Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative has immediate openings for Distribution Groundman Trainee positions in our Hughesville location. This entry-level role provides hands-on training in the construction and maintenance of the Cooperative’s distribution and transmission facilities while preparing employees for the responsibilities of a Distribution Groundman 1st Grade.

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, and operating automotive equipment as directed.

Employees hired after January 2022 are required, as a condition of employment, to enroll in the first available JATC Lineman Apprentice Program. 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 hold a valid Maryland Learners permit for a Class A Commercial Driver’s License or above, with a good driving record and obtain a regular Class A CDL within six months. Must also hold a current Department of Transportation Medical Examiner’s Certificate. 

SMECO champions a culture where people are valued and employee experience is driven by innovation, collaboration, inclusion, safety, and trust. Interested candidates should apply via SMECO’s website at www.smeco.coop/about/careers.

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.

About Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO)

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative Inc. (SMECO) is one of the nation's largest and most progressive electric cooperatives serving over 160,000 customers in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties and the southern portion of Prince George's county in Maryland. We offer career opportunities in engineering and operations, finance, economic and employee services, external affairs, and information and customer services. SMECO is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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