Groundworker, Apprentice Lineworker, or Lineworker (Non-Certified) - (DOQ)
Brownsville Public Utilities Board
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Job summary
Brownsville Public Utilities Board is hiring Groundworker, Apprentice Lineworker, or Lineworker (Non-Certified) (DOQ) in Brownsville, TX. The role supports construction, maintenance, and repair of electric transmission and distribution systems, with flexible shifts including nights and weekends.
The position offers progression from Groundworker to Apprentice Lineworker to Lineworker (Non-Certified) with required safety training, licensed driver prerequisites, and program enrollment as part of
Qualifications
- Groundworker requires HS diploma or GED and 2 years in electric utility ops.
- Apprentice Lineworker requires HS diploma or GED and 2 years in utility construction; Electrical Lineworker Cert may substitute.
- Lineworker (Non-Certified) requires HS diploma and 4 years in electric transmission and distribution maintenance/construction.
Responsibilities
- Assists in construction, maintenance, and repair of transmission and distribution system.
- Aids crew in poles placement and wire pulling.
- Loads/unloads materials and equipment; responds to trouble calls and restores power.
- Operates power and hydraulic tools; monitors vehicle stock.
- Drives bucket trucks, digger derrick, backhoe, trenchers as needed.
Skills
Education
Job description
Position Title Groundworker, Apprentice Lineworker, or Lineworker (Non-Certified) - (DOQ)
Position Number
Position Number 256008
FLSA Status
FLSA Status Non-Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Salary $22.21 - $33.59 Hourly (Depending on Qualifications)
Under general supervision, performs semi-skilled work in the construction, maintenance and repair of electrical transmission and distribution systems. Frist review of applications will be on September 7, 2026.
- Assists in the performance of tasks in the construction, maintenance, and repair of an electrical transmission and distribution system in accordance with standard trade practices.
- Assists the more experienced members of a line crew in the performance of their duties.
- Follows an established routine in detail for each job or work task.
- Aids crewmembers in placing poles and pulling wires.
- Loads and unloads materials and equipment.
- Responds to trouble calls and restores power promptly.
- Installs power pole hardware & equipment (transformers, switches, fuses, insulators, etc.) with minimal supervision.
- Operates various power and hydraulic tools (drills, crimpers, chainsaws, etc.) and wire tension equipment.
- Checks truck equipment for proper operation; monitors and replenishes vehicle stock.
- Drives and operates vehicles as needed (bucket trucks, digger derrick, backhoe, trenchers, boring equipment, etc.)
- Works shift schedule and call-out duty as needed (including nights, weekends, and holidays).
- Completes other job duties as assigned.
May provide leadership, training, and guidance to less experienced staff.
Knowledge of environmental requirements for construction and maintenance activities. Knowledge of the hazards involved in working around energized lines and equipment with high voltage. Knowledge of equipment, methods, materials, and BPUB Safety Policies and Regulations used in routine maintenance work. Considerable knowledge of the precautions necessary to work safely with and around mechanical and electrical equipment including high voltage equipment and energized lines. Basic knowledge of National Electric Safety Code (NESC) and local ordinances. Knowledge of traffic flagman work. Knowledge of rigging and lifting procedures. Knowledge of trenching safety and procedures as well the set-up and operation of trenching equipment, boring machines, backhoe, and digger derricks. Skills to perform work under emergency and all-weather conditions. Skills in understanding and following oral and/or written instructions in English. Computer skills including Microsoft Windows programs. Effective writing and verbal skills in English, bilingual in English and Spanish preferred. Ability to identify overhead and underground tools and materials as required. Ability to do heavy manual labor such as trenching, back filling, and shoveling materials. Ability to climb ladders and work from an elevated place. Ability to handle conflict and uncertain situations. Ability to establish and maintain effective public relations through frequent contact with internal and external customers. Ability to maintain good standing while enrolled in the BPUB Lineworker Apprentice Program by performing self-study to progressively complete the associated modules/steps of the Groundworker position.
GROUNDWORKER – High School Diploma or GED or U.S. Equivalency report required and two (2) years’ experience in electric utility operations. Enrollment in a Department of Labor Journeyman Lineworker Program is preferred.
APPRENTICE LINEWORKER – High School Diploma or GED or U.S. equivalency report required and two (2) years of experience in utility construction. Successful completion of an Electrical Lineworker Certification Program may substitute for the minimum experience requirement.
LINEWORKER (Non-Certified) – High School Diploma or GED or U.S. Equivalency report required and four (4) years of experience in electric transmission and distribution maintenance and construction.
GROUNDWORKER – Requires a valid Texas Commercial Class B Learner’s Permit and a safe driving record, as measured by company policy. A Commercial Driver License with no restrictions must be obtained within six (6) months of employment. A Texas Commercial Class A Driver License is preferred. Employee must be enrolled in the BPUB Apprentice Lineworker Program (Program) and complete G2 Steps of the Program within eighteen (18) months from the date of hire as a Groundworker in order to remain in the position. Must pass the required BPUB Lineworker Apprentice Program Test to be considered for promotion to an Apprentice Lineworker.
APPRENTICE LINEWORKER – Requires a valid Texas Commercial Class B Learner’s Permit and a safe driving record, as measured by company policy. A Commercial Driver License with no restrictions must be obtained within six (6) months of employment. A Texas Commercial Class A Driver License is preferred. Employee must be enrolled in the BPUB Apprentice Lineworker Program (Program) and complete the A, LE and LD Steps of the Program within two (2) years of accepting the Apprentice Lineworker position in order to remain in the position. Must pass the required BPUB Lineworker Apprentice Program Test to be considered for promotion to a Lineworker (Non-Certified).
LINEWORKER (Non-Certified) – Requires a valid Texas Commercial Class B Driver License or receipt of a valid Texas Commercial Class B Driver License within 90 days of relocation to Texas and a safe driving record, as measured by company policy. Must be able to pass the required Certified Lineworker test to be promoted. Employee must be enrolled in the BPUB Apprentice Lineworker Program and complete the Program within two (2) years of accepting the Lineworker (Non-Certified) position in order to remain in the position.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to climb ladders to a 25-foot height as required without feeling discomfort. Must be able to work under adverse weather conditions including, but not limited to sunshine, rain, sleet and 20 to 110-degree Fahrenheit temperature extremes. Must be able to work under adverse ambient conditions including, but not limited to, water, mud, sewage, wind, and dust. Must be able to perform strenuous physical work under routine and emergency conditions. Continuous lifting and moving of heavy materials up to 70 lbs., will be necessary, as well as walking, pulling, and lifting material with a hand line.
In addition to any and all other qualifications required for employment stated under the Brownsville P.U.B Personnel Policies and Procedures Policy No. 39:
- Prohibit the hiring of any person who is related to BPUB Executive Management within the third degree of Consanguinity or second degree by Affinity; and
- Based on certain prohibitions of the Charter and Statute on nepotism, no person can be hired who shall be related to any member of the Board of Directors or City Commission within the third degree of consanguinity or second degree by affinity.
- * Please select the highest level of education you currently possess.
- I have a completed a Master’s Degree program or higher.
- I currently have a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field.
- I have an Associate’s Degree related to the position.
- I have a certificate (Professional/Technical) relevant to the position.
- I have a H.S. Diploma or GED.
- I have completed some high school, but do NOT currently hold a H.S. Diploma or GED.
- * Which of the following best describes your work experience as it relates to this position?
- I have successfully completed an Electrical Lineworker Certification Program.
- I have a minimum of two years experience in electric utility operations or utility construction.
- I have at least four years of experience in electric transmission and distribution maintenance and construction.
- I have more than five years of experience in electric transmission and distribution maintenance and construction.
- I have less than two years experience in electric utility construction and no certifications but general knowledge of the electrical field.
- * Do you currently have a Commercial Driver License or permit?
- Yes, Class A or B Learner’s Permit.
- Yes, Class B Driver License
- Yes, Class A Driver License
- No
- * Are you able and willing to participate in the BPUB Lineworker Certification Program in order to remain in the position or be considered for a promotion?
- Yes
- No
- Already Completed.
- * Based on how your qualifications relate to the job posting, which position(s) do you wish to be considered for?
- Groundworker
- Apprentice Lineworker
- Lineworker (Non-Certified)
- Any level is acceptable
- * Where did you first learn about this opportunity?
- BPUB Website Advertisement
- Job Alert feature on BPUB Careers Page
- A BPUB Board or PUBCAP Member
- A current or past BPUB Employee
- A trade organization or membership association
- A job board such as (Indeed, Glassdoor)
- Social Media, such as (LinkedIn, Facebook)
- I spoke to a recruiter at a recent career fair
- Texas Workforce Solutions
- A family member or friend
- I am a current BPUB Employee
- * Which work arrangement are you interested in for this position? (Please select the option that best describes your availability)
- Full-time, on-site
- Part-time ONLY
- Remote ONLY
- Hybrid ONLY (combination of on‑site and remote)
- Open to any of the above
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