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Apprentice Distribution Lineman Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Apprentice Distribution Lineman information

See Oregon salary details

$16

$30

$42

How much do apprentice distribution lineman jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice distribution lineman in Oregon is $30.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $42.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice distribution lineman?

Apprentice Distribution Linemen are entry-level electrical workers who assist experienced linemen in installing, maintaining, and repairing power distribution lines and related equipment. They are typically enrolled in a formal apprenticeship program where they receive on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Their responsibilities often include climbing poles, handling tools and materials, and learning safety procedures necessary for working with high-voltage electricity. Over time, apprentices gain the skills and experience needed to become fully qualified journeyman linemen.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an apprentice distribution lineman?

To thrive as an Apprentice Distribution Lineman, you need a high school diploma or GED, physical stamina, basic electrical knowledge, and the ability to work at heights. Proficiency with hand and power tools, climbing gear, and exposure to safety certifications such as OSHA are typical requirements. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe and efficient installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical power distribution systems, minimizing risks and service interruptions.

What are the typical challenges faced by an apprentice distribution lineman during their training period?

As an Apprentice Distribution Lineman, you can expect to face challenges such as adapting to physically demanding work in various weather conditions and learning to adhere strictly to safety protocols. The role often requires working at heights and handling high-voltage equipment, which can be intimidating at first. Apprentices also need to quickly develop strong teamwork and communication skills, as much of the work involves close collaboration with experienced linemen and other utility staff. Overcoming these challenges is essential for progressing to a journeyman position and ensuring both personal and team safety.

What is the difference between Apprentice Distribution Lineman vs Journeyman Distribution Lineman?

AspectApprentice Distribution LinemanJourneyman Distribution Lineman
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training; apprenticeship programCompleted apprenticeship; valid journeyman license or certification
Work EnvironmentSupervised, learning on the job, working on utility poles and underground linesIndependent, experienced, performing maintenance, repairs, and installations
Employer & Industry UsageUtility companies, construction firmsUtility companies, contractors

The main difference between an Apprentice Distribution Lineman and a Journeyman Distribution Lineman is experience and certification. Apprentices are in training, working under supervision, while journeymen have completed their apprenticeship and can work independently on complex tasks. Both roles are essential in the utility industry, with apprentices building skills and journeymen performing skilled, autonomous work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Distribution Lineman jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Distribution Lineman jobs in Oregon are:

Journeyman Lineman $10K Sign-on Bonus

The Dalles, OR โ€ข On-site

$60.23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Salary: $60.23 Hourly
Location : 2345 River Road, The Dalles, OR
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2023-00013
Department: Field Services (Linemen)
Opening Date: 07/25/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Northern Wasco County People's Utility District (NWCPUD) is searching for a Journeyman Lineman to join our team.
This position offers $10,000 sign-on bonus and a Mon-Thurs 4/10 work schedule.
The Journeyman Lineman constructs, repairs, maintains, and replaces transmissions and distribution power lines between generating stations, substations, and customers, requiring use of precautionary work methods and safety equipment due to electrical hazards present when working on or near energized conductors and electrical accessories.
Note: The Lineman job title is used only in the generic sense and is meant to include all genders.
Examples of Duties
It is essential for all employees to adhere to Northern Wasco County PUD policies, procedures, and workplace behavior expectations.
  • Install and connect both underground and overhead single and multi-phase poles, pole hardware, line equipment, and such auxiliary equipment as transformers, lighting arresters, switches, fuses, and insulators, using hand tools and following diagrams furnished by the PUD.
  • Install or remove broken or defective conductors, insulators, cross arms, brackets, and other hardware by climbing poles or ride in bucket attached to truck mounted boom.
  • String and secure new conductors to cross arm insulators and splice or affix wire to adjoining sections of line to complete circuit.
  • Perform work on open switches or clamp grounding device to energized equipment or deenergized line or accessories as directed by supervisors. Connect and disconnect routine and nonpaying consumer account lines.
  • Report all unsafe acts, accidents, or conditions to the Line Foreman or in their absence the Operations Supervisor.
  • Suspend insulated ladders and platforms from pole cross arms, cover energized line with fiber guards to facilitate safe handling of high-voltage lines without interrupting service by power shutoff, and use long insulated poles (hot sticks) fitted with mechanically or hydraulically operated grasping and crimping tools.
  • Patrol power lines and repair applicable situations or report situations that require engineering attention or other work forces or equipment
  • Provide guidance and training to Apprentice Lineman.
  • Trim trees as required to maintain power line clearance.
  • Inspect work for quality in accordance with applicable specifications, and codes.
  • Complete all required documentation on paper and/or electronically
  • Maintain working knowledge of the most up-to-date an effective techniques of first aid and CPR, including pole-top rescue per OSHA requirements.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. A job description is a summary of the essential and anticipated additional functions of a job and does not represent an all-inclusive list of tasks or procedures.
Typical Qualifications
  • Education and/or Experience:
    • High school diploma or equivalent experience.
    • Qualified candidates must be a Journeyman Lineman acceptable to the requirements established by local 125 IBEW.
    • Must have a valid, current class A CDL driver's license with air brake endorsement within 90 days if hire. Driving record must be acceptable and insurable by NWCPUD insurance carrier at standard group rates. An annual consent for a release of one's driving record is also required.
    • Must satisfactory complete the yearly refresher that is required by OSHA 29CFR 1910.269.
    • Must be proficient in the use of dielectric hot line tools as related to their application of use in the operation, maintenance, and construction of energized equipment and conductors of all voltage ratings.
    • Hiring preference may be given to applicants that have had, and are current with the 40- hour hazardous materials training.
    • Preference will be given to those candidates with at least one year experience in the electric utility industry.
    • Preference will be given to those candidates with experience in the construction and maintenance of PUD related distribution/transmission systems.
  • Other combinations of education and/or experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to do the work will also be considered

Supplemental Information
Job conditions:
No effective protection from weather. Must be able to work in variable weather conditions including but not limited to rain, high winds, and temperatures in excess of 80 degrees (Fahrenheit) or below -10 degrees (Fahrenheit), large amounts of snow (using snow shoes), long periods of darkness, etc. Subject to snakes bites, bee stings, insect bites and poison oak. Must be able to work long hours in stressful conditions when restoring power during storms or other outages. Commonly exposed to situations, which, if handled improperly, have the potential for bodily injury or death. Exposed to oils, paints, and solvents.
Physical Requirements:
  • Requires exerting up to 100 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly; occasionally pull lift/carry/move up to 100 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying/moving up to 50 pounds.
  • Requires bending, squatting, pushing, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing ladders, crawling in confined or enclosed vaults and or roofs, reaching, handling, fingering, feeling, and talking.
  • Requires walking and carrying/moving equipment and materials over uneven ground and obstacles in right-of-ways under a wide variety of conditions. Must be able to sit from 30 to 60 minutes, stand in one place for brief periods, walk up to 4 to 6 hours a day. This position exercises considerable judgment in selecting, using, and adjusts for correct body position, tools or work aids to work, move, guide or place objects or materials.
  • Must be able to hear malfunctioning equipment, construction/maintenance, etc. All NWCPUD hourly employees are expected to work widely varying amounts of unscheduled overtime during power restoration activities or scheduled overtime required to accomplish special projects. Such overtime could range from working a normal 8 hour workday to 24 to 36
NWCPUD hours of continuous work during storm outages. Employees will be compensated at appropriate rates for such time worked as specified in the collective bargaining agreement with local 125 IBEW.
All PUD employees are expected to work outside of normal business hours when required during emergency restoration activities and to accomplish other special projects.
80 miles from Portland, we are located in a recreational area providing: water sports, fishing, bicycling, skiing, camping, hunting, artisan shopping, hiking all within short traveling distance.
We are proud to offer a comprehensive and very competitive benefits package including but not limited to:
  • Generous PTO Accruals
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • 85% employer paid premium for Medical/Rx/Dental for individual and/or family coverage
  • 100% employer paid premium for vision coverage for individual and/or family coverage
  • 401(k) 5% base + 7% match = 12% total possible employer contribution
  • 457(b)
  • Employer paid Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability
  • VEBA
  • Voluntary benefits