, and use near and far vision.
• Ability to work around noisy equipment, visually inspect work and connections, and work on uneven terrain near vehicular traffic.

Nice To Haves

• Four years of documented line construction experience for the Journey, Lineworker position.

Responsibilities

• Safely construct, operate, and maintain transmission lines and distribution circuits in accordance with industry standards and company specifications.
• Maintain professional relationships with other utilities, contractors, and property owners.
• Collaborate with the Foreperson and crew members on line construction activities.
• Serve as lead worker on assigned projects and guide crew members as needed.
• Inspect, maintain, and ensure proper operation of vehicles, tools, and equipment; operate assigned equipment safely and efficiently.
• Demonstrate knowledge of safe construction-equipment operation and provide guidance to others under the direction of the Supervisor or Foreperson.
• Follow safety rules, company policies, procedures, protocols, and work procedures.
• Assist the Safety Department through the Supervisor by adhering to safety protocols, company policies, and work procedures.
• Perform other duties historically associated with the classification, as well as related or comparable duties, as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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