Interested applicants should apply by July 20, 2026.  Please attach a cover letter and resume.

Groundsman Technician - Apprentice Line Technician Progression

Location: Coldspring, Texas

Department:  Operations

Essential Functions:

Any and all duties associated with the construction and maintenance of distribution and transmission lines of all classes and voltage, including energized lines, and on structures and equipment involved in the distribution of electricity.

Works both on the ground and above ground, and on both overhead and underground distribution lines.  Must be able to climb poles. 

Has duty rotation and is subject to call out.

Must be able to report to the Livingston office within 45 minutes of notice.

Movement from one classification to another is accomplished by successfully completing a defined course of study, passing a specific test, and having the appropriate minimum years of experience in the prior level. 

Education and/or Experience:

High School Diploma or GED.  Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions and available for on-call hours.  Previous outdoor, general labor experience preferred.  Line Technician Certification from a Technical School preferred.

Certifications:

A valid Texas commercial driver’s license is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Constant verbal communication by two-way radio or in person to co-workers, members and the general public.

Frequent driving or traveling in a truck in all weather conditions at any time, day or night, to remote service locations.  Occasional work shifts during power restoration are 16 hours long.  Occasional exposure to moving vehicles on highways when flagging traffic around a job site. 

Frequent use of arm, hand and wrist motions for utilizing specialized equipment, materials, tools and hand lines used in conjunction with electric power installations, removals and restorations.

Frequent use of all physical and mental faculties for climbing distribution structures while utilizing gaffs, climbing belt and hooks.  Requires excellent sense of balance and coordination of limbs.  Occasional pulling, pushing or rolling equipment or wire at job site.  Frequent work above ground at heights from 10-100 feet on utility poles, structures, ladders or in bucket trucks.

Occasional work in enclosed or confined areas such as substation structures, underground vaults or trenches.

Constant standing, climbing, squatting, kneeling, lying and walking on all surfaces including grass, dirt, concrete, rock, steel, wood, and uneven surfaces such as ditches and creek beds; as well as climbing on and off equipment beds.  Occasional walking long distances and/or standing for extended periods of time to determine location of faults and to make repairs.

Frequent lifting and handling of materials or equipment weighing in excess of 50 lbs. from all levels including overhead.

Frequent exposure to high noise levels from diesel engines, gas powered chain saws and generators, requiring ear protection.  Frequent exposure to high voltage.

Frequent use of wrist and finger motions to utilize writing instruments, sort and handle work orders and other paperwork, and to grip hand tools and equipment.

Occasional exposure to controlled hazardous chemicals, gas fumes and radiation.  Constant exposure to dust, changes in temperature and humidity.  Frequent exposure to rain, wind and lightning.

Occasional to frequent bending of neck and head to look upward to monitor others who are working on an overhead structure.

About Sam Houston Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Electric cooperatives were created to serve the best interests of their member-owners, and that's exactly what Sam Houston Electric Cooperative does. In the early 1930s, the vast rural areas of America did not have access to the wonders of electricity. During this time, less than three percent of rural America received the benefits of electric service. After the signing of the Rural Electrification Act on May 21, 1936, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the “REA Movement” spread rapidly throughout the nation. The stories of the early days of rural electrification are much the same…rural men and women petitioning, educating and organizing–for power. Sam Houston Electric Cooperative was founded Aug. 27, 1938, by a group of rural residents in Polk County. The first directors met, planned and created their cooperative. On May 16, 1939, they received a charter from the State of Texas, and Sam Houston Electric Cooperative Inc. was born. After obtaining an REA loan, the Co-op began construction of its first power lines, 242.86 miles, on Jan. 15, 1940, which would serve 661 members in Polk, San Jacinto, Walker and Liberty Counties. The power at that time came from Gulf States Utility C...ompany to a substation in Goodrich. By 1943, Sam Houston EC had 1,306 members. In 1951, that number jumped to 7,500 consumers and 2,300 miles of line. Today, Sam Houston EC maintains 6,000 miles of line serving more than 52,000 members in parts of 10 counties. Our members are our partners. We provide and maintain quality electric service at the lowest possible cost. Sam Houston EC’s mission, as stated by our Board of Directors, is to achieve member satisfaction by providing safe, reliable services at competitive prices and to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve, utilizing an exceptional workforce, while maintaining financial stability.

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Connections working at Sam Houston Electric Cooperative, Inc.