Line Worker Apprentice - City of Thomaston, GA : Job Details

Salary : $43,680.00 - $72,000.00 Annually Location : Electrical Department, GA Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 202300030 Department: Electric Department Opening Date: 08/11/2025 Closing Date: 9/5/2025 11:59 PM Eastern Description Apprentice I, Apprentice II, Apprentice III Reports To: Crew Leader / Journeyman Line Worker Department: Electric FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Program Overview This structured three-year apprenticeship program prepares employees for a career as a Journeyman Line worker. The program blends classroom instruction, hands-on training, and progressive field responsibilities to ensure mastery in electrical line construction, maintenance, and safety. Each apprentice level builds on the prior year, moving from foundational learning to advanced, independent work. Apprentice I - Entry Level (Year 1) Summary: Apprentice I serves as the foundation year, focusing on the basics of electrical distribution systems, core safety practices, and essential field skills. The apprentice will gain familiarity with tools, equipment, and materials used in the trade, working exclusively on non-energized systems. This phase emphasizes learning through observation, assisting line crews, and practicing safe work habits. The goal is to establish a solid technical and safety foundation before performing any energized work. Essential Duties:

• Assist with construction, maintenance, and repair of overhead and underground electrical systems from the ground
• Handle tools, materials, and equipment for line crews
• Learn basic pole setting, guying, and conductor preparation (non-energized only)
• Complete safety certifications:
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction
• First Aid/CPR
• Pole Top & Bucket Truck Rescue
• Flagging Certification
• Maintain tools, vehicles, and work areas in a safe, clean condition
• Participate in classroom and field training as assigned

Progression Goal: Master all ground-level tasks, safety procedures, and tool identification; demonstrate readiness for supervised climbing and limited energized exposure in Year 2. Apprentice II - Intermediate Level (Year 2) Summary: Apprentice II marks the transition from foundational learning to more active participation in field work. The apprentice begins performing tasks aloft, including climbing poles and operating from aerial lifts, while continuing to work under supervision. This level introduces energized work on low-voltage systems and supervised exposure to medium/high-voltage systems. Responsibilities expand to include installation of line equipment, troubleshooting simple issues, and operating specialized machinery with guidance. The apprentice is expected to demonstrate increased technical proficiency, decision-making skills, and awareness of system operations. Essential Duties:

• Climb poles and work aloft with supervision
• Install and maintain transformers, capacitors, and other line equipment under direction
• Assist in troubleshooting outages and service issues
• Perform hot stick work and energized operations within low-voltage limits under supervision
• Operate bucket trucks, digger derricks, and other specialized equipment with guidance
• Continue classroom and field training modules
• Maintain certifications and complete skill assessments for advancement

Progression Goal: Gain proficiency in climbing, energized low-voltage work, and basic troubleshooting. Demonstrate readiness to perform complex energized work under minimal supervision in Year 3. Apprentice III - Advanced Level (Year 3) Summary: Apprentice III is the final stage before achieving Journeyman status. At this level, the apprentice performs a wide range of line construction, maintenance, and repair tasks with minimal supervision, including independent work on low-voltage energized systems and supervised work on medium/high-voltage systems. The apprentice takes on leadership roles in the field, guiding lower-level apprentices and coordinating small tasks. Strong troubleshooting skills, efficiency in equipment operation, and consistent adherence to advanced safety protocols are required. The apprentice must demonstrate mastery of technical skills, readiness for full Journeyman responsibilities, and the ability to perform under varied and challenging field conditions. Essential Duties:

• Lead small tasks in the field under the oversight of a Journeyman or Crew Leader
• Troubleshoot and repair system faults
• Perform advanced energized operations using hot sticks and other equipment
• Operate all line equipment and vehicles safely and independently (when permitted)
• Mentor Apprentice I and II participants
• Complete final training, skills testing, and performance evaluations for Journeyman qualification

Progression Goal: Meet all requirements for Journeyman status, demonstrating mastery in safety, equipment operation, energized work, and leadership of field activities.

• Minimum Qualifications for Entry into Program:
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid Class A CDL (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
• Ability to pass pre-employment physical and drug screening
• Willingness to work at heights, in confined spaces, and in all weather conditions

Pay Progression Pay is tied to program progression, training completion, and performance evaluations. Each level has a defined hourly rate or percentage of the Journeyman rate. Apprentice Level Program Year Pay Basis Example Hourly Rate Notes on Increases:

• Apprentice I Year 1 60% of Journeyman rate $21.00/hr Eligible for step increases at 6 and 12 months based on performance and completion of Year 1 training modules
• Apprentice II Year 2 75% of Journeyman rate $26.25/hr Increase to this rate upon completion of Year 1 requirements and skills assessment
• Apprentice III Year 3 90% of Journeyman rate $31.50/hr Increase to this rate upon completion of Year 2 requirements and skills assessment
• Journeyman Post-Program 100% rate $35.00/hr Achieved after successful completion of Year 3 requirements and passing Journeyman certification

Work Environment:

• Frequent outdoor work in all weather conditions
• Exposure to high-voltage electricity
• Physically demanding tasks including lifting, climbing, and equipment operation

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees 100% covered by the City of Thomaston including health care, dental, vision, pension, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.