LINEWORKER, CONSTRUCTION (Systemwide, La Crosse Service Center)

Union Hourly Wage Range: $37.91 - $52.50 | Must be 20.5 years of age by the time of hire

The Lineworker, Construction is responsible to perform and oversee the safe construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of the transmission system, including transmission lines and substations. Ensure work is completed in accordance with company standards, industry regulations, and established safety practices.

The Impact You'll Make In This Role:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The following list demonstrates the level of duties normally performed by this classification and developing a related wage rate.  The list is not all encompassing.

1.    Safely construct, operate and maintain transmission lines and distribution circuits ensuring work meets industry standards and company specifications.

2.    Maintain professional relationships with other utilities, contractors, and property owners.

3.    Collaborate with the Foreperson and all other crew members on any and all line construction activities.

4.    Serve as lead worker on assigned projects, providing guidance to crew members as needed.

5.    Inspect, maintenance and ensure proper operation of vehicles, tools, and equipment and operate assigned equipment safely and efficiently.

6.    Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the safe operation of all construction equipment and provide guidance to others under the direction of the Supervisor or Foreperson.

7.    Responsible for being familiar with and following all safety rules and company policies and procedures.

8.    Assist the Safety Department, through Supervisor, by adhering to safety protocols, company policies, and work procedures.

9.    Other duties historically performed by this classification, as well as related or comparable duties, as assigned. 

Your Experience and Expertise:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

[Journey, Lineworker] Education & Experience: A high school diploma or GED is required. Candidates must have completed a state-approved lineworker apprenticeship or an accredited post-secondary lineworker training program and have a minimum of two years of documented line construction experience (four years preferred).

[Indentured Apprentice Lineworker] Education & Experience: A high school diploma or GED is required. Candidates must have successfully completed an accredited lineworker training program (post-secondary) from a recognized institution.

Special Training/Skills:

• Proficient in line construction, documentation, recordkeeping, and computer-based work management.
• 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.
• Proficient in pole and steel structure climbing, pole setting, wire stringing, specialized rigging, steel erection, and foundation installations.
• Thorough understanding of electrical theory and distribution/transmission principles.
• Knowledge of electrical hazards and consistently follow safety procedures to prevent contact with energized lines or other hazards.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, schematics, and technical documentation related to linework.

Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid driver’s license is required. Candidates must possess a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) at the time of hire and must meet all applicable federal and state regulations for interstate commercial vehicle operation, including Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements.

This position is subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing requirements, including participation in a random testing program.

Physical Demands: Work is performed outdoors and requires significant physical endurance, often in inclement weather conditions. Frequently lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift items weighing up to 100 pounds. May be required to assist in emergency rescue of personnel at pole tops. Perform tasks such as shoveling dirt with hand tools. Frequently climb poles or work from a hydraulic bucket at heights of 100 feet or more for the installation or removal of lines, often in physically awkward or constrained positions.

The position requires the ability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, crouch, crawl, twist, climb hand-over-hand, and manipulate a variety of objects and tools safely. Must be able to operate a variety of motor vehicles and hydraulic equipment safely.

Effective verbal communication with the Supervisor, Foreperson, and crewmembers is required, as well as the ability to hear, listen attentively, and utilize near and far vision. Work is often performed around noisy equipment, requiring vigilance and attention to detail. Must be able to visually inspect work to ensure safe connections. Work may occur on uneven terrain in fields and along roads, often in proximity to vehicular traffic.

Environmental Demands:  Outdoor work in all seasons and weather conditions in four-state service area.
 

Other Job Characteristics: This position may require occasional work on energized lines, which must be handled in strict accordance with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and company-approved safety practices to prevent electrical hazards. The role involves extensive overnight travel throughout the service territory and requires off-duty availability. Work may also occur during evenings, weekends, and holidays to support line construction, maintenance, and emergency restoration activities.