by A lineman resume is your first tool to show employers you have the skills, certifications, and hands-on experience to perform efficiently on high-voltage systems.
Whether you're climbing utility poles, installing transformers, or maintaining power lines during storms, your document needs to highlight more than physical strength. It should show your technical expertise, safety training, and high-risk work environments.
In this guide, we’ll break down what to put on a resume, how to tailor it for specific jobs, and common mistakes to avoid so you stand out in a competitive field.
Lineman resume examples
Distribution lineman resume sample
Distribution lineman resume template
Resume for distribution lineman | Plain text
James Cartwright
james.cartwright@email.com | (406) 555-2829 | Billings, MTSummary
Experienced distribution lineman with 9 years in utility maintenance and emergency response. Proven ability to restore power during outages, install new service lines, and follow rigorous safety procedures. Licensed CDL holder and OSHA-certified, committed to minimizing downtime and hazards in all working conditions.
Skills
- Overhead and underground distribution
- Bucket and digger truck operations
- Circuit isolation and troubleshooting
- Pole framing and setting
- Transformer mounting
- Load balancing
- SCADA system familiarity
- CPR and First Aid
- Traffic control and flagging
- Team communication
Experience
NorthWestern Energy — Distribution Lineman
Billings, MT | Jun 2018 – Present
- Perform planned and emergency maintenance of power distribution lines in residential and commercial zones, including pole replacements, transformer installations, and service drops using bucket trucks and digger derricks.
- Respond to outage calls and storm damage with precision, restoring service safely and efficiently while coordinating with ground crew and dispatch for effective troubleshooting and isolation.
- Participate in routine inspections, record findings, and perform voltage testing to ensure operational integrity of all components and minimize long-term failures.
- Maintain strict adherence to safety policies, attend daily tailboard briefings, and participate in company-wide safety audits and workshops to uphold compliance with OSHA and company standards.
Yellowstone Electric Co. — Lineman Apprentice
Billings, MT | Apr 2016 – May 2018
- Assisted journeymen with the setup and maintenance of underground and overhead electric systems, including cable pulling, termination, and system grounding for housing developments.
- Learned to read schematics and perform basic electrical diagnostics under supervision, contributing to successful completion of regional utility upgrade projects.
- Supported crews during after-hours service calls and high-volume emergency responses, gaining critical field experience under challenging conditions.
- Completed over 8,000 hours of apprenticeship training while enrolled in the Montana Lineman Apprenticeship Program, covering equipment handling, safety regulations, and electrical theory.
Education
AAS in Electrical Line Technology
Missoula College – Missoula, MT | 2016Certifications
- OSHA 30-Hour Certification | 2024
- Class A CDL | 2023
- CPR & First Aid | 2023
Additional Information
- Member, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 532
Strong sides of this lineman resume example:
- Clear and professional layout with strong bullet formatting and no clutter, making it easy to scan.
- Excellent use of action verbs and detailed task descriptions that show hands-on experience.
- Includes certifications and union membership to strengthen credibility and qualifications for the position.
- How to properly format a lineman resume?
- Choose a clean font like Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica in 11–12 pt size for readability.
- Keep the resume length concise—one page for newcomers, up to two for seasoned workers.
- Set margins at 1 inch on all sides to keep the layout balanced and easy to print.
- Maintain consistent spacing throughout, with single line height and extra space between parts.
- Make resume section headers stand out using bold or slightly larger font aligned to the left.
- Save your lineman resume as PDF file unless a different type is specifically requested.
- Skip graphics or bright colors—professional formatting speaks louder than design gimmicks.
- Break down accomplishments you are most proud of with bullet points instead of large text blocks.
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Transmission lineman resume example
Sample transmission lineman resume
Marcus Del Toro
marcus.deltoro@email.com | (915) 555-1102 | El Paso, TXSummary
Transmission lineman with experience maintaining high-voltage systems across Texas and New Mexico. Skilled in tower climbing, substation entry, and live-line work methods. Recognized for leadership during storm recovery projects and mentoring junior linemen on safe transmission practices.
Skills
- 69kV–345kV system maintenance
- Helicopter-assisted inspections
- Tower climbing and safety gear use
- Wire tensioning and sagging
- Fault location and isolation
- Substation access protocols
- Line clearances and tag-out
- Load tap changers
- Arc flash protection
- Emergency restoration
Experience
El Paso Electric — Transmission Lineman
El Paso, TX | Feb 2016 – Present
- Conduct maintenance and emergency repair work on transmission systems ranging from 115kV to 345kV, ensuring stable power flow to substations across multiple counties in west Texas.
- Perform tower climbs and use aerial lift equipment to access high structures in remote desert regions, maintaining integrity of insulators, jumpers, and conductors.
- Coordinate helicopter line inspections and repairs after wildfires, ensuring rapid damage assessment and scheduling of restoration activities across priority circuits.
- Mentor new hires in transmission protocols, safety gear inspection, and energized line work using hot stick and rubber glove techniques during weekly on-site training sessions.
InfraSource Services, Inc. — Lineworker (Contract)
Albuquerque, NM | Mar 2013 – Jan 2016
- Installed new transmission lines and switch structures on infrastructure upgrade projects, reading blueprints and site diagrams to ensure compliance with engineering specifications.
- Applied live-line tools for critical maintenance activities and conducted field testing to locate and resolve potential fault points before they impacted grid performance.
- Worked in crews of 4–6 across rural and urban sites, effectively managing logistics and coordinating with foremen, subcontractors, and substation personnel for safe execution.
- Maintained detailed field records, entered inspection data into company systems, and submitted end-of-day reports to project leads and safety coordinators.
Education
Electrical Power Transmission Certification
Texas State Technical College – Waco, TX | 2013Certifications
- Class A CDL | 2021
- OSHA 30-Hour | 2022
- NESC Line Safety | 2023
Additional Information
- Fluent in Spanish and English
This example of a lineman resume is good as:
- Highlights specialized expertise in high-voltage systems and equipment with precise terminology.
- Balanced use of technical skills and team leadership skills examples adds depth to the experience section.
- Education, certifications, and bilingual ability are clearly presented and relevant to the position.
- Should I choose a lineman resume objective or summary?
A summary in resume is best if you’ve already held lineman roles and want to spotlight your top achievements quickly.
- It’s 2–3 lines that capture your strongest credentials and work ethic.
Lineman resume summary sample:
Journeyman lineman with 7+ years of experience handling transmission systems and performing emergency repairs. OSHA-compliant and known for consistent performance under pressure during severe weather events.
Choose an objective in resume when you're just entering the field, switching careers, or finishing school.
- It’s usually shorter—1–2 lines—and focuses on your goals and eagerness to contribute.
Lineman resume objective example:
Driven trade school graduate seeking a lineman apprenticeship to apply technical training and develop field skills. Committed to safety and learning from experienced crew members.
- How to showcase your lineman resume skills?
The skills section lets employers quickly scan for qualifications that match the job’s physical and technical demands.
- Hard skills refer to measurable techniques learned through school, certification, or fieldwork.
- Soft skills are behavioral strengths that shape how you interact with teams and handle pressure.
Lineman hard skills examples:
- Pole climbing and rigging
- Electrical line installation
- Bucket truck operations
- Live-wire handling
- Utility line repair
- Cable conduit setup
- Underground splicing
- Transformer mounting
- Load balancing
- Blueprint interpretation
- Voltage testing
- Power grid work
- Meter setup
- CPR and emergency response
- System grounding
Soft skills for lineman resume:
- Precision
- Analytical thinking
- Cooperation
- Endurance
- Verbal communication
- Scheduling discipline
- Flexibility
- Calmness under pressure
- Dependability
- Strong initiative
- Focus
- Mediation
- Independent drive
- Safety awareness
- Steadiness
Telecommunications lineman resume template
Telecommunications lineman resume sample
Resume for telecommunications lineman | Text version
Tasha Nguyen
tasha.nguyen@email.com | (804) 555-8742 | Richmond, VASummary
Reliable telecommunications lineman with experience in fiber optic and coaxial cable installation across metro and rural areas. Proficient in pole climbing, aerial drops, and testing tools like OTDR. Known for quick field diagnostics and maintaining uptime for thousands of customers.
Skills
- Fiber optic cable pulling
- Coaxial cable repair
- Splicing and termination
- Pole climbing and strand placement
- RF signal troubleshooting
- Aerial and underground installation
- OTDR and power meter use
- Bucket truck operation
- Network tap installation
- Customer service coordination
Experience
Verizon Communications — Telecom Lineman
Richmond, VA | Aug 2019 – Present
- Install and maintain fiber optic cables for both residential and commercial clients across Richmond and surrounding counties, working in aerial, buried, and building-entry environments.
- Utilize OTDR, VFL, and power meters to test new installations, isolate signal issues, and validate network integrity before activation or repair completion.
- Splice fiber at FDTs and junction boxes using fusion techniques, documented all work digitally using GIS-enabled mobile tools.
- Deliver timely and courteous on-site service, collaborating with dispatch and customer care to resolve priority tickets and ensure SLA targets were consistently met.
Mastec Network Solutions — Field Technician
Newport News, VA | Jan 2017 – Jul 2019
- Conducted new cable drops and repairs for fiber and coax systems in suburban neighborhoods, small businesses, and apartment buildings throughout the Tidewater region.
- Interfaced with project engineers and property managers to schedule safe entry, routing, and signal verification procedures for cable line installation.
- Operated aerial lifts, trenchers, and ladders to access cable routes and handled daily site risk assessments and equipment checklists before work began.
- Recorded service outcomes in field management software and participated in team safety drills and continuing education programs to remain compliant with OSHA standards.
Education
Certificate in Fiber Optics & Telecommunications
ECPI University – Richmond, VA | 2017Certifications
- Fiber Optic Installer (FOI) | ETA International | 2023
- OSHA 10-Hour | 2022
- Bucket Truck Safety | 2021
Additional Information
- Holds pole climbing certification from Comtrain
This sample lineman resume is effective for several reasons:
- Focuses on modern telecom systems and tools, making it highly relevant to current industry demands.
- Strong structure with measurable impact and detailed task scope in each job role.
- Certifications and customer-facing experience boost appeal to both technical and service-oriented employers.
- What academic credentials should I add to my lineman resume?
The education section in resume confirms you’ve received industry-standard instruction.
How to organize the education on lineman resume
- Full name of the degree, certificate, or license
- Training center, institute, or college name
- School location (city and state)
- Completion year or expected graduation date
- Optional: relevant coursework, honors, or technical modules
- Optional: mention GPA if it’s strong
- List apprenticeships under this block if applicable
- How to organize the experience section in a lineman resume?
- Begin with your current or most recent position, moving in reverse chronological order.
- Include your title, company, location, and work period.
- Add bullet points to describe duties and on-the-job achievements.
- Start with action verbs like Installed, Diagnosed, or Upgraded for impact.
- Emphasize measurable contributions to the company such as project completion rates or safety metrics.
- Refer to equipment or methods you've used to highlight your training and expertise.
Conclusion
Creating a standout lineman resume takes more than listing your past jobs. It’s about showing that you’re dependable, safety-focused, and technically capable in one of the most demanding roles out there.
By focusing on the right skills, certifications, and achievements, you can increase your chances of landing interviews and getting hired faster.
Whether you're applying to a local electric cooperative or a national utility company, the right document will power your career forward.
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