Substation Groundman

American Power Utilities; Victor (MT); On-site; USD 41,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

401k with company contribution

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

American Power Utilities (APU) seeks a Substation Groundsman/Laborer in Victor, MT to support substation construction, maintenance, and safety‑critical tasks. The role focuses on site preparation, material handling, excavation, grounding, and non‑energized installations within substations.

You will work with substation crews, follow strict safety rules, and assist with equipment and material movement. The position offers hourly pay and a benefits package, with overtime and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Entry‑level field role requiring physical labor and safety compliance.
• Ability to follow directions from linemen, electricians, and supervisors.
• Willingness to travel locally and overnight as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist substation crews during construction, maintenance, and upgrades.
• Prepare and maintain substation sites; clear debris and organize laydown areas.
• Support non‑energized installation activities and equipment handling.
• Load/unload and move materials such as steel, conduit, grounding materials, and tools.
• Perform excavation, trenching, and site restoration activities.
• Inspect and maintain tools, equipment, trailers, and work areas.
• Identify underground utilities and assist with digging safely.
• Follow all safety procedures and PPE requirements.
• Work outdoors in varying weather; be available for extended hours and travel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Outdoor work

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Mini excavator

Skid steer

Backhoe

Trencher

Job description

American Power Utilities (APU) delivers distribution, transmission, and substation construction services across the United States. With decades of industry experience, our teams build and maintain the essential infrastructure that utilities, municipalities, cooperatives, and industrial partners rely on every day. We take pride in providing safe, reliable, and innovative power solutions that keep communities and businesses connected.

About the Job:

The Substation Groundsman/Laborer provides essential field support to substation linemen, substation electricians, and supervisors during the construction, modification, and maintenance of electrical substations and switchyards. This entry‑level role is dedicated to substation work and focuses on site preparation, material handling, excavation, grounding support, and general labor performed within substation facilities, while adhering to strict safety requirements in high‑voltage environments.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist substation linemen, substation electricians, and foremen during substation construction, maintenance, and upgrade activities within substation yards and control facilities.
• Prepare and maintain substation construction sites by clearing debris, organizing material laydown areas, and maintaining proper housekeeping.
• Support non‑energized installation activities within substations, including substation structures, equipment, grounding systems, transformers, switchgear, conduit, cable trays, and control buildings.
• Load, unload, stage, and move materials such as steel, conduit, grounding materials, tools, and equipment used for substation construction and maintenance.
• Perform excavation, trenching, digging, backfilling, and site restoration activities associated with substation foundations, grounding, and conduit systems under direction.
• Clean, inspect, and maintain tools, equipment, trailers, and work areas supporting substation work.
• Assist with identifying underground utilities and support digging activities within substation environments to prevent damage to existing infrastructure.
• Follow all safety procedures, job hazard analyses (JHAs), and PPE requirements while working in and around electrical substation sites.
• Perform physically demanding work outdoors in varying weather conditions and support extended hours, overtime, and travel as required for substation projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 1+ years construction, utility, or labor experience preferred
• 1+ year of experience operating small equipment such as mini and mid‑sized excavators, skid steers, backhoes, and trenchers.
• Previous experience supporting electrical, substation, transmission, or heavy civil crews is a plus.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL Class Preferred.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and in physically demanding environments.
• Ability to perform heavy physical labor, including lifting, carrying, bending, digging, and climbing as required.
• Basic knowledge of hand tools, power tools, and construction equipment used in substation and utility construction.
• Strong awareness of jobsite safety practices and ability to follow safety rules and instructions.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a crew and follow direction from substation linemen, electricians, and supervisors.
• Ability to travel locally and overnight within the assigned service area for jobsites, meetings, project needs, or storm response.

Work Authorization:

• You must be authorized to work in the US without sponsorship.

Benefits & Compensation:

• We offer an excellent benefits package that includes medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, 401k with company contribution, paid time off and paid holidays.
• Hourly Rate: $30.00 - $34.00 an hour based on experience.
  • We reserve the right to pay more or less than the posted salary range based on factors unrelated to sex.

To learn more visit our website at https://www.americanpowerutilities.com/

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair and inclusive workplace for all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate based on any protected status under applicable law. We maintain a drug‑free workplace, and pre‑employment drug screening are required for all jobs.