Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is a municipally owned electric and telecom utility serving approximately 13,000 electric and 900 fiber customers. With a team of 56 dedicated employees, we are committed to delivering reliable, innovative, and community-focused services to the residents and businesses of Traverse City.

Position Overview
TCLP is seeking a Line Worker Apprentice who will train to perform the duties of a Journeyman Line Worker in the operation, maintenance and construction of electric distribution and transmission systems. The apprenticeship program follows the Joint Michigan Apprenticeship Program and will require the successful completion of 7000 hours of on-the-job training in order to qualify as a Journeyman Line Worker.

Why TCLP?

• Be part of a mission-driven organization that directly impacts the Traverse City community.
• Enjoy a collaborative, supportive work culture with a strong focus on employee well-being.
• Competitive compensation and benefits including health insurance, 100% employer paid dental and vision insurance, 10% employer contribution to a 457 deferred compensation retirement plan, and a defined contribution plan.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

Wage range is $30.86 - $48.86 per hour based on hours of on-the-job training.

Please submit resume, cover letter, employment application, and a minimum of three professional references.

Submission deadline: August 3, 2026 @ 5:00 p.m.

Employees shall maintain a permanent and bona fide residence in a location that allows for a response time to the Service Center within no more than 60 minutes under normal driving circumstances within 6 months of employment.

TCLP is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
A diverse team makes a strong team. As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, we are strongly committed to creating a dynamic and equitable workforce that mirrors the community and world that we serve. TCL&P encourages people from all backgrounds to apply.

Benefits Summary

Full Job Description

Supervised By:        Line Superintendent
Supervises:              None
Status:                      Union
                                  Non-Exempt

Essential Job Functions:
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions.  These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Under the direct supervision of the Line Worker In-Charge, or designate, under the guidelines set forth in the Joint Michigan Apprenticeship Program, performs Journeyman Line Worker duties on energized and de-energized lines that includes but is not limited to:
   • OH/URD construction and maintenance work on poles and structures;
   • Installing, removing, replacing and maintaining all types of overhead wire and aerial and URD cables of all types as well as related equipment.
   • Investigate service failures or other trouble on OH/URD to maintain and repair service due to failure, storms or other emergency situations. Estimates time required to make repairs when service interruption is involved.
   • Inform Electric System Operators of progress of restoration. Perform temporary emergency repairs to pole riser cable as required. Repair and replace circuits, including wire of all types and voltages. Repair and replace all types of overhead system conductors, transformers, regulators, reclosers, fuse cutouts, capacitors, switches and similar equipment. Set, move, remove or brace poles. Make decision if poles need bracing because of excavation or damage.
   • Perform work by climbing poles, using aerial lifts, working in trenches, on ladders, platforms, towers or other such methods.
   • Use a wide variety of highly specialized tools and equipment such as, but not limited to hot sticks, hydraulic compression tools, hydraulic saw, impact drill and tension pulling machines.
   • Perform switching, phasing and grounding of high voltage circuits in accordance with company tagging procedures, specifications, standards, and OSHA rules and regulations.
   • Perform administrative duties using computer software or other mechanism to include but not be limited to written reports, tailboards, work evaluations and inspections.
   • Read blueprints, maps, construction drawing, schematics and specifications and prepares sketches showing field changes made to drawings.
2. Operate all distribution department vehicles and equipment in a safe manner, maintain safety records and correct any potentially hazardous conditions.
3. Perform manual excavations at job site using required tools.
4. Establish and maintain effective relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with customers, employees, project contractors, and representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, City administrators, elected officials, and the public.
5. Attend all safety and other required meetings and makes presentations as necessary.
6. Subject to call for emergency work on a 24-hour basis.
7. Performs other work as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

• Educational requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent along with a minimum of one of the following:
  • Graduation from an accredited electric utility line worker training school such as the Alpena Community College Utility Technology program; or
  • Journeyman or Master Electrician License; or
  • Minimum of 2 years as a Line Worker Apprentice from another electric utility or electrical contractor.
• Must acquire a commercial driver’s license (CDL) Class A with airbrake endorsement within six (6) months of employment or promotion and maintain such endorsement for duration of employment.
• Ability to work aloft.
• Ability to climb poles and towers.
• Must understand administrative procedures and processes.
• Must understand all aspects of the Department, such as planning, scheduling and work implementation including work management computer systems and software.
• Demonstrated ability to follow and apply all safety precautions in order to avoid the occupational hazards of the electrical trade.
• Demonstrated ability to follow directives given.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including computers and related software.
• Demonstrated ability to critically assess situations and solve problems, and to work effectively under stress, within deadlines and changes in work priorities.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing and to interact and communicate in a positive and professional manner with other employees, Board members, customers and the public.
• In addition to the above-mentioned requirements, this position requires the ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language as necessary for the position; the ability to follow written and oral instruction; and be physically and mentally able to perform the essential duties of their position. Regular, consistent and predictable attendance is also required.    

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, talk, hear, bend, twist, crouch, stoop, squat, kneel, reach, pull, push, and climb steps, utility poles and ladders which are all necessary in performance of daily tasks. These tasks are very regular and frequent throughout the day and in completion of assignments. The employee must be able to work aloft on a regular basis and stand and work from standing position for durations of up to eight hours or more if overtime is necessary and. The employee must occasionally lift items of moderate to heavy weight. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is regularly required to communicate in person and by telephone, read regular and small print and use manual dexterity to type or enter data and use sight to read and prepare documents.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions in all seasons and regularly drives a motor vehicle between work sites. The employee will work near moving mechanical equipment.  The employee is exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.