First Class Lineworker - Apprentice

Job Title

Electric Lineworker

Rochester Public Utilities RPU, a division of the City of Rochester, MN, is the largest municipal utility in the State of Minnesota. RPU serves over 57,000 electric customers and 42,000 water customers in a 60 square mile service area and has revenues nearing $161 million annually. The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging.

We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work. We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.

It takes us all working together.

Nature of Work This position is responsible for the construction, maintenance and repair of overhead and underground, electric distribution and transmission facilities of 120 volts through 161,000 volts, under the direction of a lead worker. Primary duties include but are not limited to 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. Individuals may also be assigned to locate RPU's underground electric utility lines and equipment.

Work schedule
- The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Pay
- Starting wage is $43.42 per hour, with advancement to $54.28 in four years. This figure is based on the 2025 collective bargaining agreement and will be updated when a 2026 agreement is implemented.

Benefits
- This position is eligible for benefits offered by the City of Rochester. Please check out the benefits tab at the top of the page for more details.

The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignment or location.

* Perform construction and maintenance of electric lines and equipment.

• Perform overhead electrical distribution system construction and maintenance work, including but not limited to installation, operation, maintenance, and dismantling of equipment, poles, towers, and other supporting structures; cross-arms, braces, pins, insulators, secondary racks, brackets, guys, wires, and other conductors; single-phase and poly-phase transformers, meters, switches, fuses, cutouts, lighting arrestors, terminators, instrument transformers, voltage regulators, and other related electric equipment.
• Perform underground electrical distribution system construction and maintenance work including, but not limited to installing, operation, maintenance, and dismantling of underground conduit, cable pulling, pad-mounted single-phase and poly-phase transformers, secondary pedestals, cable terminations, switches and other devices.
• Perform substation construction, including structures and equipment as directed.
• Respond to trouble and emergency calls. Perform necessary repairs or maintenance.
• Respond to after-hours callouts.
• Diagnose electrical faults.
• Complete required labor and equipment records.
• Operate all vehicles and related equipment used in both overhead and underground construction and maintenance activities including trucks, trenchers, backhoes, hydro-vac, stringing equipment, and wood chippers.
• Perform tree trimming and removal.
• Install and remove electric meters and related service connections.
• Observe and inspect the operating condition of the electric transmission and distribution system and report to the crew Lead Lineworker or Electric Construction Supervisor any structures or equipment requiring maintenance, repair, or other special attention.
• Assist the lead worker or supervisor in all work as directed.

* Perform field operation of distribution equipment.

• Request outages and proofread switching procedures for the safe isolation of equipment.
• Perform switching duties as directed by the crew Lead Line Worker or the System Operations department or as needed for critical situations.

* Perform or assist others in testing, inspecting, constructing or maintaining electrical lines and equipment.

• Assist Electric Construction Supervisor(s) to coordinate work with other sections regarding electric lines and equipment.
• Recommend revisions and updates to record drawings or GIS.
• Recommend changes to safety programs and procedures to ensure safety of personnel.

Management will assign a select number of designated Lineworkers to primarily perform the following underground locator responsibilities, in addition to occasionally performing Lineworker duties, as needed.

* Perform locating of…