Careers at JREC

Located in Ladysmith, Wisconsin

Jump River Electric Cooperative, Inc. is seeking a safety-focused Lineworker in Ladysmith, WI to support the construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of the electric distribution system. This position may be filled at the Apprentice or Journey level and provides courteous, reliable service to our member-owners.

Jump River Electric Cooperative (JREC) is a rural electric cooperative located in northwest Wisconsin composed of 23 employees serving 8,950 members across a service area of more than 1,835 miles of line. Headquarters is located in Ladysmith, Wisconsin with a branch office in Hayward, Wisconsin.

Apprentice Lineworkers need to progress through the Wisconsin Electric Lineworker Apprenticeship program. Journey Lineworkers perform work independently and may direct assigned personnel or coordinate with contractors as directed, providing information and following up as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Line Construction & Maintenance: Construct, maintain, inspect, and repair energized and de-energized distribution lines, structures, substations, transformers, meters, and related equipment and facilities in accordance with Rural Utilities Service (RUS) specifications and established safety procedures. Inspect vehicles, tools, materials, and rights-of-way; report hazards, defects, and maintenance needs.
• Specialized Linework: Perform overhead, underground, energized, rubber glove, metering, switching, and mechanical work in accordance with established safety procedures.
• Work Orders & System Documentation: Complete work orders and read and interpret staking sheets, circuit diagrams, and distribution layouts.
• Equipment Operation: Safely operate line trucks, hydraulic equipment, heavy equipment, tools, and related apparatus.
• Member Service: Assist with member connections, disconnections, collections, new services, high-energy concerns, stray-voltage concerns, and other service-related matters.
• Records & Inventory: Prepare required work records and maintain accurate material and inventory documentation.
• Teamwork & Professional Development: Participate in crew training, safety programs, meetings, and other Cooperative activities.
• Emergency Response: Journey Lineworkers participate in rotating on-call duty and may be required to work overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays; assist other utilities during emergencies as directed.
• Additional Duties: Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications:

• Apprentice: High school diploma/GED and graduation from an electric power distribution program; ability to participate successfully in the Wisconsin Electric Lineworker Apprenticeship program.
• Journey: High school diploma/GED, graduation from an accredited electric power distribution program or equivalent experience, and Journey Lineworker certification.
• Valid driver’s license and CDL with minimum classifications of ABC&D.
• Ability to perform pole-top rescue and obtain and maintain required First Aid, CPR, and forklift certifications; some certifications may be obtained on the job.
• Basic computer skills and ability to use field technology.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work safely outdoors, at heights, in adverse weather, and during emergency or on-call (Journey) situations.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of linework, including climbing and working from poles or hydraulic buckets at heights of 55 feet or more, operating required tools, occasionally lifting up to 100 pounds, and working outdoors in adverse weather.
• Successful completion of pre-employment background and drug screenings.
• Must reside within 18 miles of the employee’s assigned reporting location, or relocate to meet this requirement before assuming Journey Lineworker status and on-call responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous electric utility, line construction, or related field experience.
• Experience operating line trucks, hydraulic equipment, heavy equipment, and power tools.
• Experience reading staking sheets, circuit diagrams, work orders, or distribution layouts.
• Experience working with members, contractors, other utilities, or the public.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications and field mapping or work-management software.
• Ability to work independently, solve problems, and provide effective teamwork in emergency conditions.

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION:  Apprentice Lineworker  or  Journey Lineworker

Jump River Electric Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers an excellent benefit package including medical, dental, vision and life insurance, 401K, retirement pension, paid time off, holidays and a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications.

To apply, send your application, cover letter, and resume to Jump River Electric, Attn: Virginia Jacobs or email as a PDF to vjacobs@jrec.com. 

APPLICATION

Application packets will be accepted until September 11, 2026.

Join our team and help us provide reliable, safe, sustainable, and affordable utility services to the communities we serve!