Distribution Underground Line Apprentice I

Important Application Submission Information

In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Tuesday, September 1, 2026

More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.

Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

*A resume is required for application to this job positng. Please make sure to include an updated resume detailing your previous employment and work experience duties*

This position supports the operations process in providing and maintaining service to new and existing customers by maintaining a working knowledge of computer systems, tools, equipment, and material necessary to install, maintain and repair the vault and manhole underground distribution system. The position should be familiar with the day-to-day operations and specifications of the vault and manhole distribution system. This position may be required to be on-call on a routine basis but must be available to work all hours as needed, day or night, weekends or holidays, to perform work required during planned outages or emergency situations. The position must perform all duties in a safe manner and adhere to all Company safety rules and procedures. Technicians in this job description generally do not perform work on the overhead distribution system and are limited to the vault and manhole electric system

Hourly Pay Rate: $28.42

Responsibilites

Under directive supervision in the field or shop, on a day or fixed schedule, assists employees of higher classification in the installation, construction, replacement and maintenance of the underground cable distribution system; performs such duties as:

• Assisting cable splicers by performing as manhole attendant, lowering tools and materials into manholes.
• Testing and preparing confined spaces for entry.
• Preparing materials for use in manholes and vaults.
• Rigging block and tackle or handling skids for pulling in and removing cable, and handling cable reels. Also operating cable reel trailer and cable puller.
• Qualified to perform confined space rescue.
• Using hand or power operated tools and handling materials in close proximity to energized cables and equipment.
• Assisting in the cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with Company and governmental guidelines; using appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Doing work when necessary from a ladder, or platform.
• Doing work of a higher classification when preparing for advancement to a higher grade.
• Performing other similar or less skilled work, as assigned

Basic/Required Qualifications

• High School/GED

Desired Qualifications

• Certificate from Lineman’s Training School
• Certificate from Technical School Line program
• Military experience
• Experience in the electric utility industry
• Training and/or work experience with climbing different types of structures (wood, steel, etc.)
• Previous work experience or training working near power lines and electricity (residential, commercial, overhead lines, or underground lines)
• Experience with responding to natural disasters or emergency situations (storm response such as hurricanes, tornado, wind event, high water; emergency responses such as fires, auto accidents, etc.)

Working Conditions

• Shift work, overtime, weekend work
• Work environment ranges from indoors to outside in varying degrees of heat and cold weather conditions
• Emergency situations may require working at night and in inclement weather
• Subject to confined spaces (e.g., manholes, vaults, etc.)
• Subject to periodic call-out duty
• Frequent travel
• Field Mobility Classification - Work will be performed in various field locations, as needed, after the onboarding period. However, field employees are required to live within a reasonable daily commute to their assigned work location.

Specific Requirements

• Please Read: Steps in Duke Energy’s Hiring Process 
• Upon successfully submitting your application for this position, you will be invited to take the online test, the Modern Hire Virtual Assessment for Lineworker. Please ensure that you read all instructions carefully prior to beginning the online test. You will have 72 hours to complete your assessment (online test) immediately following submission of your application.
• Ability to successfully complete the Virtual Assessment for Lineworkers (VAL)
• Ability to successfully complete Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
• Ability to obtain a valid Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) in the state for which you are hired within one year of hire.
• DOT Physical
• DOT Certification
• Respirator Clearance
• Ability to stand a minimum of 5-6 hours; may be on ground, in a bucket on a line truck, or at the top of a distribution pole
• Ability to sit for a minimum of 2-3 hours; may be driving a truck or sitting in a manhole or an underground vault
• Ability to move frequently to unload equipment and to install/maintain/repair equipment
• Ability to lift, push and pull up to 75 pounds
• Ability to frequently climb or use authorized equipment to reach various heights and breadths
• Ability to frequently and repetitively bend/stoop/squat
• Ability to differentiate between colors (color vision)
• Manual dexterity to operate small hand tools, turn small knobs, etc.
• This position contains a weight restriction of 275 pounds as an essential function of the job. The purpose of this restriction is to ensure that all weight-rated equipment is used in an appropriate and safe manner within maximum allowed weight loading.
• This position has a residency requirement. You must reside within 40 minutes of the assigned operations site. In order to meet with aforementioned position requirement, you will be required to relocate from your current residence within 12 months of your start date. Relocation will be entirely at your own expense.

Travel Requirements

15-25%

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)

No

Represented/Union Position

No

Visa Sponsored Position

No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.

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