Commercial Apprentice Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has an immediate opening for a Apprentice/Technician/Journey Substation Construction Technician located at York Operations Centerin York, Nebraska. Position closes September 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.
Position Summary
Substation Construction Technician positions are responsible and accountable for the construction and maintenance of NPPD's worksites, such as substations and other associated electrical equipment within T&D Operations. Functions include climbing steel towers, layout of substation and other worksites, building concrete forms, placing and finishing concrete, installing electrical equipment, assembling steel structures and towers related to the construction, modification, and maintenance of Operations infrastructure (for example, substations). Responsibilities include frequent travel, overnight stays, and responding to emergencies. These Technicians will also assist in storm restoration as needed. They need the ability to run heavy equipment including mobile cranes, highway diggers, and large cranes.
Due to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) regulatory requirements regarding medium substations, a satisfactory NERC background check may be required.
Education, Training and Experience
All Levels: Entry level position, which requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
OR
Associate's degree in electro-mechanical, electronics, electrical technology, or an associate's degree or certificate of completion from an approved community college or correspondence school in a related field is preferred.
OR
Applicants, hired external to NPPD, will be placed into the Operations Construction Technician Progression Program based on previous experience and education.
Journey Substation Construction Technician: Must have achieved Substation Construction Technician status with NPPD.
Apprentice Substation Construction Technician: Two years construction type work required.
Substation Construction Technician: Experience required as outlined in the Construction Technician Progression Program. Applicants hired external to NPPD will be placed into the Operations Construction Technician Progression Program based on previous experience and education.
Journey/Senior Substation Construction Technician: A total of five years' combined experience at the Apprentice Substation Construction Technician and Substation Construction Technician levels is the normal minimum requirement for progression to the Journey Substation Construction Technician (as outlined in the CSD Operations Construction Technician Progression Program). Equivalent experience outside of NPPD will also be considered.
Licenses and/or Certifications
All Levels: Must maintain cardiopulmonary resuscitation/automated external defibrillator (CPR/AED) and first aid certifications. Obtain commercial driver's license (CDL) within six months and maintain CDL. Must obtain other certifications as required for the position.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Lay out Operations worksite (for example, substation), and other work according to drawings and specifications. Build concrete forms, place and finish concrete to meet specifications. Place rebar and anchor bolts as required.
Interpret one-line electrical, mechanical, and structural drawings
Be familiar with and apply chemicals under proper and safe conditions for vegetation management of Operations worksites.
Maintain favorable public relations with property owners, other District personnel, business establishments, and customers.
Assemble and erect steel structures, towers, and substation equipment stands using proper rigging and safety procedures required to maintain a safe and secure Operations infrastructure. Install electrical equipment, transformers, breakers, underground cable, ground field, etc.
Assemble, mount, and adjust substation switches. Install substation bus work and conductor and connect substation equipment.
Safely operate and maintain skid loaders, trenchers, mobile and hydraulic aerial equipment, and other heavy equipment associated with construction.
Accountable for other duties as assigned.
Core Competencies
Customer Focus
Employees & Teamwork/Diversity & Inclusion
Integrity/Excellence
Public Service/Environmental Stewardship
Safety
Salary Information - Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary with opportunities for growth. In addition to the base salary range listed below, NPPD employees may also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program (AIP) that may supplement total compensation at a level above and beyond the stated salary range. Successful applicants will be provided more information regarding the incentive program at the time of an interview.
Apprentice Substation Construction Technician non-exempt pay grade 10: $39.29/hour
Substation Construction Technician non-exempt pay grade 12: $47.15/hour
Journey Substation Construction Technician non-exempt pay grade 13: $56.06/hour
Travel Required: More than 75% (With frequent overnight stays, more than 3 per month, typically within state of Nebraska) Travel required may fluctuate by business need. This is an estimate and will be discussed further with candidates that receive an interview.
Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary and an excellent benefits package including medical and dental insurance, 401K retirement plan, paid holidays, paid vacation, paid medical, training opportunities and more.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at Nebraska Public Power District.
Nebraska Public Power District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer who values the contributions of its diverse work force. We are only legally able to hire persons who are 1) a United States citizen or national, 2) a lawful permanent resident of the United States, or 3) an alien legally authorized to work in the United States.
Benefits
Customers around the state know what to expect from NPPD - quality, reliability and performance excellence. Our values also extend to the way we take care of our employees and their families. We remain on the leading edge by providing competitive benefits that respond to the diverse lifestyles of our people in an ever-changing world.
Salary
Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary with opportunities for growth. In addition to the base salary listed in posting, NPPD employees may also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program (AIP) that may supplement total compensation at a level above and beyond the stated salary range.
Retirement Savings
NPPD employees may participate in two retirement plan options - a 401(k) plan and a 457(b) plan. Both plans allow for pre-tax or Roth contributions. After the first six months of employment, the 401(k) plan includes a generous matching contribution from NPPD. The five-year vesting period begins on an employee's hire date. Our retired employees are eligible for retiree healthcare benefits as well as a life benefit paid out to designated beneficiaries upon their passing.
Health & Wellness
At NPPD, we care about the health and wellness of our employees. We offer new teammates two competitive hospital / medical plan options to fit their lifestyle and family needs. We also make an annual contribution to employee Health Savings Accounts, which can be used to offset out-of-pocket expenses. Employees and their spouse are invited to participate in a variety of wellness initiatives offered throughout the year as a way to enhance their wellness, reduce health risks and promote healthy lifestyles.
Other Benefits
Employees earn vacation on a schedule commensurate with their years of service. We also offer paid holidays as well as personal and family medical leave, including birth mother recovery leave and parental child bonding leave. All full-time employees receive a life insurance policy equivalent to two times the participant's annual salary at no cost to the employee. NPPD also offers dental and vision insurance as well as personal accident, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, pre-paid legal/identity theft, and short-and long-term disability insurance plans. Additional benefits include college tuition reimbursement, relocation assistance and complimentary access to an Employee Assistance Program.