Header
Former Hotshot Wildland Firefighter Climbs to New Heights to Become APS Lineworker
Aaron Stafford, an Arizona native born and raised in Chino Valley, has spent his career working some of the toughest and most intense jobs. For 15 years, Aaron served the Prescott National Forest in several roles, including as a Prescott hotshot, where sweat, smoke and hiking rugged terrain while fighting blazing wildfires was just part of the job. Aaron is now climbing to new heights to become an APS lineworker where he will continue to serve Arizonans.
At the national forest, Aaron responded to several large-scale incidents, including the Wallow, Goodwin and Horseshoe 2 fires. There, he cultivated an expertise in fire behavior and response and developed skills like critical thinking, problem solving, learning how to create solutions and trusting your team during challenging situations.
"My time on the Prescott Hotshots was foundational. I developed so much from being on a crew. When you’re out working a fire, the situations you confront are dynamic, and you have to learn how to overcome obstacles quickly and strategically. Many times, you’re out in the forest with your crew away from home for days. That's when you really realize the importance of clear communication, teamwork, flexibility and resilience," shared Aaron.
When it came to Aaron exploring the next chapter in his career, he bridged his skillset and joined APS’s fire mitigation team. As a fire mitigation specialist, Aaron used his fire knowledge and relationships with fire agencies and first responders to help keep communities, firefighters and more than 38,000 miles of powerlines safe from Arizona’s growing fire risk.
While he found his work rewarding, there was something missing for Aaron, and it came down to the close-knit experience of working on a crew, the tough physical exertion of the job and the duty of serving Arizona’s communities on the frontlines – all factors Aaron knew well from his time as a wildland firefighter.
That’s why earlier this year, Aaron made the decision to make the switch to a different type of crew and began his formal training as a pre-apprentice lineworker six months ago.
"The thought of learning a new trade from the ground up sounded like a challenge, but ultimately it was a decision that has a lot of cross-over with my time as a hotshot. A wildland firefighter and an APS lineworker both require mental and physical strength," said Aaron.
Over the next several months, as part of APS's Pre-Apprenticeship Program, Aaron will travel across the state and will learn how to safely climb power poles, operate bucket trucks, perform maintenance and repairs on electrical infrastructure and learn how to build parts of the electric grid from seasoned journeyman lineworkers.
APS offers a paid one-year apprenticeship program that includes classroom and on-the-job training. Following successful completion of the pre-apprenticeship, applicants are welcome to apply for a position on APS's award-winning, four-year apprenticeship program. Applications for the 2025 pre-apprentice hiring cycle will open at the end of October. A virtual information session will be offered on Oct. 2 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. MST.
When asked what he finds most meaningful about serving Arizona, Aaron shares, "As a wildland firefighter, you work hard with your crew to keep a fire from spreading and protect public safety. As a lineworker, you work hard with your crew to get the lights back on for a community after damaging weather, like monsoon storms. The level of commitment and working hard and safely with your team is where I make the connection."
For more information on requirements, how to apply to APS' Pre-Apprenticeship Program and to register for the virtual information session, visit aps.com/apprentice.
APS serves approximately 1.4 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering affordable, clean and reliable energy in the Southwest. The company is committed to serving customers with 100% clean power by 2050. As owner and operator of Palo Verde Generating Station, one of the nation’s largest producers of carbon-free electricity, and with one of the country’s most substantial renewable energy portfolios, APS’s current energy mix is 51% clean. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).
Related stories
3/1/2024
Scholarships Available to Empower Next Generation of Lineworkers
3/14/2023
APS, Friendly House Partner to Offer Utility Lineworker Scholarships
Stay up to date with our social channels
Newsroom
View up to date news, articles and stories related to APS in the community.
Copyright © 2024 APS. All rights reserved.
