Opportunities in Energy
Ignite your career with the electric cooperative industry!
Utility Lineworker Career
What does a lineworker do?
ROLES & DUTIES
- Design, install, and service power lines, transformers, switches, and other electrical equipment.
- Work outdoors, often at extreme heights and in various weather conditions.
- Inspect, test, and repair systems to address hazards or service disruptions.
- Assist with erecting and inspecting utility poles, transmission towers, and related equipment.
What do I need to know?
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
- Electricity & power basics
- Hand, power, digital tools
- Math & measuring
- Computers & technology
- Inspection & safety
- Critical thinking & problem solving
TYPICAL EDUCATION & TRAINING
High school diploma/HSED + Completion of a powerline technical training program or equivalent on-the-job training/experience
What's in it for me?
PERKS & BENEFITS
- Career STABILITY
- Avoid STUDENT DEBT
- Competitive COMPENSATION
- Unmatched BENEFITS
- SAFE work environment
- OPPORTUNITIES for growth
- LONG-TERM career tenure
- TRAINING opportunities
- Sense of PURPOSE
- VARIETY of tasks
What are some important facts?
FAST FACTS ABOUT U.S. LINEWORKERS
- 155 million people rely on lineworkers!
- 115,000+ lineworkers on the job
- Median annual wage = $70,910
- 9 million miles of wire
- 170 million wood poles
- Wage rages: $19-$58 per hour*
*Future Ready Iowa statewide estimates
TALK TO YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR TO LEARN MORE!!
Behind the Scenes: Our Team's Impact
Voices of CIPCO: Our Role and Purpose
Chad Herrick
Energy Data Analyst
"The load forecast is the bottom of the pyramid as we plan long-term for how to deliver energy and power to our Member-owners in the future. Having that estimate of our future energy needs helps set the basis for many other decisions."
Kenny Guhse
Summit Lake Operations Foreman
"The generation side is where it starts. Our job as operator mechanics is to make sure things run efficiently, and keep running efficiently to provide the power to our Members."
Jenny McPherson
Administrative Assistant
"I think this work hits a lot closer to home than some people think, because we help local farmers, rural communities and families out there. I think that's something really great to be dedicated to."
Rex Butler
Manager of Environmental & Safety
"Safety means a lot to me; it's been my entire career for 35 years. I know every day when I get up and go to work that everyone I come across at CIPCO believes in the importance of safety."
Do you want to learn more?
CIPCO has hosted schools and organizations on facility tours. These educational opportunities provide students with a real-world understanding of how energy is produced and distributed as well as potential career paths in the energy sector. Students can see how power plants operate, the technology involved, and the processes behind generating electricity which complements classroom lessons in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
If you have an organization or class interested in learning more about this ever changing industry please reach out for more information.
Contact:
Morgan Dredge
Manager of Employee Experience
Email: morgan.dredge@cipco.net
Phone: (515) 362-7688
Iowa Career Pathways - Opportunities in Energy
The document showing to the right, is a result of collaborative efforts to identify the most common occupations in energy-related fields in Iowa. Learn more about this diverse and evolving industry in Iowa. Learn more about the Iowa Career Pathways website by selecting the link below.
This Opportunities in Energy project was completed by the Iowa Department of Education, in support of the Future Ready Iowa Initiative with public and private collaboration with the Iowa Energy Workforce Consortium (IEWC), Governor's STEM Advisory Council, Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities (IAMU), Iowa Association of Energy Efficiency (IAEE), and Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives (IAEC).