Job Description

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative has immediate openings for Distribution Groundman Trainee positions in our Hughesville location. This is an entry-level to learn the skills and duties of the Distribution Groundman 1st Grade. Provide efficient performance of ground skills and labor in the construction and maintenance of the Cooperative's distribution and transmission facilities. New Hires after January 2022 have mandatory requirements to enroll in first available JATC Lineman Apprentice Program as part of terms of employment.

As a Distribution Groundman Trainee, you will learn essential groundman skills, including the proper use of tools and equipment, knot tying, hand ties and tackles, material handling, wire pulling, pole framing on the ground, and other related construction and maintenance tasks. You will also assist with loading and unloading materials for daily work assignments, maintaining clean and organized job sites and vehicles, setting up traffic control devices, flagging traffic, framing and setting poles, and operating automotive equipment as directed. This position will also learn proper PCB cleanup procedures, along with utilizing two-way radios and cooperative cell phones. The starting pay for this position is $22.38 per hour.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Education:

This job requires reading, writing and mathematics; therefore, a high school diploma or the equivalent is preferred, but not required.

Experience:

No prior experience required.

Skills:

Must be able to perform work by following simple instructions.

Must hold a current Department of Transportation Medical Examiner’s Certificate by date of hire. Must obtain a valid Maryland Learners permit for a Class A Commercial Driver’s License or above within 3 months of hire and obtain a regular Class A CDL within six months of hire.

Must have the physical ability to perform the essential functions, duties and responsibilities of the job, which include, but are not limited to, climbing ladders, bending, pushing/pulling, digging, lifting and carrying loads averaging 80 pounds.

SMECO champions a culture where people are valued and employee experience is driven by innovation, collaboration, inclusion, safety, and trust.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.