Journeyman Lineman - Keeping the Power On.

To become a "Journeyman Lineman" requires working hard, training, courses, and most work their way up from Groundman.  There are usually several required steps before being promoted to a Journeyman Lineman.

Working your way up could go in this order: Groundman, Operator, Apprentice Lineman which has it's own levels, and finally to Journeyman Lineman.

1. A Groundman duties are stocking and loading the truck and watching and learning linemen from the ground. Preparing for the pole worker his materials on the ground. You should strive to know what things to have ready before they ask. Once a certain level is obtained you will be required to take a course in climbing utility poles that are not energized.

2. Apprentice lineman will begin running electrical services to houses, or any wire that is not energized. You may be required to hang security lights in various places too. At this level you will be climbing low voltage, but not handling it. 

3. Another level of apprentice lineman would be working on secondary voltage from poles. You'll learn about power transformers and importance of rubber gloves, this is still low voltage.

4. The next level of apprentice lineman you'll reduce climbing and work more from a bucket truck with lots more responsibility and knowledge. There is greater risk and still the all most importance of rubber gloves. 

5. The Journeyman Lineman level performs all types of complicated construction and maintenance of de-energized and energized distribution and transmission systems. Patrols lines, follows safety rules and regulations, reports accidents to Supervisor, assists in training and operates large automotive equipment. There should be a demonstrated ability to communicate well with the public and co-workers. Will be called out during non work hours. And let me say this is demanding on the family. Being called out at 2am is not great, but could pay well.

This career is not for everyone, but for a selected few. You must love the outdoors, all kinds of weather. The one situation that stands out is icy weather. Stormy weather can be scary, but ice is a different story. Many letters were sent from government politicians thanking all the overtime workers during the big ice storms. It was non-stop work with few rests.