Ground Worker/Apprentice Trainee - Apprentice 4

Nueces Electric Cooperative; Robstown (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Nueces Electric Cooperative in Robstown, TX is seeking a Ground Worker/Apprentice Trainee through Apprentice 4 to join our Operations team. The role advances through a 4-year apprentice program and supports lineman tasks under supervision.

Ideal candidates are ready to work outdoors, value safety, and are committed to growing with NEC. A comprehensive benefits package accompanies this full-time non-exempt position.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent; Lineman College Certification preferred.
• Licensing: Valid Commercial Class A Driver's License (CDL).
• Experience: outdoor work in extreme weather; line field work; bucket trucks experience.
• Technical: knowledge of electrical circuitry, lines, and equipment; math skills.
• Technology: ability to use web-based systems and standard software for reporting.

Responsibilities

• Support construction and maintenance tasks for electrical distribution operations.
• Assist Journey Line Workers by framing poles and loading equipment.
• Stock materials on trucks; ensure vehicles are fueled, organized, and clean.
• Prepare tools and equipment for job sites and complete required paperwork.
• Maintain safety culture by following policies and procedures.

Skills

Outdoor work

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Math concepts

Report writing

Group communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Lineman College Certification (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Web-based systems

Email communication

Job description

Join Our Team at Nueces Electric Cooperative!

At Nueces Electric Cooperative, we take pride in fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and excited to grow. We're more than just a utility - we're a team driven by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to serving our community.

NEC is seeking Ground Worker/Apprentice Trainee through Apprentice 4 candidates to join our Operations team. Whether you are ready to begin your career in the electric utility industry or are an experienced apprentice looking to continue advancing in the trade, we are looking for dedicated team members.

If you enjoy working outdoors, are committed to safety, eager to learn and grow, and take pride in serving your community, we would like to hear from you.

At NEC, we believe in taking care of our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical coverage, retirement plans, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, and life insurance. If you're looking for a fulfilling career with a company that values its employees and the communities we serve,

Job Details

• Employment Type: Full-time
• Classification: Non-exempt
• Reports to: Crew Lead Journey Line Worker
• Industry: Electric Utility

Primary Responsibilities

This position will perform the preparatory work and tasks supporting lineman following safe working procedures, rules and regulations and will work under the supervision of a skilled worker while performing the work of the trade. This position will advance through the Apprentice Lineman Program (4-year program) governed and certified by the U.S. Department of Labor. Must also meet the employment minimum requirements and complete probationary period. Level of placement may depend on the candidate's certifications, experience, and documented on the job (OJT) documents.

Essential Job Functions

• Perform construction and maintenance tasks to support electrical distribution operations.
• Carry out manual labor duties, including loading materials, digging ditches, hydraulic tamping, cutting brush, climbing poles, and moving equipment.
• Assist Journey Line Workers by framing poles, loading poles and transformers onto trucks and trailers.
• Stock materials on trucks and ensure that vehicles are fueled, organized, and clean.
• Prepare tools and equipment for Journey Line Workers at job sites and perform assigned tasks efficiently.
• Complete and process necessary forms and paperwork as required.
• Maintain and promote a strong safety culture by strictly adhering to all safety policies, rules, and procedures.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. Lineman College Certification of course completion preferred.
• Licensing: Valid Commercial Class "A" Driver's License.
• Work Experience: Previous experience working outdoors in extreme weather conditions. Up to six months (or more) of experience in line field work. Experience driving bucket trucks and knowledge of material and equipment handling.
• Technical Skills:
  • Experience working with electrical circuitry, lines, and equipment.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency in mathematical concepts, including geometry, trigonometry, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.
• Technology Proficiency:
  • Ability to use web-based performance and time management systems.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and internet-based applications.
  • Ability to write reports and communicate effectively through email and other documentation.
• Communication Skills:
  • Capable of writing routine reports and professional correspondence.
  • Ability to speak effectively to groups, including customers, employees, or organizations.
• Availability & Residency:
  • Must be able to work nights, weekends, holidays, and irregular hours as needed.
  • Must reside within 30 minutes of the assigned base of operations.

Required Licenses

• Lineman College Certification
• Class A CDL
• CPR, First Aid Certification, Confined Space, Pole climbing certifications
• Please note: Due to the high volume of applications, we cannot provide status updates by phone. Rest assured that all candidates will be contacted via email if selected for next steps.

Nueces Electric Cooperative (NEC) is more than a non-profit, customer-owned, at-cost electric utility. Founded in 1938, NEC serves over 19,000 electric meters across eight South Texas counties near the beautiful Texas Gulf Coast. NEC is a pioneering cooperative in the industry, becoming the first electric cooperative to voluntarily deregulate in 2005. Today, NEC Retail serves over 32,000 consumers across Texas, offering competitive electric service.

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