Lineman​/Woman Apprentice

Salary Ranges:
Lineman/woman Apprentice: $51.08 - $74.64 /hour
Lineman/woman Apprentice with Class A: $52.23 - $75.79 /hour

Apply by Date: 02/06/2026

Posting Type:
Open

The intent of this job posting is to establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill current and future, regular full‑time vacancies for up to two (2) years. You must clearly demonstrate on your resume that you possess the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the required qualifications sections of this posting.

Only the first 1,000 applicants will be considered for this opportunity. Once 1,000 applications have been received, this posting will be closed and no additional applications will be accepted. If we do not receive 1,000 applicants, the posting will close Friday, February 6th, 2026. Apply early!

As one of the most innovative electric utilities in the country, Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) values and rewards the contributions of its 2,000‑plus employees. We’re proud of our long‑standing reputation as one of the best places to work in the Sacramento region, and we’re always seeking talented people to help keep us moving forward. In addition, SMUD has been recognized as one of the nation’s Best Workplaces for Commuters.

Among the many reasons that SMUD is a great place to work:

• Challenging and fulfilling work
• Competitive pay and benefits
• Flexible work schedules
• An inclusive and diverse culture
• SMUD’s reputation as a national energy leader
• On‑site fitness centers
• CalPERS pension
• Paid education/employee development program
• Personal computer purchase program

SMUD is currently seeking individuals interested in becoming a line worker with our organization as an apprentice lineman/woman. Under close supervision, you will learn to perform work at the journey level in the installation, maintenance, and repair of distribution electrical systems including the hazards of working at elevations above ground, in trenches and vaults, as well as energized equipment.

Perform a variety of semi‑skilled and skilled tasks in the construction, maintenance, repair and inspection of SMUD transmission and distribution systems. This work may involve operating backhoes, derricks, and hole diggers, etc. and perform related duties as assigned.

The Lineman/wn Apprentice classification is assigned to Distribution Services. It is considered a climbing Lineman/wn job. Apprentice Lineman/wn function in a learning capacity and assist in the duties specified below. Once learned and at the completion of the apprenticeship program, incumbents will journey‑up to the full working level of the Lineman/wn classification series.

• Performs complex rigging techniques using winches, block and tackle, ropes, slings, hoists, etc. Frames, sets, removes, wood or steel poles and associated anchors and guys. Makes connections and performs work on lines energized @ 120V through 230KV using rubber gloves and hot line tools. Climbs wood poles, steel structures, or ladders.
• Constructs/removes/maintains transmission towers. Installs/removes cross‑arms, guy wires, insulators, disconnect devices, switches, capacitors, and various pole top apparatus. Lay out, measures, cuts, installs, terminates, and splices various types of cable.
• Connects pole bolt, pad mount, and submersible transformers.
• Assists Electricians in the installation, maintenance, and wiring of electric substations.
• Performs phasing tests on high voltage circuits.
• Performs maintenance functions on transmission and distribution lines.
• Installs and maintains night‑lights, streetlights and street lighting equipment.
• Applies principles of electrical theory to line construction and maintenance work.
• Installs/removes work site protection devices.
• Assists Cable Splicer/Electricians in the construction and maintenance of network underground systems.
• Operates various types of equipment including; backhoes, tractors; front‑loaders, rock saws, hole diggers, boom trucks, digger derricks, forklifts, water trucks, bobcats, cable pullers, cable‑tensioners, trenchers, pole‑stubbers, portable generators, portable/hydraulic pole setters, jackhammers, j tams and other related…