What are the responsibilities and job description for the Apprentice Lineman position at Midwest Energy & Communications?
Join a Company Powering the Future of Rural America
The Opportunity:
We're looking for a motivated and safety-minded Apprentice Lineman to join our electric operations team. In this hands-on role, you'll work alongside experienced line workers to gain the knowledge, skills, and qualifications needed to become a Journeyman Lineman. Over the course of a four-year, seven-step apprenticeship program, you'll be involved in the construction, maintenance, and repair of Midwest Energy & Communications' electric distribution and fiber communications systems.
This is a skilled position requiring both physical work and technical knowledge. You'll operate equipment for both overhead and underground systems and must be available for after-hours work as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with constructing, repairing, and maintaining overhead and underground electric lines
- Support maintenance of substations and transmission lines
- Perform voltage testing, service disconnects/reconnects, outage troubleshooting, and MISS Dig locates for electric and fiber
- Deliver excellent customer service in the field
- Keep service vehicles stocked with proper tools and equipment
- Maintain right-of-way clearance, including tree removal
Note: This list reflects primary duties but is not all-inclusive. Additional responsibilities and special projects may be assigned as needed.
What You'll Bring:
- High school diploma or GED
- Strong understanding-or willingness to learn-RUS specifications, the National Electric Safety Code, and OSHA regulations
- A commitment to safe work practices and attention to detail
- Willingness to take direction and work as part of a team
- Intermediate mechanical and computer skills
- Good mathematical skills and physical stamina
- Excellent customer service and communication skills
Commitment Requirement:
Upon completing the apprenticeship, the selected candidate must commit to a minimum of five years of service with MEC. Those who voluntarily leave before fulfilling this term may be required to reimburse the organization for training costs.
Position Overview:
- Hourly Rate: $36.00 - $54.00 (dependent on apprenticeship step level)
- Benefits: Comprehensive health coverage with minimal cost sharing, 401(k) with 9% employer contribution and additional matching
- Paid Time Off: Accrual of 5.85 hours per pay period; increases to 29 days annually by year five. Includes holiday pay, short- and long-term disability
- Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; must be available for after-hours outage response and operational needs
- Travel: Minimal
- Location: Based out of Cassopolis or Paw Paw offices
Deadline to apply: May 4th, 2025.
About MEC
In the 1930s, Midwest Energy & Communications (MEC) began to bring power and light to the rural space when the large utility providers wouldn't. Today's MEC embraces that same spirit, transforming the rural space by delivering first-in-class innovations and solutions where others won't. We bring comfort and convenience in the form of electric, propane and Internet solutions across our service territory in southwest and southeast Michigan. But there's a constant energy at MEC and it's much bigger than the services we provide. It's a buzz felt wherever our employees gather, whether in the office or in the field. Because we genuinely like each other. We help each other solve problems. We boost each other up. And at the end of the day, we gather for fun and share stories about our work and home lives. We've worked hard to build a culture we're proud of, a culture that values taking care of each other, collaborating on new ideas and standing up for our rural community. We're excited about the work we do and who we get to do that work with. We're MEC. With us, it's all about the energy.
Midwest Energy & Communications is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, ancestry, marital or vet
All applicants who are selected for a position within Midwest Energy & Communications are required to pass a physical examination, drug screen, and background check when employed.
Salary : $36 - $54
