LINEMAN SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Mar 05, 2026. The Lineman has experience in electrical distribution and transmission systems, pole climbing, cable installation, equipment operation, and utility line construction while maintaining strict safety standards. This role requires strong knowledge of AC/DC electricity, electrical codes, system maintenance, troubleshooting, and the ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in various conditions. The lineman also needs effective communication skills, technical knowledge of electrical systems and equipment, and the ability to interpret diagrams, operate specialized machinery, and respond to emergency service needs.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Lineman Resume
  • Fiber Optic Installation
  • Power Line Installation
  • Bucket Truck Operation
  • Pole Climbing
  • Cable Fault Repair
  • Transformer Installation
  • Underground Distribution Systems
  • Electrical Troubleshooting
  • Utility Switching Procedures
  • Aerial Cable Placement
  • Safety Awareness
  • Team Collaboration
  • Clear Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Attention Detail
  • Leadership Support
  • Work Plan Interpretation
  • Time Management
  • Adaptability Outdoors
  • Reliability

Summary of Lineman Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Electrical Engineering with 8 years of Experience

  • Must work safely following safety rules and regulations.
  • Must be a Journeyman Line worker.
  • Hands-on experience with an electric utility or a utility lines construction contractor.
  • Must possess the ability to safely operate motor vehicles.
  • Must possess skills in pole climbing in distribution and transmission, installing and removing poles, towers, and structures, and installing and changing transformers.
  • Must have a thorough knowledge of principles and operation of transmission and distribution systems.
  • Must have an advanced knowledge of elements of applied electricity, including AC and DC circuits.
  • Must demonstrate a questioning attitude to learn, produce results, and develop relationships.
  • Must understand the practices and procedures for clearing and grounding lines and the equipment for the protection of the public, personnel and property.
  • Must know the mechanical and dielectric characteristics and properties of the materials used in making cables and cable joints.
  • Must understand the practices, principles of operation and the proper application of equipment as prescribed by the company for safety, first aid, and rescue.
  • Must have a basic understanding of the National Electric Code and NESC.
  • Must be able to interpret complex prints and specifications.

2. BS in Power Engineering with 6 years of Experience

  • Must successfully score on the Behavioral Assessment and Journeyman Assessment.
  • Progressive electric lineman experience.
  • Must be capable of performing all aspects of electric distribution overhead, underground, construction, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
  • Must be available for emergency call-outs as per a schedule.
  • Must have effective communication skills (verbal and written).
  • Must be physically fit and able to lift objects to 90 pounds.
  • Able to perform strenuous physical labor under all types of conditions.
  • Experience with bucket trucks, digger derricks, trenchers and groundwork with utility line crew.
  • Must have a high awareness of safety and compliance with company safety rules.
  • Must reside within 20 miles of the Plainview, TX service center.

3. BS in Occupational Safety and Health with 4 years of Experience

  • Must be able to learn and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
  • Must acquire within a reasonable time span knowledge of appropriate cooperative safety rules and regulations, policies and procedures about their respective job assignments.
  • Must have an understanding of safety rules and regulations as detailed in the TJ&S Loss Control Program Safety Handbook, the American Public Power Association Safety manual and the National Electric Safety Code.
  • Must have operated equipment used in line construction and maintenance, including buckets, forklifts, backhoes, trenchers, winches, and high-compression tools.
  • Must be able to perform the activities necessary to complete work assignments described in the position description.
  • Must be able to read and interpret maps, diagrams and technical information.
  • Must be able to make mathematical calculations and complete reports with accuracy and detail.
  • Must be able to perform all activities listed in the job description with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Able to climb and stand in a hydraulic bucket to work at heights, installing transformers online, often working in awkward positions.
  • Able to move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds from one level to another.
  • Able to lift and move items that weigh up to 100 pounds from one level to another.
  • Must have specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Able to visually inspect work for safe connections.
  • Able to work with energized lines that must be handled according to National Electrical Safety Code Specifications to avoid electric shock.
  • Able to typically utilize trucks and other equipment in the completion of duties.

4. BS in Construction Management with 2 years of Experience

  • Must complete an accredited Lineman Apprentice Program or possess a current journeyman lineman certification.
  • Ability to use aerial lifts and line trucks.
  • Ability to read switching procedures and electrical one line.
  • Ability to complete written and practical skills assessment evaluation.
  • Experience in rubber glove and hot stock live line work.
  • Basic knowledge of wire stringing and associated equipment.
  • Basic knowledge of rigging.
  • Ability to read and relate to construction drawings and specifications.

5. BS in Telecommunications Engineering with 3 years of Experience

  • Must have aerial line experience.
  • Must have cable pulling experience.
  • Prior pole climbing experience.
  • Must hold work at heights and confined space entry.
  • Must have a climbing course, electrical safety awareness, pole top and bucket rescue.
  • Able to lift up to 80 lbs, work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Good communication skills with the ability to work independently or in a team.
  • Must be able to speak, read and write English.
  • Demonstrated commitment to health and safety and willing to receive applicable training as per legislative and job requirements.

6. BS in Mechanical Engineering with 4 years of Experience

  • Must meet all requirements of Lineman 1.
  • Strong understanding of and ability to construct aerial and underground Coax Cable Plant.
  • Basic splice knowledge of Coax and Fiber Optics.
  • Must possess full knowledge of all safety practices.
  • Ability to read and understand cable prints.
  • Must be willing to work on-call.
  • Must have a certification in pole climbing.
  • Must have a basic understanding and ability to operate all construction vehicles, for both aerial and underground construction.

7. BS in Industrial Technology with 3 years of Experience

  • Aerial line work experience or relevant construction experience.
  • Must be able to safely lift 23 kg (50 lbs.)
  • Must have at least a full G license and be working towards obtaining a DZ.
  • Ability to work in inclement weather.
  • Must be able to speak, read and write in English.
  • Must have ESA Telecommunications, First-Aid, and Traffic Control Book 7 Training.
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a team environment.

8. BS in Engineering Technology with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience managing aerial crews and fiber splicers.
  • Ability to use power, electrical and hand tools.
  • Ability to lift and carry 50lbs.
  • Ability to understand electrical drawings, schematics and blueprints.
  • Must be dependable and have a good record of attendance and punctuality.
  • Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving ability.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Must have trained in CPR and First Aid.

9. BS in Energy Systems Engineering with 6 years of Experience

  • Able to undergo advanced technical training.
  • Must have NCTI/SCTE certifications.
  • Experience in line work and some fiber splicing.
  • CATV/Telco OSP maintenance experience.
  • Ability to read and interpret OSP maps and designs.
  • Knowledge of NESC, OSHA, and related state and local codes.
  • Proficient in the use of OTDRs and fiber optic cable splicing.
  • Must have Windows-based software skills (AutoCAD, Excel, Word, Access).
  • Strong planning, organizational, and follow-up skills.
  • Good analytical and communication skills, sound judgment.
  • Ability to work effectively with multiple department staff.
  • Ability to recognize priority issues and escalate accordingly.
  • Must have color vision and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Ability to learn new processes and procedures.

10. BS in Applied Physics with 5 years of Experience

  • Progressive Lineman experience and completion of the OGE Apprentice Program.
  • Journey Lineman experience, i.e., Electric Utility certified Journeyman Lineman.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of electrical principles.
  • Demonstrated ability to climb poles and work at heights up to and exceeding thirty (30) feet.
  • Demonstrated ability to adhere to learn and adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company policies.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in speech and writing.
  • Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and professionally with team members, leaders, and customers.
  • Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, diagnose problems, and resolve effectively.
  • Demonstrated ability to understand equipment, systems, and processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to use common purpose hand tools and other materials of various craft trades.
  • Able to work at heights up to and exceeding thirty (30) feet.
  • Able to work with voltages up to 34.5 kV.

11. BA in Mathematics with 3 years of Experience

  • Demonstrated ability to adjust and adapt across varied working conditions.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and adherence to safety requirements and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Mechanical skills and familiarity working with mechanical equipment (e.g., aerial bucket trucks, construction equipment).
  • Demonstrated ability to work efficiently under minimal supervision.
  • Computer skills with knowledge of MS-Office Suite (e.g., Outlook).
  • Knowledge of basic math.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks.
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of utility lighting systems.
  • Able to work non-standard work schedules, including on-call, overtime, weekends, holidays, and call-outs.
  • Must have been exposed to extreme conditions and inclement weather.
  • Able to maintain or obtain certifications (e.g., Class A Switching, Confined Space).
  • Must complete Lineman and Switching Schools under the Apprentice Program.
  • Able to operate a motor vehicle safely in all traffic, weather and light conditions.

12. BA in Geographic Information Science with 4 years of Experience

  • Must be a Journeyman Lineman possessing IBEW Journeyman Lineman status in good standing.
  • Journeyman electrical worker who has completed an accredited apprenticeship program.
  • Must be able to do heavy manual labor, lifting a minimum of 60-75 pounds.
  • Able to work on steel and wood structures.
  • Prior climbing experience.
  • Must have demonstrated ability to absorb formal training and schooling.
  • Must demonstrate and maintain good safety habits.
  • Underground system experience with 200 and 600 AMP systems.

13. BS in Computer Information Systems with 2 years of Experience

  • Experience in utility work, construction, or related experience.
  • Ability to operate machinery and vehicles, read and interpret maps and staking sheets.
  • Must be familiar with basic hand tools.
  • Ability to rapidly acquire basic knowledge of corporate procedures, first aid, and safety rules and regulations.
  • Working knowledge of basic electricity, construction work, and construction units.
  • Good working knowledge of all types of metering.
  • Ability to gain knowledge of the Georgia Utility Facility Protection Act (GUFPA) regulations.
  • Must be able to work at heights, climb tall structures and poles, lift, carry and pull heavy objects.
  • Must have average or above average computer skills.
  • Must have basic mechanical aptitude, must supply own hand tools.
  • Ability to interact professionally and courteously with co-workers and members.
  • Ability to use judgment and reasoning skills to perform the essential functions of the position.
  • Able to perform heavy lifting and sustained physical activity.
  • Able to work involves frequently lifting and pulling cable, digging with a shovel, and using other hand tools, occasionally working from a ladder, and occasionally climbing poles.

14. BS in Electrical Engineering Technology with 6 years of Experience

  • Experience in electrical distribution, construction and maintenance.
  • Experience in the position of a Journeyman Lineman.
  • Must have OPC certification as an Integrated Transmission System Operator.
  • Must have forklift certification and DOT certification in traffic flagging and control.
  • Must be able to climb.
  • Must possess those mental and physical abilities necessary to perform energized line work.
  • Must be willing to work after hours to assist in service restoration.
  • Must be willing to serve regularly in the on-call rotation schedule for restoring service after hours.
  • Must have been certified for hot work.

15. BS in Fiber Optic Communications with 3 years of Experience

  • Able to involve running fiber optic cables in the communication and power space, in underground infrastructure, working in manholes, and ISP work.
  • Able to maintain the safety of the crew and operability of key equipment and tools.
  • Must be able to read and comprehend regulations and instructions.
  • Good oral communication skills.
  • Able to build, repair, or maintain poles, cables, their supports, and conduits for cables.
  • Must be able to perform heavy physical labor.
  • Able to discriminate between colors, and must not be afraid of heights or confined spaces.
  • Experience operating a Utility construction vehicle.
  • Proficient in the use of hand tools and equipment (wrenches, drills, ladders, lanyards, saws, etc.)
  • Proficient in the use of telecom construction equipment (aerial lifts, lashers, meters, etc.)

16. BS in Environmental Health and Safety with 4 years of Experience

  • Able to work involves physical exertion, heavy lifting, and exposure to inclement weather, as well as the hazardous conditions of working with high-voltage energized lines and equipment.
  • Good physical condition and dexterity.
  • Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately and possess good hearing for work and safety compliance in a hot line environment.
  • Must have recent lineman experience.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to properly inspect PPE and follow Company safety rules and policies.
  • Ability to pole climb, bond and grounding, underground and aerial pulling, place anchors and pole transfers.
  • Experience with pole transfers.
  • Must be able to repair and replace the equipment for the new pole.
  • Experience with make ready, pole make ready and fiber make ready to make sure there is enough space to get the pole set up.

17. BS in Renewable Energy Engineering with 6 years of Experience

  • Must have a certificate III in ESI, Power Systems.
  • Ability to maintain energised high voltage distribution overhead electrical apparatus (glove and barrier).
  • Must have a certificate II in ESI, Powerline Vegetation Control.
  • Good leadership skills.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of Black Hills Energy Electric Distribution System and Company property, lines, safety practices and procedures.
  • Thorough knowledge of electrical standards for the construction of the electrical system, methods and materials.
  • Strong familiarity with test voltages for all distribution transformer configurations.
  • Ability to locate underground cable.
  • Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
Relevant Information
Journeyman Lineman Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements