First Class Lineworker - Apprentice

City of Rochester – First Class Lineworker - Apprentice

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU), a division of the City of Rochester, MN, is the largest municipal utility in the State of Minnesota, serving over 57,000 electric customers and 42,000 water customers.

This position is responsible for construction, maintenance, and repair of overhead and underground electric distribution and transmission facilities from 120 volts through 161,000 volts under the direction of a lead worker. Primary duties include setting or removing poles; installing conductors; pulling, splicing, and terminating cable; installing or removing transformers and switches; operating switching devices; locating and repairing cable and equipment faults;

installing, inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining underground manholes, conduits, and pad‑mounted equipment; and performing other related duties as required. Personnel may also be assigned to locate RPU’s underground electric utility lines and equipment.

Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Starting wage $43.42 per hour, advancing to $54.28 in four years based on the 2025 collective bargaining agreement. Pay will update with the 2026 agreement.

Eligible for City of Rochester benefits. See benefits tab for details.

Applications close Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

• High school diploma or equivalent and completion of an accredited line worker training program.
• Valid Minnesota Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• Willingness to accept overtime assignments, standby duty, and work in inclement weather.
• Ability to climb, operate climbing gear, and handle tools and machinery.
• Adherence to apprenticeship 4‑year training program with wage steps: 80% (months 1‑6), 82.5% (7‑12), 85% (13‑18), 87.5% (19‑24), 90% (25‑30), 92.5% (31‑36), 95% (37‑42), 97.5% (43‑48). Base rate after completion.

• Perform construction and maintenance of electric lines and equipment (overhead and underground).
• Respond to trouble and emergency calls; perform needed repairs.
• Operate vehicles and equipment: trucks, trenchers, backhoes, hydro‑vac, stringing equipment, wood chippers.
• Tree trimming and removal.
• Install and remove electric meters and related service connections.
• Observe and report equipment condition to Lead Lineworker or Electric Construction Supervisor.
• Assist lead worker or supervisor in all work as directed.
• Request outages and proofread switching procedures.
• Perform switching duties as directed.
• Assist in testing, inspecting, constructing, or maintaining electrical lines and equipment.
• Recommend revisions to record drawings or GIS; recommend changes to safety programs.

• Operate, inspect, and maintain assigned vehicles, tools, and equipment.
• Complete required labor and equipment records.
• Read and interpret electrical drawings, maps, and technical manuals, and use computers for work communications.
• Prepare written requisitions for store materials.
• Contribute to on‑the‑job training of apprentices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position must reside within thirty (30) driving miles of the normal work reporting location. New hires must meet this requirement within twelve (12) months; existing employees must maintain residency; failure to comply may result in termination.

• Covered by City of Rochester Asbestos Operation & Maintenance Program; required respirator use.
• Covered by Respiratory Protection Program; medical qualifications for respirator use required.
• Covered by Hearing Conservation Program; required hearing protection.
• Covered by City of Rochester Drug Testing Policy; pre‑employment and periodic testing may be required.
• Covered by RPU’s Area Residency Requirement; compliance necessary for promotion eligibility.

• Medium to Heavy work, lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally.
• Continuous demands: standing, walking, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling.
• Frequent demands: lifting, carrying, fine dexterity, bending, twisting, climbing.
• Occasional demands: balancing, foot controls, sitting.
• Sensory requirements: sight, hearing, touch, smell.
• Environmental conditions:
  
  extreme cold/heat, noise, vibration, dust/gas/fumes, outdoors exposure, uneven ground, heights, moving machinery.
• Required protective equipment: respirator, mask, earplugs, gloves, eyewear, arc‑resistant clothing, etc.