First Class Lineworker - Apprentice

First Class Lineworker - Apprentice

Salary

$43.42 - $54.28 Hourly

Location

Rochester Public Utilities, 4000 East River Road NE, Rochester MN 55906, MN

Job Type

Regular FT

Job Number

20260045

Department

Rochester Public Utilities

Division

RPU Power Delivery

Opening Date

06/18/2026

Closing Date

7/9/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The City of Rochester invites applications for:

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. 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.

Applications for this opportunity will close on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

The City of Rochester will not sponsor or transfer visas for this position including F1 OPT STEM.

Please note:

Applicants invited to interview will be completing a climbing exercise and should bring their own boots, gloves, and pole climbing gear (hooks, belt, fall restraint).

In addition to the climbing exercise, applicants will be provided with extra time to complete a written, job-related skills assessment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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 underground electric utility lines and equipment.
• Locate underground electric facilities using specialized locating equipment.
• Based on Gopher State One Call, City and RPU criteria, mark the location of electric facilities to within an accuracy of two feet.
• Investigate damages to underground facilities and report findings.
• Maintain familiarity with RPUs circuit maps, service rules, National Electric Safety Code and applicable OSHA requirements.
• Keep test equipment, vehicles and tools clean and in good working condition.
• Ensure that proper procedures and computerized record keeping are followed for all location requests.
• Comply with appropriate safety rules and traffic regulations in performing work.
• Meet specific time schedules for site meetings, represent RPUs interests in the field and provide a congenial interface with field contacts. Work contractors construction hours.

Miscellaneous

Properly operate, inspect, and maintain assigned vehicles, tools, and equipment. Promptly report damage or loss and prevent use of defective equipment.

• Complete required labor and equipment records as required for all assigned tasks.
• Read and interpret electrical drawings, maps, and technical manuals. Regularly use computers and mobile electronic devices for work communications.
• Prepare written requisitions for stores materials.
• Contribute to the on-the-job training of apprentices and report the work experience and specific training for which written documentation is required.
• Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.
• ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent; and completion of an accredited line worker training program.

Licenses/certifications

Valid Minnesota Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL)

Desirable Qualifications

Construction experience, preferably with an electric or telecommunications utility or contractor; experience operating equipment, such as loader, skid steer, backhoe, tractor, aerial lift, telehandler, and/or trenching equipment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION

Must be willing to accept overtime assignments, standby duty, and to work in

inclement weather.

This position may be subject to an apprenticeship where new employees may be required to complete a four (4) year training program, or portions thereof for retraining purposes. During this period, the Apprentice will perform the principal duties of the job under supervision.

The Apprentice will normally receive the following percentages of the base wage established for the position of First Class Line Worker:

1st six months 80%

2nd six months 82.5%

3rd six months 85%

4th six months 87.5%

5th six months 90%

6th six months 92.5%

7th six months 95%

8th six months 97.5%

Advancement through the above wage steps is based on acceptable job performance and satisfactory completion of any established requirements of the apprenticeship program. The Apprentice will receive the base rate of pay for the classification after satisfactory completion of the training program.

Must be willing to accept overtime assignments, standby duty, and to work in inclement weather.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• THIS POSITION MAY BE COVERED BY THE CITYS ASBESTOS OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE (0&M) PROGRAM (based on job assignment)

Employees in this position are required to use protective equipment including respirators and the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements in administering this program.

• THIS POSITION IS COVERED UNDER THE RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM

Employees currently in the position or individuals hired for this position must be able to meet medical qualifications for the use of a respirator and be able to work in confined spaces.

• THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY THE CITYS HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM

Employees in this position are required to use hearing protection and the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements in administering this program.

• THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY THE CITY OF ROCHESTER DRUG TESTING POLICY

The drug and alcohol testing policies and procedures of the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements, including Minnesota Statutes 181.950 through 181.957; the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988; and/or the US Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

• Pre-employment and/or periodic testing may be required.

THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY RPUS AREA RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

In order to provide timely services, RPU has designated specific positions which must comply with an area residency requirement, based on job-related necessity where employees in such positions must reside within thirty (30) driving miles of their normally scheduled work reporting location.

New Hires

Individuals hired for designated positions with RPU covered by an area residency requirement who do not meet this requirement shall be allowed no more than twelve (12) months, from their date of hire, in order to meet the thirty (30) driving mile requirement.

Current Employees

RPU employees in designated positions covered by the area residency requirement and who reside at a location that allows them to report to work within thirty (30) minutes from the time notified, prior to March 9, 2012, shall be deemed to comply with RPUs area residency requirement provided that they remain at their current address. If a current RPU employee in a designated position covered by the area residency requirement relocates, their new address/residence must be located within thirty (30) driving miles of their normally scheduled work reporting location and notice must be given to their immediate supervisor prior to relocating to ensure compliance with the area residency requirement.

Promotional Opportunities

Promotions to designated RPU positions covered by an area residency requirement shall be withheld from employees whose address/residence is located more than thirty (30) driving miles from the normally scheduled work reporting location of their new position, with the exception of employees who are willing to relocate within 12 months from date of promotion in order to comply with the thirty (30) driving mile area residence requirement; OR employees who immediately prior to their promotion were in a designated position and resided at a location that allowed them to report to work within thirty (30) minutes from the time notified.

Noncompliance with Residency Requirements

In the event that an employee fails to comply with the residency requirement, the employee will be considered to no longer meet the minimum requirements of the position. In such instance, the City will take formal action, up to and including termination. An employee may be granted an extension if there is credible basis, as determined by the employer, for justification as to why the employee has failed to comply. Said basis shall consist of circumstances not caused or controlled by the employee.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.

In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. However, there times when Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects, is performed, depending on the project or task.

Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:

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 necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing, touch, smell

Environmental conditions that may exist in the performance of the essential functions of this job include:

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

Noise (need to shout in order to be heard)

Vibration (exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities of whole body)

Exposure to dust/gas/fumes/steam/chemicals

Work outdoors (no effective protection from weather)

Walk on uneven ground (gravel, rocks, mounds, construction sites)

Work at heights (such as on scaffolding, ladders, or aerial lifts)

Working around moving machinery (fork-lifts, excavation equipment, trucks, cranes)

Protective equipment required (respirator, mask, earplugs, gloves, eyewear, arc resistant clothing, etc.)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND RETIREMENT SUMMARY

01

By completing your application and supplemental questions you are attesting all information is true, accurate, and verifies your relevant education and experience. Your submitted materials will be used to determine your employment eligibility. Do you understand and agree with this statement?

• Yes
• No

02

What is your preferred name?

03

Have you completed an accredited Electrical Lineworker training program?

• Yes
• No

04

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)?

• Yes
• No

05

Please indicate the type of Electrical Lineworker program that you completed.

• <1 Year program
• Diploma
• AAS Degree
• N/A - I have not completed an accredited Electric Lineworker program

06

Please list the specific accredited Electrical Lineworker training program you completed. Include the name of the educational facility and location. Do not type "See Resume". If no program was attended, type "N/A".

07

Questions 6 through 10 pertain to your actual employment experience and NOT experience gained in completing your Lineworker program. Does your actual employment experience include working with any of the following equipment? (Select all that apply)

• Earthmoving Equipment
• Farm Equipment
• HydroVac
• N/A - None of the above

08

Which of the following best describes your years of fulltime equivalent experience as an entry-level/apprentice Lineworker?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 2
• More than 2 years, but less than 3
• More than 3 years, but less than 4
• More than 4 years, but less than 5
• More than 5 years

09

Did any of your entry-level/apprenticeship Lineworker experience include working for a public utility or municipality?

• Yes
• No

10

Are you currently or have you ever worked for Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) as a 1000-hour Lineworker?

• Yes
• No

11

Does your employment experience as an entry-level/apprentice Lineworker include any of the following? (Select all that apply)

• Working with voltage up to 600V
• Working with voltage up to 15kV
• Substation construction
• Poly-phase transformers
• Electrical distribution
• Electrical transmission
• Overhead lines
• Underground cable
• Performing construction and/or maintenance on energized lines
• Trenching and excavating
• Tree trimming
• Diagnosing electrical faults
• Electric metering
• Climbing utility poles
• N/A - None of the above

12

Please indicate the items that have been included in your safety related training. (Select all that apply)

• First-Aid
• CPR
• Pole-top rescue
• Confined space entry
• N/A - None of the above

13

Which of the following best describes the level or class of the drivers license that you currently possess?

• N/A - I do not currently possess a valid drivers license
• Class A: Any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GWVR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds
• Class B: Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR
• Class C: Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is placarded for hazardous materials
• Class D: passenger car or truck

14

If you do have a commercial drivers license (CDL), are you permitted to drive commercial vehicles equipped with air brakes?

• N/A - I do not possess a CDL
• Yes
• No

15

As a potential apprentice lineworker with Rochester Public Utilities, do you:

• Consent to being tested for drugs and/or alcohol as a condition of employment and further understand if the test result is positive, or if I refuse to submit to a pre-employment test, the job offer will be withdrawn?
• Agree to complete all four (4) years of the apprenticeship training program under the supervision of RPU in order to qualify as a 1st Class Lineworker?
• Agree to reside within 30 road miles of the RPU Service Center located at 4000 East River Rd NE, Rochester, Minnesota within 12 months of hire?
• Agree to be on-call or called in to work additional hours with little or no advance notice to assist RPU with providing services 24 hours per day, 7 days per week?
• Yes, I understand these are requirements of the position and agree with each of them.
• No, I do not agree with all four requirements and understand my application may be removed from consideration.
• Im not sure I understand all the requirements and may require additional explanation.

16

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not limited to: verification of employment and educational records, identification verification, drivers license record and a criminal history?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Rochester

Address 201 4th Street SE

Rochester, Minnesota, 55904

Phone (507) 328-2555

Website https://www.rochestermn.gov/employment