Advance your career as a Lineworker
SDG&E Lineworkers (Linemen) keep the lights on for 3.7 million people
ALREADY A QUALIFIED LINEMAN?
Are you a qualified Lineman who holds a current Journeyman card and is a member of the IBEW Local 465? Click the "Apply Now" below to apply for a position as a Lineworker (Lineman) with SDG&E.
SDG&E Lineworkers receive highly competitive wages and benefits. Review our employee benefits.
LINEWORKER SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Learn about our Lineworker (Lineman) scholarship opportunity.
Program overview
SDG&E Lineworkers (Linemen) build, maintain and repair overhead and underground electrical power lines. Day or night, Lineworkers serve as first responders when any natural or man-made disaster threatens the security of the electrical system. Read below to learn the six steps to become an SDG&E Lineworker.
LINE ASSISTANT (GROUNDMAN) OVERVIEW
To become an SDG&E Lineworker, you must first be hired as a Line Assistant (Groundman). SDG&E recruits Line Assistants from within the company and from external organizations. Here’s how you can qualify and be considered for the pre-apprentice position of SDG&E Line Assistant.
- Team player
- Disciplined
- Adaptable
- Safety mindset
- Physical and mental strength and endurance
- Committed to challenging work
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as a team
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Valid Driver's License
- High school diploma or GED
- Over 18 years of age
- 1 year of previous construction or mechanical experience
- Previous or current Groundman experience, or related job experience
- Graduation from a Lineman program, such as LATTC, Northwest Lineman College, or equivalent
- Interested candidates view a job aid on how to sign up for job alerts.
- Interested candidates apply online when a Line Assistant position is posted.
- SDG&E invites selected candidates to complete and pass each of the following steps:
- Online Field and Technical Assessment
- Onsite interview with SDG&E
- Onsite, pre-employment Physical Abilities Assessment
- SDG&E conducts a reference check for selected candidates.
- SDG&E offers position to selected candidates.
- Contingent on offer, selected candidates complete a background check (criminal, DMV, education and employment verification), DOT drug screen, DMV physical, and Lineman physical.
- Once hiring contingencies are cleared, candidates complete a three-week Line Assistant orientation class.
- Once candidates pass the orientation class, candidates are accepted into the SDG&E Line Assistant program.
SDG&E typically recruits Line Assistant candidates every spring and fall.
Missed the last recruitment? Apply for another position at SDG&E. We also recruit Line Assistant candidates from external entry-level positions such as:
- Gas Laborer
- Traffic Control Assistant
- Energy Service Specialist / Customer Care Technician (Call Center)
Line Assistants will perform manual labor on overhead and underground electric construction and maintenance crews. Under the direct supervision of qualified electrical workers, the Line Assistant will be required to perform a large number of tasks in a training capacity. These tasks will include, but not be limited to: loading and unloading tools and materials in trucks and trailers; driving commercial vehicles; assisting with the preparation and installation of various materials on power poles, in subsurface hand holes and vaults, and on padmounted equipment; operating pneumatic tools (clay spades, tampers, etc.); digging and shoveling dirt; climbing ladders; pulling heavy cable or rope manually, up to 100 pounds; operating ground controls of hydraulic crane and aerial man lift machines; using hand and power operated tools to assemble wooden crossarms and poles and other pieces of the electric system assembling rope splicing and knot tying; and sending tools and materials up to linemen working aloft by using a rope and pulley system.
Successful applicants will initially attend a training course where they will be taught basic electric line terminology and work methods, and become familiar with tools and equipment. They will be taught pole climbing techniques, and be expected to climb poles up to 45' within a reasonable training period. Upon completion of this training, they will be assigned to a Construction and Operations Center in San Diego County or Southern Orange County. At the C&O Center, each Line Assistant will be assigned to various electric construction crews.
Line Assistants will be given the opportunity to advance to Apprentice Lineman within three years. The Apprentice Lineman position must be accepted when offered. Once indentured as an Apprentice Lineman, the employee will advance in six (6), six-month steps (3 year apprenticeship) to Journeyman Lineman ifjob performance is acceptable. Employees must also successfully complete a prescribed six semester long night school course before being promoted to Journeyman Lineman.
Journeyman Linemen duties include, but are not limited to the following tasks: installing, repairing, removing and maintaining electric overhead and underground cables, wires and equipment operated at voltages from 120 volts to 500,000 volts. Often, they will be working on this equipment while it is energized. They are required to climb and work on poles and steel structures up to 200' high, work in underground confined spaces, and perform emergency repairs in any weather on a 24 hour 7 day a week basis.
Look at job listings and sign up for job alerts to receive an email notification when an SDG&E job is posted.
APPRENTICE LINEWORKER OVERVIEW
Once you're hired as a Line Assistant at SDG&E, you automatically become eligible for our Apprentice Lineworker program. SDG&E Apprentice Lineworkers are full-time employees who receive benefits, on-the-job training, and support and guidance for career development. Apprentice Lineworkers are required to work extended days and respond to emergency callouts.
The Apprentice Lineworker program includes up to three years of training and assessments in conjunction with the State of California and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). As an Apprentice Lineworker, you are required to take Night School courses at SDG&E and receive credits in college-level Mathematics and Electrical Theory.
Apprenticeships are automatically offered to SDG&E Line Assistants based on seniority and availability. Therefore, you may be employed in the Line Assistant program for six months to three years before you’re enrolled as an Apprentice Lineworker.
Once you complete and pass the apprentice program's required training and assessments, you can obtain your Journeyman Lineman card.
|
Title of Course |
Hours |
|---|---|
|
Line Assistant Orientation |
80 |
|
Climbing Course |
80 |
|
Basic Secondary Course |
240 |
|
Advanced Secondary Course |
200 |
|
4kV Rubber Globe Course |
80 |
|
12 kV Hot-Stick / Live-Line Course |
160 |
|
12kV Rubber Glove Course |
160 |
|
UG Primary Course |
200 |
| Total | 1,200 |
|
Steps |
OJT Hours | |
|---|---|---|
|
Steps 1 & 2 |
A. Perform Lineman's Prep / Groundwork. |
1,000 |
|
Steps 1 & 2 |
B. Perform overhead / underground energized work up to 600 volts. |
1,000 |
|
Step 3 |
C. Prepare and install various overhead / underground equipment & work on de-energized primary circuits. |
1,000 |
|
Step 4 |
D. Prepare and install various overhead / underground equipment. Observe work practices on energized primary circuits. |
1,000 |
|
Steps 5 & 6 |
E. Perform Lineman's Duties. Under Journeyman, perform work in energized circuits utilizing rubber gloves and live line work procedures. |
2,000 |
| Total | 6,000 |
- Develop your skills
- Grow your professional network
- Present to senior leaders and peers
- Participate in mentoring programs
- Competitive compensation and benefits
- Work-life balance and stability
- Socially responsible Fortune 500 company
- Opportunity to work across SDG&E and SoCalGas
- Electric distribution and transmission
- General construction
- Electric distribution maintenance
- Electric transmission maintenance
The process to become a Lineworker is physically, mentally and academically challenging. Take classes now to get a head start on applying to the SDG&E Line Assistant position.
SDG&E directly recruits candidates from the following colleges and programs:
- San Diego City College
- SDG&E Night School is required for Apprentice Lineworkers. However, you may choose to complete this course prior to acceptance into the Line Assistant candidate orientation and program.
- San Diego Workforce Partnership
- San Diego Continuing Education Foundation, Utility Line Clearance / Arborist Program
- Contact Caron Lieber at [email protected] for more information.
- Northwest Lineman College
- East Los Angeles Skills Center
- Lineman Central — Lineman Jobs and Schools
MORE THAN A JOB
Want to join our team of skilled Lineworkers? Unless you’re already a qualified Journeyman Lineman, your first step is to apply to become a Line Assistant. Watch the videos below to learn more about the hiring and training process for SDG&E's pre-apprentice Line Assistant and Apprentice Lineworker programs.
SDG&E Line Assistant Program
Rigorous classroom and field training, physical endurance, and mental strength are skills required to successfully complete SDG&E’s Line Assistant and Apprentice Lineworker programs. Learn the rigors of SDG&E linework.
Pre-employment Assessments
Once Line Assistant candidates have completed an online assessment and onsite interview, they may be selected for the next step of the hiring process: the onsite, pre-employment Physical Abilities Assessment.
Line Assistant Orientation Interviews
Learn from Line Assistants about their experience and progress in the program in this interview video. All candidates in the video, were successful passing the Line Assistant Orientation and made into the Apprenticeship Program.
- Over 130 years in business
- Serves the 8th largest city in the country
- 4,100 square miles
- 1.45 million electric meters
- 6 distribution operating centers with 2 satellites
- 1 transmission and substation operation center
- 161 substations
- 319 power transformers
- 2,320 circuit breakers
- 240 transmission lines
- 1,057 distribution circuits (4kV / 12kV)
SDG&E commits to safety
Safety is our highest priority at SDG&E. Our Wildfire Resilience and Operations team supports our region’s communities with crucial information and resources on wildfire safety, Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), building defensible spaces around homes, and many other safety topics. SDG&E's qualified Lineworkers are on the front lines as a core part of these operations.
SDG&E partners with San Diego’s diverse communities
SDG&E invests, supports and partners with hundreds of local non-profit organizations with programs that positively impact underserved communities within San Diego County and South Orange County. We are also proud to partner with community groups and diverse businesses to raise awareness of job opportunities within the skilled trades industry for high school and college students. Partnerships include businesses and organizations such as Jingoli Power, Competitive Edge, A.M. Ortega, the IBEW Local 465, San Diego City College, Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce, and JBM Energy Solutions.
IBEW Local 465
Workforce development within diverse communities
San Diego City College
Electric Lineman Rodeo
Each profession has an annual competition that brings out the best of the best. Soccer has the World Cup. Baseball has the World Series. Football has the Super Bowl. In the electric industry, Linemen have the international Electric Lineman Rodeo.
The rodeo first came to SDG&E in 1992 when Lineman Joe Torres (middle photo below) brought together his coworkers, including Roland Rodman and Pat Flores, to compete in multiple races: the Cross-Arm Changeout, Hurt-Man Rescue, Pole-Climbing with Raw Egg, and others.
Today’s Lineman Rodeo also incorporates events that replicate typical tasks performed by Linemen. For example, teams and apprentices compete to climb poles, complete a hurt-man rescue event, and use insulated sticks or rubber gloves designed to work on energized, high-voltage electrical equipment from a safe distance. All competitors are judged for safety, work practices, neatness and ability, equipment handling, and timely completion of each event.
What have you enjoyed most about your experience in the Apprentice Lineman program?
The skills and craftsmanship you learn and build are the best part of being an Apprentice Lineman at SDG&E.
As a Senior Line Instructor, what qualities do you look for in a stellar Line Assistant?
As a Senior Line School Instructor, I look for mental and physical strength in a potential Line Assistant. You will be required to scale great heights, haul heavy gear, and work grueling hours. If you are not physically at your best, this job will be challenging to maintain. Are you naturally inclined to attempt activities that others may see as dangerous? Being an Apprentice Lineworker is one of the most challenging jobs one can have. It may seem like a no-brainer, but an Apprentice Lineworker must be comfortable working high off the ground. Linemen are typically rushing into natural disasters that others are fleeing from. The men and women who choose this job take risks each day. From working in severe weather to working over 100 feet off the ground, thriving in unique environments will set you up for success. You also must be a hands-on learner, as it takes practice and repetition to master the trade. Working with high-voltage electrical power lines takes time that only hands-on learning can provide. Being a Lineman is a very demanding job, but it is also gratifying. So many times, you will come in during a stressful time in another person’s life and restore some sense of normalcy. Without Linemen, our society could not function. It takes a solid individual to fulfill this role, and we are so thankful for those that step up to do it. Are you up for the challenge?
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is passing down the knowledge and skills that have made me successful and seeing others become successful.
What is the most strenuous or dangerous aspect of your job?
As an Electric Troubleshooter, I work alone and am usually first on the scene responding to electrical emergencies that involve hazard to life or property. Keeping the public safe is my main objective. It's my job to identify dangers and dangerous conditions that could compromise the public's safety as well as my own. Practicing proper safety habits and understanding standard practices keep my safety forefront, which allows me to go home safe every day.
What compelled you to become a Lineman?
What drove me to become a Lineman was a desire to start a better-paying career path with a great company. What convinced me I was in the right place as a Lineman was three weeks into the job while helping to restore service after a big storm left thousands of customers out of power. After working late into the night to make repairs, I watched an Apprentice Lineworker climb a pole, operate a switch, and watch a whole town’s lights come on. I was hooked!
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing a career as an SDG&E Journeyman Lineman?
Whether coming in at entry level or above, the sky is the limit. This company allows you to create your own path. Participate and get involved in the daily activities of work and committees, such as safety committees, tool committees, etc. This company values an employee’s input and contributions, so stay focused, work safe, work hard, and stay driven. I am a true testament of all the above as I started out as a Laborer on street repair, then became a Lineman, and then a Construction Manager at Northeast.
Yes. Line Assistant is SDGE’s title for a Groundman.
Yes. Lineworker, Lineman, Journeyman Lineworker, and Journeyman Lineman are interchangeable terms used by SDG&E. Therefore, a Lineworker is the same as a Lineman; and an Apprentice Lineworker is the same as an Apprentice Lineman.
If you don’t have a Journeyman card, you must be hired as an SDG&E Line Assistant before you can begin our Apprentice Lineworker program.
If you're already a qualified Journeyman, you can apply for job openings here.
There are two assessments you will need to pass before you can be considered for a Line Assistant position at SDG&E. The first is the Field and Technical Assessment, which is taken online; the second is the Physical Abilities Assessment, which is taken onsite at SDG&E.
Click here to review assessment study guides.
You do not need to come to San Diego for the initial Field and Technical Assessment, which is taken online.
However, you will need to come to San Diego for the in-person, onsite interview and Physical Abilities Assessment.
Passing sores for the online Field and Technical Assessment are valid for two years. Passing scores for the onsite, pre-employment Physical Abilities Assessment is one year. If you fail the onsite physical abilities assessment, there is a six-month waiting period to retest. You may only retest one time. To do so, the job must be posted, and SDG&E’s Human Resources team must request that you retest.
Yes. If you fail the orientation or apprenticeship classes, you will need to reapply to the Line Assistant position and retake the classes.
No, you cannot bid on other jobs or transfer to a different department while you are employed as a Line Assistant candidate, Line Assistant, or Apprentice Lineworker.
If you are hired as an SDG&E Line Assistant, you will choose your district at the end of your Line Assistant orientation. The district you choose will be the one to which you are assigned during your time as a Line Assistant and Apprentice Lineworker.
We only offer relocation assistance or a sign-on bonus to qualified Journeymen Linemen who are hired as SDG&E Lineworkers.
