Lineworker, Construction (Systemwide, La Crosse Service Center)

Dairyland Power Cooperative; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 52,224 - 72,324; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and disability benefits

Life insurance

401(k) and pension plans

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Dairyland Power Cooperative in La Crosse is hiring a Lineworker responsible for the safe construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of transmission systems. This hands-on role requires a high school diploma or GED, along with completion of a lineworker apprenticeship.

The position offers competitive hourly pay, benefits like health and disability coverage, and a generous 401(k) plan. The ideal candidate must have strong line construction skills and a commitment to safety while working outdoors in various conditions.

Qualifications

• Must have at least 2 years of documented line construction experience.
• Proficient in the operation of line construction equipment.
• Ability to adhere to safety procedures when working on energized lines.

Responsibilities

• Construct, operate, and maintain transmission lines and circuits.
• Provide guidance to crew members on assigned projects.
• Ensure proper operation of vehicles and equipment.

Skills

Line construction

Documentation and record-keeping

Operation and maintenance of line construction equipment

Electrical theory understanding

Reading construction plans

Education

High school diploma or GED

State-approved lineworker apprenticeship or accredited training

Tools

Derricks

Bucket trucks

Backhoes

Job description

Position Overview

The Lineworker, Construction (Systemwide, La Crosse Service Center) is responsible for the safe construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of the transmission system, including transmission lines and substations. The position is paid on an hourly union wage range of $37.91 to $52.50 and requires applicants to be at least 20.5 years of age by the time of hire.

Responsibilities

1. Safely construct, operate, and maintain transmission lines and distribution circuits to meet industry standards and company specifications.
2. Maintain professional relationships with other utilities, contractors, and property owners.
3. Collaborate with the foreperson and all crew members on all line construction activities.
4. Serve as the lead worker on assigned projects, providing guidance to crew members as needed.
5. Inspect, maintain, and ensure the proper operation of vehicles, tools, and equipment, and operate assigned equipment safely and efficiently.
6. Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the safe operation of all construction equipment and provide guidance to others under the direction of the supervisor or foreperson.
7. Follow all safety rules, company policies, and procedures.
8. Assist the safety department by adhering to safety protocols, company policies, and work procedures.
9. Perform other duties historically performed by this classification or related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Qualifications – Journey Lineworker: A high school diploma or GED is required. Candidates must have completed a state‑approved lineworker apprenticeship or an accredited post‑secondary lineworker training program and have a minimum of two years of documented line construction experience (four years preferred).

Indentured Apprentice Lineworker: A high school diploma or GED is required. Candidates must have successfully completed an accredited lineworker training program (post‑secondary) from a recognized institution.

Special Training/Skills: Proficient in line construction, documentation, record‑keeping, and computer‑based work management; operation and maintenance of line construction and support equipment such as derricks, bulldozers, dump trucks, pickup trucks, hoists, bucket trucks, chainsaws, skid steers, backhoes, wide trailers, tensioning equipment, and pressure diggers; pole and steel structure climbing, pole setting, wire stringing, specialized rigging, steel erection, and foundation installations; thorough understanding of electrical theory and distribution/transmission principles; knowledge of electrical hazards and consistent adherence to safety procedures; ability to read and interpret construction plans, schematics, and technical documentation related to linework.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver’s license and a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) at the time of hire, meeting all federal and state regulations for interstate commercial vehicle operation, including Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements. The position is subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements, including participation in a random testing program.

Physical Demands

Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Frequent lifting and carrying of materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, and occasionally up to 100 pounds. Assistance in emergency rescue of personnel at pole tops may be required. Tasks include shoveling dirt with hand tools and climbing poles or working from a hydraulic bucket at heights of 100 feet or more, often in physically awkward or constrained positions. The job requires standing, walking, kneeling, bending, crouching, crawling, twisting, hand‑over‑hand climbing, and operating various motor vehicles and hydraulic equipment. Effective verbal communication and keen visual inspection skills are required.

Environmental Demands

Outdoor work in all seasons and weather conditions across a four‑state service area.

Other Job Characteristics

The role may require occasional work on energized lines, handled per the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and company‑approved safety practices to prevent electrical hazards. Extensive overnight travel throughout the service territory and off‑duty availability are required. Work may occur during evenings, weekends, and holidays to support line construction, maintenance, and emergency restoration activities.

Benefits

• Health and disability benefits (medical, dental, vision, short‑ and long‑term disability)
• Life insurance
• Generous 401(k) and pension plans
• Paid time off
• Robust wellness program
• New flexible work program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Additional benefits available

Equal Opportunity Employer

Dairyland Power Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. If you need accommodations due to a disability or are having difficulty using the website to apply, contact the HR Department.