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Apprentice Groundman Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Police Cadet (Part-time)

Tustin, CA ยท On-site

$16.90/hr

The Police Cadet apprenticeship program is specifically designed to introduce young individuals to ... Recent drug usage, theft or other illegal activity may be grounds for disqualification. A pre ...

Apprentice Groundman information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$12

$20

$28

How much do apprentice groundman jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice groundman in Riverside, CA is $20.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $23.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get hired as a groundman?

To get hired as a groundman, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Relevant skills include knowledge of safety procedures, ability to operate basic tools, and sometimes completion of safety training or certifications such as OSHA. Gaining experience through entry-level positions or apprenticeships can improve employment prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Groundman, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Groundman, you need a high school diploma or GED, basic electrical knowledge, and physical fitness for manual outdoor work. Familiarity with safety gear, hand tools, and equipment like bucket trucks or power line hardware is typically required, and OSHA safety certifications are often beneficial. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe, efficient support for lineworkers and the reliable operation of electrical utilities.

What is the difference between Apprentice Groundman vs Groundman?

AspectApprentice GroundmanGroundman
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; on-the-job training; may start apprenticeship programsHigh school diploma; basic safety training
Work EnvironmentTraining phase; supervised tasks; outdoor utility workFull-time outdoor utility work; physical labor
Employer & Industry UsageUtility companies; construction; telecommunicationsUtility companies; construction; telecommunications

The main difference is that an Apprentice Groundman is in training, gaining skills and certifications, while a Groundman is a fully trained worker performing routine outdoor utility tasks. Apprenticeship prepares individuals for full roles, whereas Groundmen are experienced workers handling day-to-day operations.

What are some typical challenges faced by an Apprentice Groundman, and how can they be overcome?

As an Apprentice Groundman, one common challenge is adapting quickly to working outdoors in various weather conditions while maintaining safety protocols. Learning to handle and operate heavy equipment and tools safely under supervision can also be demanding. Building strong communication skills and staying attentive to instructions from experienced lineworkers are key to overcoming these challenges. Seeking feedback regularly and participating actively in safety briefings will help you grow more confident and effective in the role.

What are Apprentice Groundmen?

An Apprentice Groundman is an entry-level worker in the electrical utility industry who assists linemen and other crew members with tasks on the ground. Their duties typically involve preparing and organizing tools, handling materials, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety protocols are followed at job sites. This role is considered the starting point for a career in linework, offering hands-on experience and training necessary to eventually advance to higher positions such as journeyman lineman. Apprentice Groundmen play a vital role in supporting the crew and learning the fundamentals of working with electrical systems and utility lines.

Is 25 too late to start an apprenticeship?

Apprentice Groundmen typically start in their late teens or early twenties, but starting at 25 is still possible. Many employers value motivation and physical fitness, and some programs accept mature applicants; however, early entry can provide more time to gain experience and certifications like OSHA safety training.

Is 27 too old for an apprenticeship?

Apprentice Groundmen can be of various ages, and 27 is not considered too old to start an apprenticeship in this field. Many apprentices begin in their late teens or early twenties, but age is generally not a barrier as long as the candidate meets the physical requirements and is willing to learn skills such as operating equipment and working outdoors.

What is a groundman apprentice?

A groundman apprentice is a trainee working under the supervision of experienced groundmen in utility or construction crews. They assist with tasks such as setting up equipment, handling materials, and maintaining safety protocols while learning job-specific skills. This role often requires physical fitness and may involve on-the-job training and certifications like OSHA safety courses.
What are the most commonly searched types of Groundman jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Groundman jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Apprentice Groundman jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Apprentice Groundman job openings:

Distribution Groundman - Metro East Region

Southern California Edison (SCE)

Ontario, CA โ€ข On-site

$33.97 - $46.27/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Join the Clean Energy Revolution
Become a Distribution Groundman at Southern California Edison (SCE) and build a better tomorrow. In this job, you'll be responsible for the construction, inspection, maintenance, and restoration of all overhead and underground electric distribution systems.
As a Distribution Groundman, your work will help power our planet, reduce carbon emissions, and create cleaner air for everyone. Are you ready to tackle the challenge to help us build the future?
Responsibilities
  • Assists Linemen to gain poles, frame cross-arms, assemble guys, and splice wire.
  • Loads and unloads material.
  • Raises material and tools on pole or tower by use of handline.
  • Dismantles material removed from the line and places on trucks.
  • Digs holes for poles and anchors.
  • Drives ground rods and pull wires and guys to tension.
  • Attends winch while handling heavy material and attends reels while stringing wire.
  • Makes and maintains trails, fells trees, hoes weeds around poles and towers.
  • Learns tools, materials, and methods of line construction and maintenance.
  • Operates truck and power equipment used in overhead and underground line construction. May occasionally operate vehicles up to the 12,000 lb. unladen weight class.
  • Maintains a safety "own it" attitude where you choose to be safe for what and who you value.
  • Performs other miscellaneous manual labor functions as advised.
  • A material job duty of all positions within the Company is ensuring the protection of all its physical, financial and cybersecurity assets, and properly accessing and managing private customer data, proprietary information, confidential medical records, and other types of highly sensitive information and data with the highest standards of conduct and integrity.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Experience or training with basic construction activities.
  • Possess a valid Class A motor vehicle operator's license.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with electrical tools, materials, and methods employed in overhead and underground line construction and maintenance.
  • Experience as a Groundman working on overhead and underground construction.
  • A certificate of completion from an SCE-accredited training program with Pole Climbing Endorsement such as East LA Skills Center, LA Trade Tech, Northwest Lineman's College, Electrical Lineman Apprentice, Electrical Line Worker or Electrical Utility Program.
  • Experience with performing heavy manual labor.
  • CPR certification from Red Cross or American Heart Association.

Additional Information
  • Visit our Candidate Resource page to get meaningful information related to benefits, perks, resources, testing information, hiring process, and more!
  • Relocation assistance will not be offered.
  • This position is a DOT (Department of Transportation) covered classification and is subject to random drug and/or alcohol screening.
  • Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act
  • We have multiple Groundman postings specific to the work location that is hiring. Please apply to locations you're interested to work in.

Testing
  • This position requires testing and applicants who are identified to continue through the selection process will be invited to test via email. Reference our Information Guides for the following tests: EEI CAST (Test #5108) and Groundman Physical Performance (Test #4015). Candidates who have previously passed these assessment(s), in some cases, may not need to retest again for this position.
  • The EEI CAST (Test #5108) is held in Irwindale, California. The Groundman Physical Performance (Test #4015) is held in Chino or Westminster, California. We do not offer travel reimbursement for this position. Please note that the EEI CAST and Physical are held on different days, usually a few weeks apart.

About Southern California Edison
The people at SCE don't just keep the lights on. Our mission is so much bigger. We're fueling the kind of innovation that's changing an entire industry, and quite possibly the planet. Join us and create a future with cleaner energy, while providing our customers with the safety and reliability they demand. At SCE, you'll have a chance to grow personally and professionally, making a real impact in Southern California and around the world.
Southern California Edison is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We are committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at (833) 343-0727.