South Dakota

Becoming a Utility Line Worker South Dakota

No previous experience is required to become a utility line worker in South Dakota, but a high school diploma or GED is necessary.

Education

In order to qualify for an apprenticeship as a utility line worker in South Dakota, you must have at least a high school diploma or GED. It is not necessary to have any previous experience in the field. However, you must be 18 years old, in good physical condition and have a strong work ethic. It is also important that you are able to pass a drug screening. A valid driver’s license is also required, as well as the ability to acquire a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Strict fitness standards will apply during the application process including vision standards.

While the exact requirements vary among employers, most utility line worker jobs require you to have a valid driver’s license and to be able to obtain a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL).

In order to get a commercial driver’s license, you need to be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license. You must have proof of residency in the state where you are applying for your CDL, and show that you’re able to read and speak English fluently. You also need to pass a physical exam. To obtain your CDL, depending on the state where you apply, you may also need to pass an air brakes knowledge test and have at least 20/40 vision with or without corrective lenses. Once you satisfy these requirements, all you’ll need is some time behind the wheel and some practice tests before taking your road exam.

Employers also typically hire candidates who are at least 18 years of age and in good physical condition.

  • Employers typically hire utility line workers who are at least 18 years of age.
  • Employers also look for candidates in physical condition that is good enough to perform a job that requires climbing ladders, crawling, and lifting heavy equipment on a daily basis.
  • To meet these requirements, most states with licensing laws require the maintenance and repair of electric lines or apparatus.

In addition, many employers have strict fitness (including vision) standards that prospective employees must meet.

Examples of fitness requirements might include:

  • Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
  • Walking on uneven ground for many hours a day.
  • Climbing up and down ladders, poles and towers.
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time.
  • Ability to tie knots and use hand tools as well as power tools (pipe threaders, drills, etc.) Examples of vision requirements might include:
  • 20/40 color corrected vision in each eye with or without glasses or contact lenses. (Color blindness is also looked into, sometimes)
  • The ability to distinguish colors such as red green yellow or blue, depending on the work that will be done. If you fail any of these tests it is necessary that you get the problem fixed and then re tested by a certified medical provider.

Utility line workers are subject to random drug testing and must pass before being hired.

  • Drug testing is an important part of maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.
  • Drug testing and prevention programs encourage employees to keep their bodies free of the harmful and often illegal substances that can cloud judgment, decision-making, visual acuity and coordination.
  • These factors are critical to ensuring the safety of not only utility line workers themselves, but also coworkers and customers as well.

Drug testing may be performed at various times throughout employment, including before being hired, during training or apprenticeship periods or randomly if there is cause for concern that a worker is under the influence on the job.

Electric utility companies and telecommunications companies provide training for new hires.

Electric utility companies and telecommunications companies provide training for new hires. Those who are hired usually start as apprentices. Apprenticeships typically last four years, but can sometimes take longer. Earnings increase with experience, responsibility and qualifications.

  • Electric utility companies
  • Telecommunications companies
  • Union Local: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

Apprenticeships for workers new to the field typically last about four years.

Apprenticeships for workers new to the field typically last about four years. During that time, workers are trained by experienced line workers. Training usually is done on the job and may be supplemented with classroom instruction. During the first one or two years of employment, apprentices spend most of their time learning basic skills under close supervision. As they learn more and become more experienced, they are given greater responsibility. They also receive increasingly higher pay as they progress through their training program.

Employees are paid during their apprenticeships, receiving raises as their knowledge base increases.

As an apprentice, you are paid for the work that you do and receive incremental raises as your experience increases. You will be paid a percentage of the journeyman rate (the wage of a fully trained electrician) from your employer. The journeyman rate varies by location but generally ranges from $20 to $40 per hour.

A community college or training center also may offer programs that prepare individuals for work as utility line workers.

A community college or training center also may offer programs that prepare individuals for work as utility line workers. These schools often provide on-the-job training in addition to technical instruction, which can be helpful to students who learn best by doing. Some community colleges offer a certificate program or an associate’s degree in electrical technology or power technology, while others may offer a certificate program or an associate’s degree in telecommunications technology.

There are many ways to become a utility line worker

There are many ways to become a utility line worker in South Dakota. Those who hope to enter the field may choose from several different levels of education and experience.