Jacob Slaton

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“I enjoy meeting new people on the job every day. That could be when replacing a pole or restoring power after a storm. I also like being a role model for kids. They definitely like and want to ride the bucket trucks. That makes your day. I also like helping the apprentices starting their careers.” – Clint Ray

Clint Ray

High school: Salem High School | Age: 27 | Where I trained: Arkansas State University-Newport and an apprenticeship at North Arkansas Electric Cooperative | What I earned: Technical certificate in High Voltage Lineman Technology | Job title: Journeyman Lineman | Employer: North Arkansas Electric Cooperative in Salem

What does a lineman do?

Linemen deal with electrical lines, whether in utility poles or underground systems. Electrical linemen often work with high-voltage electrical lines, so they need to understand how to safely fix problems in electrical systems.

“A journeyman lineman at NAEC can work his way up to lead lineman of a crew or a serviceman who works alone, then a line foreman in charge of a crew followed by a line superintendent in charge of operations work in a district.” – Clint

Responsibilities

• Help maintain a safe work environment.

• Build and maintain electric lines.

• Help with troubleshooting and restoration of power outages as needed.

• Monitor work areas or procedures to ensure compliance with safety procedures.

• Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.

• Control power supply connections.

• Climb equipment or structures to access work areas.

• Drive trucks or other vehicles to or at work sites.

• Build transformer banks.

• Operate bucket and digger trucks safely and efficiently.

"Although attending ASU–Newport’s program isn’t necessary to become a lineman, it allows you to gain a deeper knowledge of the job. That also gives you a head start in completing the work necessary to become a journeyman lineman." – Clint

Job Outlook

+14%
Expected growth from 2016 to 2026 in the United States.

160
Average annual job openings in Arkansas.

1,880
Jobs in Arkansas by 2026.

This option is for you if:
√ You’re not afraid of heights.
√ You work well with others.
√ You’re dependable.
√ You don’t mind nontraditional work hours.
√ You love to save the day (think power outages).

High-end earners in Arkansas (top 10%) make
$95,780

Median wages in Arkansas
$69,960 Annual
$33.63 Hourly

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Source: CareerOneStop.org

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