Electric Utility Line Technician Powhatan VA

Southside Electric Cooperative; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Southside Electric Cooperative seeks motivated Line Technician Apprentices and Journeymen to support overhead and underground distribution, maintenance, and outage restoration. You will learn NESC/NEC concepts, read CAD drawings, and use mapping tools while working toward a four-year apprenticeship.

Expect hands-on training, safety-focused routines, and opportunities to progress from Apprentice I–IV to Journeyman.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must have a current valid Class A Virginia Commercial Driver's License.
• First Aid/CPR/AED Certification.
• VDOT Work Zone Traffic Control Certification.
• Must be able to meet the physical demands of the position.
• Must currently reside within 45 minutes legal driving time to our Northern District Office in Powhatan VA.
• Minimum of five years' work experience in overhead and underground line construction, maintenance, and restoration.
• State issued Line Technician Journeyman Certification.

Responsibilities

• Support overhead distribution, transmission, underground, and communication circuits.
• Isolate and troubleshoot line apparatus as needed.
• Read blueprint (CAD) drawings and navigate the Cooperative's mapping system.
• Perform long hours of manual labor outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Use iPads, Laptops, and other IT equipment as required; communicate clearly with members.

Skills

IT literacy

Outdoor stamina

Clear communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Class A Virginia CDL

First Aid/CPR/AED Certification

VDOT Work Zone Traffic Control Certification

Line Technician Journeyman Certification

Job description

SEC Line Technicians play a vital role in supporting Southside Electric Cooperative's mission to deliver safe, reliable, affordable, and innovative power solutions. Line Technicians ensure the integrity and resiliency of the Cooperative's overhead and underground electric distribution system by performing construction, maintenance, and outage restoration activities. Through a strong commitment to safety, continuous learning, and dependable service-even in adverse conditions, Line Technicians help fulfill the Cooperative's member-focused vision of powering prosperity across Southside Virginia. This role embodies the Cooperative Principles by supporting the community, operating with integrity, and contributing to a trusted power delivery experience.

Cooperative Apprentices and Line Technicians perform in all areas and aspects of utility line work including, but not limited to overhead distribution, transmission, underground, and communication circuits. They will know substation procedures and can isolate and troubleshoot line apparatus as needed. They learn and understand the Cooperative's electrical system and make decisions to maximize the efficiency of operations.

If hired, apprentice level candidates will become familiar with the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) and National Electric Code (NEC) requirements. You will become familiar with and understand the purposes and use of all protective equipment and demonstrate the ability to use such equipment properly. Apprentices will learn and understand Rural Utilities Service (RUS) specifications and acquire the ability to read blueprint (CAD) drawings, as well as the ability to navigate using the Cooperative's mapping system.

Qualified apprentice level applicants are willing to complete the four-year Lineworker Certification Program, which is a combination of eight steps of independent study, eight 32-hour workshops, and on-the-job training. Time allotted for this program is 48 months (4 years) at a step progression of six months per step. Successful completion of all eight steps meets the qualifications for line technician status. A basic knowledge of the Cooperative system's geography is a plus. Applicants who have experience with an electric utility or electric utility contractor or have completed a fundamental power line worker certification program will receive priority consideration.

Competencies:

• Use of iPads, Laptops, other IT equipment including the ability to use various applications as required.
• Ability to perform long hours of manual labor outdoors and in all weather conditions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with members.

Basic Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must have a current valid Class A Virginia Commercial Driver's License.
• First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
• VDOT Work Zone Traffic Control Certification
• Must be able to meet the physical demands of the position.
• Must currently reside within 45 minutes legal driving time to our Northern District Office in Powhatan VA

Additional Journeyman Requirements:

• Minimum of five years' work experience in overhead and underground line construction, maintenance, and restoration.
• State issued Line Technician Journeyman Certification.

Pay Range

Apprentice Line Technician I - IV $21.84 - $45.76

Journeyman Line Technician - $40.95 - $59.91

Starting pay will be based upon experience and/or recorded hours in a qualified apprentice program.