CHELCO Seeks Apprentice Line Technician

Are you interested in a fun, rewarding career? Are you safety-oriented? Do you enjoy working outdoors? Are you willing to work in elevated areas? Do you have a talent for teamwork?

This Position:

We're looking for one Apprentice Line Technician to complete a four-year, 8000-hour training program, which teaches you how to build and maintain high-quality, well-integrated, reliable overhead and underground distribution power lines.

If selected, you would complete CHELCO's state-registered apprenticeship program. The program includes a four-year-on-the-job training and educational program through the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association. You would develop skills to safely climb distribution poles and perform the work of the trade. Later in the program, you would work on de-energized and grounded distribution circuits, progressing to energized "hot" circuits under direct supervision. You would also be required to obtain and maintain a Florida CDL driver's license.

CHELCO is located in Northwest Florida. CHELCO serves 68,000 accounts, primarily serving two counties from the Alabama state line to the Emerald Coast beaches in Florida's panhandle. CHELCO strives to continuously promote the quality of life for our members, employees, and communities. We are a company dedicated to ensuring member satisfaction, safety, and reliability while controlling our members' costs. The area offers outstanding recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities.

Apprentice Line Technician Minimum Requirements:

High School diploma or equivalent is required. Must be at least age 18 or older. Basic computer skills preferred. Must be physically capable of performing the work of the trade. Must be able to learn to operate various Must have, or be able to obtain, a Florida Class-A Commercial Driver's License (CDL). mobile aerial lift equipment, climb poles, and analyze work orders. Selected candidates will complete a four-year on-the-job training and educational program that includes an intense academic and practical hands-on skills training course at the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association. Will work irregular hours, overtime, callouts, weekends, and holidays, in all weather conditions. Must be able to obtain access to Eglin AFB and service areas covered by the Eglin Utilization Privatization contract.

Must reside within CHELCO's service territory or in areas directly abutting that service territory, including all of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, eastern areas of Santa Rosa County, western sections of Holmes, and southern sections of Covington and Geneva counties in Alabama to ensure system reliability and maintain quick response times. Must be available to perform duties for emergency response and storm restoration and be available for after-hours work and the on-call program.

Why Should You Apply? This career will give you the opportunity to . . .

• Work for a progressive, community-focused company
• Work with a strong, goal-oriented, experienced team
• Contribute to the quality of life of our members, community, and employees
• Receive exceptional benefits and competitive pay

Our Cooperative:

Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CHELCO) is not like other utilities. We are a not-for-profit cooperative, meaning we are owned solely by our members. We are unlike investor-owned utilities because we do not have shareholders to answer to. We listen to our members and appreciate their feedback to continuously improve our business model and better serve them, now and always.

We are an electric distribution cooperative employing more than 181 people and serving more than 68,000 accounts in Walton, Okaloosa, Holmes, and Santa Rosa counties in the panhandle of Florida.

The cooperative owns and maintains over 4,600 miles of line, including those on Eglin Air Force Base. We have six area offices, including our headquarters in DeFuniak Springs.

Our Benefits:

CHELCO proudly offers its employees medical, dental, vision, flexible savings or health savings accounts, NRECA pension plan, 401k with company match, life insurance, short-term disability, education/professional development, wellness, and safety program incentives, generous paid time off, volunteer time off, and ten paid holidays a year.

Apply Now!

Apply at http://www.chelco.com/careers. Applications will be accepted from 02/28/2025 through 3:30 p.m. on 04/07/2025 (Please note that this position will be posted for six weeks and interviews will not be scheduled until the second week of April). Resumes and cover letters are only accepted with a completed application. Questions? Call HR at 850-307-1127. Applicants selected for an interview will be notified. Drug Free-EOE-M/F/Disability/Veteran