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Apprentice Rural Electric Cooperative Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Apprentice Rural Electric Cooperative information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$11

$21

$36

How much do apprentice rural electric cooperative jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice rural electric cooperative in Raleigh, NC is $21.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $23.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and hands-on tasks can an apprentice at a rural electric cooperative expect to participate in during their training?

As an Apprentice at a Rural Electric Cooperative, you'll gain hands-on experience working on a variety of projects such as installing and maintaining power lines, repairing electrical equipment, and assisting with outage restoration. You will often work alongside experienced journeyman linemen, learning safety protocols, proper tool usage, and the fundamentals of electrical distribution systems. The work environment is typically outdoors and can involve working in different weather conditions, which helps build resilience and adaptability. Apprenticeships also include classroom instruction and on-the-job training, providing a strong foundation for future advancement within the cooperative.

What is an apprentice rural electric cooperative?

An Apprentice Rural Electric Cooperative worker is an entry-level employee who is learning the skills necessary to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in rural areas. These apprentices work under the supervision of experienced journeymen, gaining hands-on experience with tasks such as setting poles, stringing wires, and troubleshooting outages. The goal of the apprenticeship is to prepare the worker for a full-time, skilled lineman or technician role within a rural electric cooperative, which is an organization that provides electricity to rural communities. Apprenticeships typically combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training, and can last several years, depending on the cooperative's requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice rural electric cooperative, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice at a Rural Electric Cooperative, you need a basic understanding of electrical systems, safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by enrollment in an apprenticeship program. Familiarity with tools such as climbing gear, voltage meters, and the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) is typical, and OSHA safety certifications may be required. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills help apprentices adapt to field challenges and learn from experienced journeymen. These competencies are crucial for performing safe, reliable electrical work that keeps rural communities powered and protected.

What is the difference between Apprentice Rural Electric Cooperative vs Journeyman Lineman?

AspectApprentice Rural Electric CooperativeJourneyman Lineman
CredentialsOn-the-job training, apprenticeship program, some certificationsCompleted apprenticeship, journeyman certification, licenses
Work EnvironmentTraining under supervision, fieldwork, utility company settingsIndependent work, high-voltage line maintenance, outdoor environments
Industry UsageEntry-level, training phase within electric cooperativesSkilled worker, responsible for line installation and repair

The main difference is that an Apprentice Rural Electric Cooperative is in training and gaining experience under supervision, while a Journeyman Lineman has completed training and certification, allowing them to work independently on electrical lines. Apprentices are learning the trade, whereas Journeymen are fully qualified workers responsible for maintaining and repairing power lines in rural electric cooperative settings.

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Infographic showing various Apprentice Rural Electric Cooperative job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,527 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Job description

Summary Description: At North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives you will be part of an exciting mission to build a Brighter Future for our state and rural communities, making a real difference in the lives of 2.8 million consumer members.  Our Manager of Government Affairs is part of a dedicated team advocating for reliable, affordable electricity that powers our members’ families, work and communities.  The Manager of Government Affairs leads our education and grassroots engagement efforts to voice important cooperative priorities to political leaders.  You will provide leadership in developing and implementing strategic actions to advocate for policy issues in the North Carolina General Assembly, US Congress and government agencies.  You will analyze legislation, determine positioning, and communicate to affect and influence legislative priorities and successful outcomes.  You will be responsible for coordinating, writing and distributing articles, position papers, and posts regarding cooperative positions that will educate and motivate internal and external audiences.  You will lead the coordination of PAC activities and effectively coordinate with the member cooperatives. 

Academic and Trade Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in political science, communications, or related field required.

Work Experience: 5+ years of professional lobbying, legislative aid, political campaigning staff or public relations with an emphasis on policy.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist the Government Affairs team with the development of effective strategies in coordination with member education on policy and regulatory issues
  • Maintain strong relationships and execute proactive engagement with legislative and administrative officials
  • Lead all grassroots efforts in coordination with member cooperative liaisons
  • Lead all PAC promotional activity and interface with Accounting department on all necessary reporting and compliance activity
  • Lead Cooperative Youth Tour efforts and collaborate with local cooperatives
  • Support management in education of contract lobbyists in accordance with legislative and regulatory goals
  • Research industry issues and communicate potential impacts on cooperative priorities
  • Analyze and interpret political and legislative activity communicating meaningful impacts on organizational mission, goals and initiatives
  • Collaborate with internal and external subject matter experts to influence strategy development and implementation
  • Coordinate with NRECA, other allied organizations and the membership on issue education, policy positions and political activity
  • Measure and evaluate results of education and communication efforts for legislative efforts and PAC participation
  • Represent NCEC at public and political events to promote cooperative interests

  

Job Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of legislative, political and PAC best practices that produce innovative and successful outcomes
  • Familiarity with legislative, political and regulatory landscape on state and federal level
  • Strong knowledge of inner workings of the General Assembly, Congressional and Administrative operating environment
  • Experience developing successful legislative and political strategies and fostering and maintaining relationships with legislators and opinion leaders
  • Strong knowledge of PAC organizations and compliance activities
  • Experience in creating content for traditional and digital platforms
  • Knowledge of measuring success, communicating outcomes and building advancement

Abilities and Skills:

  • Exceptional interpersonal, public speaking and writing skills
  • Strategic thinker with meticulous attention to detail, working well with others and meeting deadlines
  • The ability to be proactive, multitask and adapt in a fast-paced environment thoughtfully resolving complex problems/issues under pressure
  • Ability to communicate up and down the management structure as well as with the membership to prioritize and identify issues significant to each audience
  • Eagerness to work collaboratively with multiple professionals on a vast array of issues and solutions
  • A service mindset with a wide degree of creativity and a strong desire to contribute ideas and recommendations

Relationships and Contacts: Reports to Director of Government Affairs

Working Conditions: Normal working conditions, including some travel and responsibilities outside of normal business hours. Includes working shifts during crisis conditions. Partial remote hybrid option available.

Company Profile: North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives (http://ncemcs.com/about/ncemc.htm) is the brand for the family of organizations formed to support the state’s 26 local electric cooperatives, including: North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation, the power supplier to many of the electric cooperatives; North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, the cooperatives’ trade association; and Tarheel Electric Membership Association, Inc. (TEMA), a central purchasing and materials-supply cooperative.

North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment.