As a NETA‐accredited, independent electrical testing and engineering organization, Asplundh ... Technical degree, apprenticeship, or military electrical training * OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 * Valid ...
As a NETA‐accredited, independent electrical testing and engineering organization, Asplundh ... Technical degree, apprenticeship, or military electrical training * OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 * Valid ...
Apprentice Operating Engineer information
See Warrensburg, MO salary details
$11.30 - $13.39
6% of jobs
$13.39 - $15.49
14% of jobs
$15.90 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$15.49 - $17.58
25% of jobs
The median wage is $18.17 / hr.
$17.58 - $19.68
17% of jobs
$21.51 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$19.68 - $21.77
15% of jobs
$21.77 - $23.87
7% of jobs
$23.87 - $25.96
6% of jobs
$25.96 - $28.05
4% of jobs
$28.05 - $30.15
2% of jobs
$30.15 - $32.24
1% of jobs
$32.24 - $34.34
2% of jobs
$11
$20
$34
How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in Warrensburg, MO is $20.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $22.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is an apprentice operating engineer?
Apprentice Operating Engineers are individuals who are learning to operate and maintain heavy equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, and excavators, typically on construction sites. They work under the supervision of experienced engineers as part of a formal apprenticeship program, gaining hands-on experience and classroom instruction. The apprenticeship usually lasts several years and prepares individuals for a career as a fully qualified Operating Engineer, offering skills in equipment operation, safety practices, and routine maintenance.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice operating engineer?
To thrive as an Apprentice Operating Engineer, you need a basic understanding of mechanical systems, strong math skills, and typically a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with heavy equipment operation, safety protocols, and basic maintenance tools is important, and OSHA safety certifications are often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operation of complex machinery and support the successful completion of construction or industrial projects.
What are some typical challenges faced by apprentice operating engineers during their training period?
As an Apprentice Operating Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding tasks, learning to safely operate a wide range of heavy machinery, and understanding complex site safety protocols. Balancing on-the-job training with classroom instruction can also be demanding, requiring strong time management and a willingness to continuously learn. Additionally, working in varying weather conditions and collaborating closely with seasoned engineers and construction crews are common aspects of the role.
What is the difference between Apprentice Operating Engineer vs Operating Engineer?
| Aspect | Apprentice Operating Engineer | Operating Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically requires a high school diploma and apprenticeship program completion | Requires relevant certifications and experience, often including a license |
| Work Environment | Training environment, assisting with operations in industrial or building settings | Full responsibility for operating and maintaining equipment in similar settings |
| Job Role | Learning and assisting under supervision | Independent operation and decision-making |
The main difference is that an Apprentice Operating Engineer is in training, focusing on learning the skills needed to become an Operating Engineer, who is fully qualified to operate and maintain equipment independently. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for the responsibilities of an Operating Engineer.
Can you become an apprentice operating engineer with an apprenticeship?
Yes, becoming an apprentice operating engineer typically involves enrolling in an apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. These programs often require a high school diploma or equivalent and may include passing a skills assessment or physical exam. Completing an apprenticeship can lead to a journeyman operating engineer certification and better job opportunities in the field.
Is an apprentice operating engineer hard to get into?
Becoming an apprentice operating engineer typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, passing an entrance exam, and completing a structured apprenticeship program that includes on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Competition can be moderate, and relevant skills such as mechanical aptitude and safety awareness are important for entry.
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.
Asplundh Tree Expert rating
5.8
Based on 245 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
17th of 19 rated forestry and logging companies
Job description
Description
About the Role
At Asplundh Electrical Testing, safety is not a priority—it is our foundation. The Senior Relay Technician plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, reliable operation of medium‐ and high‐voltage utility substations through advanced protective relay testing, commissioning, and maintenance activities.
This position is ideal for professionals with a utility background who have hands‐on experience testing and commissioning transmission and distribution protection systems. You will serve as a technical lead in the field, guide crews through complex outage work, and reinforce Asplundh's reputation for safety, precision, and service excellence.
We are experiencing strong growth and are immediately hiring Senior Relay Technicians with deep expertise in protection and control, relay schemes, and substation energization. If you enjoy solving complex protection challenges, leading safe work execution, and influencing system reliability at scale, we'd like to speak with you.
As a NETA‐accredited, independent electrical testing and engineering organization, Asplundh Electrical Testing sets the benchmark for technical excellence and unwavering safety across the utility, renewable energy, data center, and industrial sectors.
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
What You'll Do
- Lead job briefings and safety tailboards, reinforcing a "Safety First, Always" field culture
- Perform protective relay testing, calibration, troubleshooting, and commissioning on medium‐ and high‐voltage systems
- Test and validate transmission and distribution protection schemes, including:
- Distance, differential, overcurrent, breaker failure, and bus protection
- Verify control and protection circuits for:
- Power transformers
- Medium‐ and high‐voltage circuit breakers
- Feeder relays
- Capacitor banks and reactors
- Support outage planning, switching coordination, energization, and restoration activities
- Perform event analysis, relay target review, and disturbance investigations
- Lead and mentor onsite technicians; coordinate work execution with project managers, system operators, and utility customers
- Create and maintain accurate test reports, as‐left settings, and field documentation
- Participate in job walks, project estimating, and customer technical discussions
- Serve as a technical resource and trainer for developing relay technicians
Travel Requirements:
Work is performed at customer sites throughout the assigned region. Regular regional travel is required, with opportunities for extended assignments outside the region as needed.
Company vehicle provided for regional work‐related travel.
- 5+ years of hands‐on experience in protective relaying for utility substations
- Demonstrated experience testing medium‐ to high‐voltage (5kV–500kV) protection systems
- Strong working knowledge of microprocessor‐based relays
- Experience with modern relay test platforms
- Solid understanding of utility safety rules, energized work practices, and lockout/tagout procedures
- Ability to interpret:
- Protection diagrams
- AC/DC schematics
- Wiring and logic drawings
- Valid driver's license; ability to work outdoors, travel, and lift up to 70 lbs
- NETA Level III or IV Certification preferred for Senior roles (Candidates at other NETA levels are encouraged to apply for opportunities across the organization)
- Experience with:
- Circuit breakers
- Power transformers
- Switchgear
- RTUs and substation communications
- Technical degree, apprenticeship, or military electrical training
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving history
What We Offer
At Asplundh Electrical Testing, we invest in the well‐being of our people. Eligible employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their health, financial security, and work‐life balance, including:- Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plan to help you secure your future
- Company‐provided life insurance for added peace of mind
- Supplemental life insurance options, including spouse and child coverage
- A variety of voluntary Aflac supplemental insurance programs
- Long‐term disability coverage
- Pre‐paid legal plan
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support personal and professional well‐being
- Paid time off to recharge and refresh
- Paid holidays
- Access to employee discount programs and helpful resources
Please note: For roles that fall within union‐represented territories, certain benefits and employment terms may differ from what's listed here. In those cases, the applicable local union agreement will guide the specific benefits and provisions. We're committed to transparency and will walk you through what applies to your location during the hiring process.
Who We Are
Asplundh Electrical Testing (AET) has been a leading provider of independent electrical testing services since 1981. Headquartered in Foxboro, MA, with regional offices across the country, AET specializes in substation commissioning, acceptance testing, and maintenance for clients in electrical transmission, distribution, and generation. As a NETA-certified company and a member of Asplundh Engineering Services—a subsidiary of Asplundh Infrastructure Group—AET is committed to delivering reliable, high-quality services at competitive prices.
An Asplundh Company
As part of the Asplundh family, AET benefits from extensive resources and a century of experience. Together, we provide utilities with comprehensive end-to-end services, from design to construction, testing, and maintenance, ensuring reliability and peace of mind.
Our Commitment
At AET, we believe in tackling challenges together with our customers, leveraging our collective experience and resources to achieve success in every project.
Benefits We offer a competitive range of benefits to support our employees' health, well-being, and financial security. Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available to all eligible employees on the first day of employment. For more information on the benefits available for this role, please contact the recruiter or hiring manager. Individuals with a disability who desire a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 1-833-222-3066. We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e-Verify all newly hired employees. An Equal Opportunity Employer. Please note:- All job offers are subject to pre-employment drug screening and a background check.
- Unless otherwise noted, we do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
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About Asplundh
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Personal services
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Willow Grove, PA, US
Year founded
1928