Distribution Line Instructor

Northwest Iowa Community College; Fairmont (WV); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstEnergy is seeking a Lineworker Training Instructor to deliver hands-on and classroom instruction to apprentices and journey-level lineworkers. The role focuses on developing technical skills, safety awareness, and professional standards within the electric utility industry.

The position requires extensive field experience or prior training experience, strong communication, and the ability to mentor adult learners.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional technical training or certifications preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of electrical transmission and distribution systems, construction standards, and safe work practices.
• Demonstrated ability to climb poles, operate bucket trucks, and work at heights in various weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Deliver training programs that support FirstEnergy’s field operations, including construction, maintenance, troubleshooting, work methods, and safety procedures.
• Deliver instruction on industry safety practices, regulatory requirements (OSHA, NESC, etc.), and company policies.
• Demonstrate and supervise proper use of tools, equipment, climbing techniques, and rigging procedures in both simulated and live environments.
• Evaluate trainee progress through practical assessments, written tests, and field observations; 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 serve as a role model for professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with management and other instructors to schedule training sessions and support organizational goals.
• Conduct classroom and hands-on instruction related to electrical theory, system operations, equipment use, hazard recognition, and safe work practices.
• Provide mentoring, coaching, and individualized feedback to support employee growth and success.
• Stay informed on new 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 other instructors and operational leaders to ensure consistency and quality across training programs.
• Facilitate field based training, including climbing, tool use, equipment operation, and distribution system construction activities.
• Evaluate trainee performance through written assessments, practical skill demonstrations, and field observation.

Skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Safety awareness

Adult education/training

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Instructional training / adult education certification

Tools

PowerPoint

Microsoft Office

Job description

FirstEnergy at a Glance

We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,500 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of 3,780 megawatts.

About the Opportunity

This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Co., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. [SC00

Position Overview

The Lineworker Training Instructor is responsible for delivering high-quality, hands-on and classroom-based instruction to apprentices, journey level lineworker and other utility personnel. This role ensures that trainees develop technical skills, safety awareness, and professional standards required for success in the electric utility industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver training programs that support FirstEnergy’s field operations, including construction, maintenance, troubleshooting, work methods, and safety procedures
• Deliver instruction on industry safety practices, regulatory requirements (OSHA, NESC, etc.), and company policies.
• Demonstrate and supervise proper use of tools, equipment, climbing techniques, and rigging procedures in both simulated and live environments.
• Evaluate trainee progress through practical assessments, written tests, and field observations; 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 serve as a role model for professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with management and other instructors to schedule training sessions and support organizational goals.
• Conduct classroom and hands-on instruction related to electrical theory, system operations, equipment use, hazard recognition, and safe work practices.
• Provide mentoring, coaching, and individualized feedback to support employee growth and success.
• Stay informed on new 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 other instructors and operational leaders to ensure consistency and quality across training programs.
• Facilitate field based training, including climbing, tool use, equipment operation, and distribution system construction activities.
• Evaluate trainee performance through written assessments, practical skill demonstrations, and field observation.

Qualifications

• 8-12 years of journey level technical/field experience, or experience training lineworkers.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional technical training or certifications preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of electrical transmission and distribution systems, construction standards, and safe work practices.
• Demonstrated ability to climb poles, operate bucket trucks, and work at heights in various weather conditions.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to engage and motivate adult learners.
• Basic proficiency with computers and training software (e.g., PowerPoint, Microsoft Office Products,) is desirable.
• Physical ability to demonstrate field skills such as climbing, rigging, and equipment operation.
• Valid Class A CDL preferred.
• 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.
• Instructional training, adult education certification, or similar qualifications are a plus.
• Experience training, coaching, mentoring, or leading field crews are preferred.
• Job performed with occasional general supervision.

Working Conditions

Combination of classrooms, training yard, and field environments.
Frequent standing, walking, climbing, and exposure to outdoor conditions.
May require occasional travel to remote sites or company locations. Travel up to 25% of the time.

Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity

At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all of our employee rewards programs.

FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract.

Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas at this time.

Safety

Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.

FirstEnergy Human Resources Team