Line Technician Apprentice - 1st Year

Supervision Types

Direct Supervision: Observing an employee closely enough at working level to provide immediate feedback in case the employee is about to perform an unsafe act (work practice). The purpose of this close supervision is to ensure that proper safety rules, operating procedures, and electrical safety‑related work practices are being followed.

General Supervision: A Line Technician – Journeyman observing an employee from the immediate area of the structure providing the necessary instruction and direction for the tasks being performed.

General Purpose of Work

A Line Technician Apprentice – 1st Step may, under Direct Supervision (first six months) or General Supervision (second six months) of a Line Technician – Journeyman, climb poles and work on low‑voltage equipment energized to not more than 300 volts, provided they do not come within close proximity of lines and equipment energized above 300 volts. Any work done on high‑voltage equipment will be performed in a de‑energized and grounded zone.

General Duties

• Dig pole and anchor holes, assist in pole setting, and ground‑assemble material into larger units for line work.
• Hoist and lower material and tools for linemen by means of a handline.
• Drive ground rods and attach ground wires.
• Climb poles and work on low‑voltage equipment; mount crossarms and related equipment.
• Assist in substation and transformer vault construction, operation, and maintenance of low‑voltage equipment.
• Assist on emergency calls.
• Rod ducts, pull cable, clean and inspect manholes and transformer vaults, and assist in cable splicing work.
• Operate company vehicles.
• Use manually and electrically‑operated hand tools; air compressors; air tools; and electric, hydraulic, and associated equipment on vehicles.
• Perform other incidental and related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• At least three months’ experience as a Laborer or equivalent experience at MGE, or graduation from an accredited Electric Power Distribution program with demonstrated proficiency.
• Demonstrated satisfactory aptitude and learning ability for electric distribution system construction, operation, and maintenance.
• Obtain a Wisconsin CDL, Class A, within the first six months and maintain it.
• Stamina to work outdoors under extreme weather conditions.
• Temperament and personality that enable effective work as a member of a crew or work team.
• Reasonable availability for overtime and emergency work assignments.

Knowledge and Skills to be Acquired

• Knowledge of the name, purpose, and truck storage locations of stock material and tools, and how to assemble material into larger units.
• Increased proficiency in climbing poles and proper care of climbing equipment.
• Understanding of the function and component parts of electric distribution equipment and apparatus.
• Ability to attach slings and rigging to equipment.
• Familiarity with standard hand signals and signs used in the department.
• Practice of all safety rules applicable to this classification, including use of special protective equipment.
• Completion of all State requirements for Line Technician Apprentice – 1st Step, including classroom instruction, testing, and on‑the‑job training (per the MGE Line Technician Apprenticeship Handbook).

Additional Information

• This position is subject to drug testing according to Federal Department of Transportation regulations.
• Pre‑employment will require satisfactory completion of a background check and drug screen.
• We are an AA/EOE employer and consider all qualified candidates without regard to protected status.