Line work is learned on the line. You’ll start out working under journeymen who have been doing this for years, on real distribution and transmission jobs, and you’ll learn the way everyone here learned it — with your hands, on live work, with someone experienced watching.
Alongside the field work you’ll run the MREA lineworker apprentice program. It’s built to meet federal and state Department of Labor requirements, it takes four years, and there’s potential to test out in one to two. Karian Peterson is the only powerline contractor registered with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. By the time you finish, you’ll be able to safely construct, operate, and maintain the electric power system.
What you'll do
- Work under journeyman supervision on distribution and transmission line construction
- Set and retire poles, pull and retire conductor, and install guy wires and anchors
- Install transformers and secondary runs to the meter
- Complete the four-year MREA lineworker apprentice curriculum alongside the field work
- Follow the safety practices that have kept us free of major accidents since 2000
What we're looking for
- A valid CDL (commercial driver’s license)
- Willingness to travel across our five-state service area
- Ready to learn the trade from the ground up and take safety seriously
- Able to pass a pre-employment drug screening
Pay and benefits
$22–$30 per hour
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability
- 401(k)
- Paid time off
Travel is required — our work spans five states. Karian Peterson pays for lodging, and per diem is offered on top of it.
How hiring works
- Send us your application through the online form.
- We call you to set up an interview.
- If you’re hired, you complete a drug screening and a five-hour paid orientation before your first day on a crew.
Ready to apply?
The application takes a few minutes and you can attach your resume. Questions first? Call the office at (320) 269-6769.